Residents, parents and education professionals are being invited to have their say on a major new plan aimed at improving support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across Hertfordshire.

Hertfordshire County Council has announced a 12-week public consultation on its proposed SEND Provision Plan, which outlines how the county intends to expand and strengthen specialist education support in the coming years. 

The consultation will run from 23 March to 15 June 2026, giving families, schools and local communities the opportunity to help shape future SEND services.

Major investment and new school places planned

Under the proposals, the council plans to create around 1,150 additional specialist places in mainstream and special schools across Hertfordshire by 2029. The expansion would be supported by around £140 million of capital investment to increase capacity and ensure more children can access the support they need closer to home. 

The plan aims to address rising demand for SEND support and reduce the need for children to travel long distances for specialist provision.

County leaders say increasing local provision will help ensure children and young people receive timely support in their communities, while also easing pressure on the wider education system.

Opportunity for families to shape services

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The consultation has been developed with input from families, education providers and partner organisations. It forms part of wider efforts to improve SEND services across Hertfordshire following increased demand and national scrutiny of provision in recent years.

Parents, carers, young people, schools and professionals are all being encouraged to share their views on the proposals.

Feedback gathered during the consultation will help shape the final plan before it is considered by councillors later this year.

Residents can find full details of the proposals and take part in the consultation through the Hertfordshire County Council website.