Blackpool South MP makes urgent call over extra SEND schools provision

Blackpool South MP Chris Webb has called on the Government to immediately provide funding for two new specialist SEND schools in Blackpool.

The MP made the call in light of recent national announcements on SEND (special educational needs) provision.

In October, Mr Webb launched a survey on SEND support across Blackpool South and says the results made stark reading.

Nearly 200 parents, carers and educators responded, painting a clear picture of families and staff stretched to breaking point and reinforcing the urgent need for more SEND provision locally.

The survey responses, which will be published in a report this winter, highlight persistent issues including delays for assessments, inadequate capacity in specialist settings and a lack of local school places for children with SEND.

Blackpool Council has plans for two new SEND schools which would deliver over 120 desperately needed specialist places for children in Blackpool.

At present, many families face having to send their children out of town for specialist education, often travelling long distances and at significant cost.

But despite the urgent demand, funding from the central government stalled while ministers considered how to overhaul the SEND system.

Mr Webb raised the issue with SEND minister Georgia Gould in the House of Commons in November and is continuing to press her to match the government’s national ambition with local action.

This week, the Government published a new plan for reforming SEND support under the 2025 Autumn Budget. The reforms aim to improve outcomes for children with SEND, increase support in mainstream schools and expand specialist provisions.

Chris Webb MP said: “Having visited most schools in my constituency, engaging with parents of SEND children, and reading over 150 responses to my SEND survey, it’s clear that the need for specialist SEND places in Blackpool is urgent.

“Our two planned schools would provide over 120 new places, giving more children with SEND a chance to thrive locally.

“With the Government’s SEND reforms now underway, we cannot delay funding these schools any further. The reforms must be matched with concrete investment and that must start now.”