Hitchin Boys' School is set to benefit from 36 new specialist places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), following the approval of plans to expand provision across Hertfordshire.

Hertfordshire County Council's Cabinet approved proposals on Wednesday (4 November) to invest more than £10 million in new specialist education facilities across the county.

The plans will create up to 128 additional places for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, including a new 36-place SEND Unit at Hitchin Boys' School.

The unit will support pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) who require specialist assistance while allowing them to remain part of a mainstream school community.

Children will receive most of their education within the specialist unit, benefiting from an adapted learning environment and curriculum, while also joining mainstream lessons, activities and school events where appropriate.

The council says the approach will help improve inclusion, support better educational outcomes and reduce the need for children to travel further from home to access suitable education.

More specialist places across Hertfordshire

The Hitchin development is one of four new SEND Units approved by councillors, representing an investment of more than £7 million and creating 88 places.

The other developments include:

• 12 places at St Mary's Infants' School in Baldock
• 16 places at Shenley Primary School in Radlett
• 24 places at Ralph Sadleir School in Ware

Councillors have also approved more than £3 million to develop a satellite facility for Colnbrook Special School at Woodhall Primary School.

This will provide another 40 places for children and young people with severe learning difficulties.

The investment forms part of Hertfordshire County Council's wider SEND Provision Plan, which aims to increase specialist capacity in mainstream schools, special schools and post-16 education settings.

Councillor Mark Watkin, Executive Member for Education, SEND and Inclusion, said: "Every child deserves to feel included, supported, and able to thrive in education close to their home.

"We're building a more flexible system, so children get the right support, at the right time, in the right setting.

"SEND Units are an important part of that approach, providing specialist support within mainstream schools, while our plans for Colnbrook's satellite provision will increase capacity for children and young people whose needs require a higher level of specialist support.

"Together, these developments will strengthen the range of support available for children with SEND across the county."

The council also highlighted the experience of Morgans Primary School in Hertford, which opened a new SEND Unit at the start of the autumn term.

Headteacher Mrs Melidoro said: "The children have settled in beautifully. They are part of our Sycamore and Willow classes and every child wanted to welcome them into their cohort.

"They are part of lunchtimes, playtimes and, in some cases, lessons such as PE and Music. The children have forged friendships in their cohort; they are part of our Morgans family."

The council has not yet confirmed when the new SEND Unit at Hitchin Boys' School will open.

The developments are intended to ensure more children with additional needs can receive appropriate specialist support closer to their homes and communities.