SEND group raises fears about Derby City Council's plans
BBC By Jennifer Harby
BBC News
A group that supports families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) has said it worries new council plans are a cost-saving exercise.
Derby City Council said it was developing a plan which would "transform provision".
Sunshine Support said an increase in school places was needed but aspects of the plan were "concerning".
The council said it was working to improve provision for young people.
The authority is due to discuss its plans for a Dedicated Schools' Grant (DSG) Management Plan, which it is producing in partnership with parents, schools and other stakeholders at a meeting on 14 June.
It said it planned to create additional special school places on mainstream sites across primary, secondary and post-16 settings and add capacity to existing special schools.
It added support would also be provided to help children transition into mainstream education where appropriate.
The council said locally and nationally, the SEND system was experiencing increasing demand and was under significant pressure as the cost of provision outstrips funding provided by the government.
