We ask developers to contribute towards SEND provision to help create extra school places. This helps reduce the impact of new housing developments. Contributions may fund the expansion of existing schools or the building of new ones.
Most new schools will only be needed on strategic sites, but a group of smaller developments may also lead to the need for a new school or extra places at existing schools.
SEND provision across West Sussex - including Special Schools, Alternative Provision, and Specialist Support Centres (SSCs) in mainstream schools - is already full. We will pool contributions to improve or expand the most suitable school or centre.
This may not be the closest school to the development. Children with SEND often travel to the school that best meets their needs, as set out in their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Where possible, we will spend developer contributions locally to increase SEND provision in SSCs or Special Schools. However, children with SEND attend schools based on need, not location.