Central Bedfordshire Council agreed on February 17, 2026, to accept £6.5 million in government funding to create more school places for children with special educational needs in Central Bedfordshire, Bedfordshire. The money will provide at least 130 new specialist spots by expanding local schools and building new facilities within existing school grounds.
This funding replaces a previous plan to build one large 130-place school in Biggleswade which had been put on hold by the government. By choosing to expand several existing schools instead, the council aims to create these needed spaces faster and keep children closer to their local communities.
Councillor Gareth Mackey, who oversees children-s services, said the new approach helps children stay in touch with their friends and reduces the need for long trips to school. He noted that the council can now move forward with a flexible plan that provides support closer to where families live.
The first installment of the money is expected to arrive in the summer of 2026. This change in plans also allows the council to use the land originally meant for the Biggleswade school for a potential future rebuild of Ivel Valley School and College.
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