Bournemouth, Christchurch, Education, Poole | Posted on September 2nd, 2026 | return to news

Education closer to home for SEND pupils in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch

Cllr Richard Burton said more children will be able to get the support they need close to home giving them every opportunity to succeed.

Instead of children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEND) across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch having to travel long distances they will, in future, be able to get support closer to home.

BCP Council is working with local mainstream schools to expand Specialist Inclusion Bases. These are specialist provisions within mainstream schools that enable children with SEND to receive targeted support while remaining part of their local school community. This will help more families access support locally and reduce the need for children to travel outside the BCP area for school.

New Specialist Inclusion Bases are opening at Muscliff Primary School, Bethany CE Junior School, Somerford Primary School and Pokesdown Primary School.

Existing specialist provision at Queen’s Park Infant Academy, Old Town Infant School, St. Clement’s and St. John’s CE Infant School will become Specialist Inclusion Bases.

In addition, Manorside Primary School is expanding its specialist provision by 10 places.

Specialist Inclusion Bases are not separate special schools. They are specialist provisions located within mainstream schools, enabling children to access tailored support while taking part in school life alongside their peers where appropriate. This work is part of a wider investment in SEND services, with more specialist provision planned across BCP in the future.

Cllr Burton, portfolio holder for Children, Young People, Education and Skills, said: “Every child deserves to feel that they belong, that they are listened to and that they have the chance to thrive.

“When a child feels included and supported at school, it can change their life. It helps them build confidence, make friends and believe in themselves.

“By expanding Specialist Inclusion Bases across BCP, more children will be able to get the support they need close to home, surrounded by the people and communities that know them best.

“This is about giving children every opportunity to succeed and helping families feel confident that their child can learn, grow and flourish in their local community.”

Several of the schools involved are part of Coastal Learning Partnership (CLP), which has a strong record of supporting children and young people with additional needs.

Queen’s Park Infant Academy, Old Town Infant School and Nursery and St.

Clement’s and St John’s CE Infant School have been working with BCP Council to provide specialist support since 2024. As part of national SEND reforms, this provision will now be formally recognised as Specialist Inclusion Bases.

The partnership has also helped develop specialist education through satellite classes linked to Linwood School and Winchelsea School. This has helped more children learn closer to home and stay connected to their local community.

The expansion builds on the strong work already taking place across BCP schools. Earlier this year, Heatherlands Primary School was recognised by the Department for Education as a National Lead School for Inclusion Bases. The school is helping share good practice with schools across England.

Paul Howieson, chief executive of Coastal Learning Partnership, said: “We are proud to work with BCP Council to help more children and young people get the support they need.

“Inclusion Bases help children feel confident, included and successful in school. They allow children to stay part of their local community while receiving support that meets their individual needs.

“This development builds on the inclusive work already taking place across our schools and will benefit children and families across the area.”

Lisa Linscott, director of Education and Skills at BCP Council, said: “We want every child and young person to feel they belong in their school and community, that they are listened to and that they have the support they need to thrive.

“Expanding Specialist Inclusion Bases this school year is an important step towards that goal. These bases allow children to benefit from specialist support while remaining connected to their local mainstream school and community. More children will be able to get the right support, at the right time, closer to home and as part of their local school community.

“By working closely with schools and partners, we are creating more opportunities for children and young people with SEND to succeed, build friendships and reach their full potential. This is part of our long-term commitment to inclusive education across BCP.”

Tags: SEND