Lewisham Council enhances SEND provision for local children

June 12, 2026

South London News On Your Doorstep Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

Lewisham Council is undertaking a significant initiative to improve support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across the borough. The council has outlined a three-year roadmap, extending to 2030, aimed at creating a more inclusive and supportive system for these young people and their families. This plan addresses rising demand and increasing complexity of needs, which have placed services under considerable pressure nationally.

New Specialist Unit Opens at Deptford Park Primary School

A key development is the recent opening of a new specialist SEND unit at Deptford Park Primary School. This facility is designed to provide up to 40 specialist places for children requiring more intensive support, organised within four to five dedicated classrooms. The unit aims to allow children to learn within a mainstream school environment while receiving the necessary specialist assistance, enabling more families to access support closer to home. The first group of 12 children has already begun attending, with further admissions planned for later this year.

National SEND Reforms and Local Implementation

Lewisham Council is also preparing for the delivery of the national SEND Reforms, a legal requirement for all local authorities. The council's SEND Reform Implementation Plan is being developed to ensure these reforms are rolled out in a manner that best benefits children with SEND, their families, and educators. The plan prioritises earlier intervention, ensuring support is more accessible locally, increasing provision within mainstream schools, and reducing the need for families to persistently advocate for assistance.

'Experts at Hand' Teams and Co-production

A significant change will involve the introduction of 'Experts at Hand' teams. These multidisciplinary teams will comprise education and health specialists working directly with educational providers to offer prompt support and prevent challenges from escalating. The council also intends to simplify support mechanisms, with more children expected to benefit from personalised individual support plans that foster better collaboration between schools and families. This approach aims to make support more readily available for children who do not have an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP).

Recognising the challenges faced by families due to past unfulfilled promises, Lewisham Council is committed to co-producing its reform proposals with parents, teachers, and special education needs coordinators. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the policies developed directly address the issues and incorporate practical solutions from those with firsthand experience of the system.

Author

South London News On Your Doorstep Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

From Town Hall decisions to resident-led reports, the South London News On Your Doorstep Desk offers comprehensive coverage of the issues that matter to your street. Our editorial staff provide critical updates on local planning, council services, and neighbourhood initiatives, ensuring our readers never miss a change to their local area.

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