SEND Strategy consultation 2025

Consultation closes: 1 October 2025
Consultation opened: 10 July 2025

Across Central Bedfordshire, we have experienced an increase in the demand for children and young people who need support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

In 2015, there were 1,177 children and young people who had an education, health, and care plan (EHCP) in place. In 2025, that number is 4,035; an increase of 2,858 – or approximately 243% – in the past 10 years. Furthermore, we have seen an increase in the complexity of needs, including higher numbers of autistic children and children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

We have developed a new SEND Strategy, which outlines our plan for improving outcomes for children and young people up to 25 years old with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

It builds on our previous strategy and outlines 6 priorities which cover how we’ll support children and young people with SEND from 2025 to 2028. It includes all children and young people with SEND including those with emerging needs, to those supported through SEN support, and those with an education, health, and care plan (EHCP).

The strategy is supported by an action plan that will detail all the actions we’ll take to achieve the priorities.