More children with special educational needs to get the support they need in Stoke-on-Trent

A £15m boost to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision is set to help more children in Stoke-on-Trent get the best start in life.

As part of the almost £30 million Schools Capital Programme 2025-26, the city council plans to create additional school places and improve facilities across the city – with a particular focus on children with SEND. 

These projects will allow more children get the education and support they need closer to home.

The proposals will go before the council’s cabinet at a meeting on 14 October 2025.

A total of £4.9m will be spent on brand new SEN schemes in the city, creating 300 school places for children with additional needs. These include additional special school places at Portland School, creating specialist provision for pupils with SEND in mainstream schools and the development of inclusive education environments across primary and secondary schools.

These initiatives will improve accessibility and support for all children with SEND, including those with autism and related mental health needs.

The programme also includes other projects already underway:

• Watermill School, Packmoor - a £10m, 70-place satellite facility for children with social, emotional and mental health needs, due to be completed next summer.
• Ball Green SEN Unit - £1.5m project due for autumn 2026.
• Crescent former children’s centre - being transformed to support children with additional needs.

Additional education improvements include expansions at Waterside Primary and The Willows, as well as £434,500 to increase early years places for children aged 9 months to 3 years and enhanced wraparound care for primary-aged children.

Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for Children’s Services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: “Every child and young person in Stoke-on-Trent deserves access to the right support, in the right place, at the right time.

“We are committed to providing high-quality learning opportunities for all children and young people across the city. Expanding school places across the city for children with special educational needs is a crucial part of that commitment, ensuring children can get the help they need closer to home. These improvements will make a real difference for families and communities in Stoke-on-Trent."