North Yorkshire Council has announced a significant £3 million investment aimed at boosting support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The funding is designed to increase the number of specialist school places across the local community, ensuring SEND pupils can thrive and receive the best opportunties to aid their education.

Pressures on SEND services in North Yorkshire have increased dramatically, from the number of children with Educational Health Care Plans (EHCP) rising from 1700 in 2015 to more than 6000 in 2025.

Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, executive member for education, learning and skills, said: “We recognise the demand for special school places and the pressures facing families.

“The investment in creating dedicated spaces for children with specialist needs reflects our determination to ensure that every child – regardless of background and need – can thrive in a supportive and well-resourced learning environment within their local communities.”

A key development this academic year was the opening of a new post-16 specialist provision in Skipton.

The former Ings Primary School, which closed in 2017, has been revitalised following a £1 million renovation programme to provide a space for older students.

The newly established Post-16 Brooklands School in Broughton Road boasts new facilities such as changing toilets for anyone with accessibility issues, a dedicated space for music and movement and a fully-fitted kitchen, dining room and designated independence areas.

Mrs Samantha Emmott, the school’s assistant headteacher said: “We are delighted that our post-16 students have a dedicated space to learn and thrive and they are really enjoying their new ‘home’.

“Post 16 provision is absolutely vital for ensuring that young people with additional needs can thrive academically, socially and emotionally during a pivotal stage of their education.

“Our curriculum is fully tailored to meet the individual needs of our pupils’ future aspirations. For example, one of the most important features of the kitchen are the rise and fall worktops where students with physical disabilities can comfortably and successfully work.

“Our pupils have a wide range of complex needs, but Brooklands is a bridge to adulthood including higher education or employment. Our school helps students develop independence, life skills and confidence.”

Meanwhile, Springwater School in Harrogate has significantly expanded its capacity, increasing the number of pupils from 112 to 157.

The redevelopment involved turning two neighbouring buildings into dedicated classrooms, creating new changing facilities, outdoors spaces and a training kitchen.

The school’s headteacher, Mr Mike Finlay, said: “The investment is not only providing more local places for families of children with specialist needs, but also significantly improving the facilities available to all pupils who attend the school now and in the future.

“We have worked together with the contractors and North Yorkshire Council to deliver the very best education for the county’s young people who have additional support needs and we’re pleased with the result.”

The new facilities at Brooklands and Springwater are all part of the wider strategy to boost specialist education.

This strategy includes a £2.4 million investment to fund a secondary school in Harrogate for pupils with autism, run by The Lighthouse School.

A new specialist school is also under construction in Osgodby, near Selby.

Amanda Fielding, assistant director for inclusion, said: “All pupils should have access to the resources and support needed to fulfil their potential.

“The SEND school places being created across the county will ensure that even more children and young people with additional needs can benefit from excellent facilities and high-quality learning environments close to their homes, reducing travel times.”