Purpose

Decision to accept DfE funding for provision of high needs places in Wiltshire in lieu of the build of an AP free school.

Decision

Resolved:

Cabinet approves:

1. 1.    Acceptance of £4.080m capital grant funding from DfE as an alternative to progressing with building of an AP free school in Wiltshire.
2. 2.    A budget increase of £4.080m in the SEND High Needs Scheme in the Education and Skills Capital Programme, profiled over 2026/27 and2027/28.

Reasons for Decision:

Acceptance of the DfE funding will enable the Council to deliver at least 80 places for children with SEMH needs across a range of provision types, in line with the expectations set out in the proposed national SEND reforms (published by government in February 2026).

It allows delivery of places at pace and with the agility to deliver these in multiple community areas beyond the original two sites proposed in the existing free school bid.