More children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities are set to receive specialist support closer to home as new and expanded provisions open across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
BCP Council is working with local mainstream schools to increase the number of Specialist Inclusion Bases across the area during the 2026/27 school year.
The bases provide targeted SEND support within mainstream schools, allowing children to access specialist help while remaining part of their local school community.
The expansion is also intended to reduce the number of children and young people who need to travel outside the BCP area to access suitable education.
Where are the new Inclusion Bases opening?
Four new Specialist Inclusion Bases are being introduced, with the new provisions due to open in January 2027 at:
- Muscliff Primary School
- Bethany CE Junior School
- Somerford Primary School
- Pokesdown Primary School
Existing specialist provision at Queen's Park Infant Academy, Old Town Infant School and Nursery, and St. Clement's and St. John's CE Infant School will also formally become Specialist Inclusion Bases.
Manorside Primary School is expanding its existing specialist provision by an additional 10 places.
Further specialist SEND provision is also planned across BCP in the future.
What is a Specialist Inclusion Base?
Specialist Inclusion Bases are not separate special schools.
Instead, they operate within mainstream schools and provide additional, tailored support for children and young people with SEND.
This allows pupils to receive specialist help while continuing to participate in wider school life and learn alongside their peers where appropriate.
The aim is to give more children access to the right support without removing them from their local schools, friends and communities.
Helping more children stay within their communities
Cllr Richard Burton, BCP Council's Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People, Education and Skills, said feeling included and supported at school can have a significant impact on a child's confidence, friendships and future.
He said expanding the bases would mean more children could receive the support they need close to home and within communities that already know them.
The expansion forms part of BCP Council's wider work to ensure children receive the right support, at the right time and in the right place.
Building on existing SEND support
Several of the schools involved are part of Coastal Learning Partnership, which has been working alongside BCP Council to provide specialist support.
Queen's Park Infant Academy, Old Town Infant School and Nursery, and St. Clement's and St. John's CE Infant School have been providing specialist provision since 2024.
Under national SEND reforms, these provisions will now be formally recognised as Specialist Inclusion Bases.
The partnership has also helped develop satellite classes linked to Linwood School and Winchelsea School, allowing children to access specialist education closer to home while remaining connected to their local communities.
Paul Howieson, Chief Executive of Coastal Learning Partnership, said Inclusion Bases can help children feel confident, included and successful while receiving support tailored to their individual needs.
BCP school recognised nationally
The expansion follows national recognition for another local school earlier this year.
Heatherlands Primary School was recognised by the Department for Education as a National Lead School for Inclusion Bases and is now helping to share its experience and good practice with schools across England.
Lisa Linscott, Director of Education and Skills at BCP Council, said the latest expansion is an important step towards creating more inclusive education across the area.
She said the Council will continue working with schools and partners to create opportunities for children and young people with SEND to succeed, build friendships and reach their potential within their local communities.
