Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision
Councils are addressing significant financial deficits and expanding provision for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Richmond's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, which provides educational support and services for children with special needs, faces a projected £10.6 million deficit this year, with future deficits expected to reach £11 million by 2026/27, a report to the Education and Children's Services Committee said in September 2026. Meanwhile, Havering's Cabinet approved plans for SEND provision expansion at R J Mitchell Primary School in September 2026, and Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet approved a £6.3 million contract for Beatrice Tate School expansion in July 2026, projected to add 60 places and save £6 million annually.
Hounslow Council formally accepted Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman findings in July 2026 regarding failures to secure therapies for a child. To improve communication, Greenwich Council launched a new parent forum, Greenwich SEND Voice, in January 2026. The topic of SEND provision is scheduled for discussion at Waltham Forest Council's Cabinet meeting in October 2026.
Key facts
- Richmond's SEND provision faces a projected £10.6 million deficit this year. Source
- Tower Hamlets Council's Cabinet approved a £6.3 million contract for Beatrice Tate School expansion in July 2026. Source
- Hounslow Council accepted Ombudsman's findings on SEND provision failures in July 2026. Source
- Greenwich Council launched a new parent forum, Greenwich SEND Voice, in January 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.