Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Joshua Reynolds (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 15 December 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 December 2025. It was answered by Georgia Gould (Labour) on Monday, 22 December 2025 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Special Educational Needs: Windsor and Maidenhead

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to her written ministerial statement of 15 December 2025 on Investment in high needs places, how many of the 50,000 new specialist SEND places will be allocated to Windsor and Maidenhead local authority; and what assessment she has made of the adequacy of SEND provision in that area.

Answer

The statutory duty to provide sufficient school places, including for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), sits with local authorities. To support local authorities with this duty, in December, the department announced at least £3 billion for high needs capital between 2026/27 and 2029/30 to support children and young people with SEND or who require alternative provision. We will confirm local authority allocations for 2026/27 in the spring.

This funding builds on the £740 million invested in 2025/26, which is on track to create around 10,000 new specialist places. Of this funding, Windsor and Maidenhead has been allocated just under £1.29 million.

This funding is intended to create specialist facilities within mainstream schools that can deliver more intensive support adapted to suit the pupils’ needs. It can also be used to adapt mainstream schools to be more accessible and create special school places for pupils with the most complex needs.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
100215
Session
2024-26
Related items
Investment in high needs places
Monday, 15 December 2025
Written statements
House of Commons
Subjects
Special educational needs Windsor and Maidenhead
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk