Issue

School Place Shortage

38 stories · discussed at 204 council meetings · 32 councils

Councils are discussing school finances and future provision for children with special educational needs, with Hackney's Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission set to review the topic in October 2026.

Kingston upon Thames's Schools Forum recently discussed the 2026-27 finance update and progress on the SEND Futures Plan in September 2026. The forum noted the projected Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) position and approved the continuation of the cluster model for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support, focusing on resource allocation for children requiring additional educational provision.

The issue of insufficient school places to meet the demand from the student population is scheduled for review by Hackney's Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission on 12 October 2026. This upcoming discussion follows recent considerations by Kingston upon Thames's Schools Forum in September 2026 regarding the 2026-27 finance update and progress on the SEND Futures Plan.

About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. 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 8 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 2

  1. Hackney to insource Family Group Conferencing Hackney Council's Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee has agreed to bring the Family Group Conferencing (FGC) service back in-house, creating a new Family Led Decision... Hackney 19 July 2026
  2. Better Care Fund misses targets for reducing hospital delays Richmond upon Thames' Better Care Fund (BCF) has fallen short of its targets for reducing hospital delays and admissions to residential care in the 2025-26 reporting period. The... Richmond upon Thames 17 July 2026
  3. Council Communications Team boosts engagement by 41% Richmond upon Thames Council's Communications Team has achieved a significant 41% increase in social media impressions over the past year, a testament to their enhanced... Richmond upon Thames 17 July 2026
  4. Bexley's EHCP delivery slips, but still above average Bexley's delivery of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) within the statutory 20-week timeframe has seen a slight dip, though performance remains above the London and... Bexley 1 July 2026
  5. Bexley Children's Services Transformation Targets £1.98 Million Savings Through Commissioning Redesign and Practice Model Review Bexley's Children's Services is undergoing a significant transformation, the Future Bexley Children's Transformation programme, with a focus on improving outcomes for young... Bexley 1 July 2026
  6. Barnet Council to consult on gambling policy Barnet Council is preparing to consult the public on its Gambling Statement of Principles, a crucial document that will guide the regulation of gambling premises across the... Barnet 3 June 2026
  7. Tower Hamlets Council approves allowance increase Tower Hamlets Council has approved a significant increase to its Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026-27, following a four-year freeze. Tower Hamlets 22 May 2026
  8. Newham's housing enforcement policy revised Newham Council has revised its Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy as part of its implementation plan for the Renters' Rights Act 2025 (RRA25), which came into effect on... Newham 4 May 2026