More children with SEND across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are set to receive specialist support in mainstream schools as new and expanded inclusion bases are introduced locally. More BCP children with SEND will get specialist school support closer to home. New Specialist Inclusion Bases are due to open at Muscliff Primary School, Bethany CE Junior School, Somerford Primary School and Pokesdown Primary School during the 2026/27 school year, with 3 existing provisions also being formally recognised. Queen's Park Infant Academy, Old Town Infant School and Nursery and St. Clement's and
More BCP children with SEND will get specialist school support closer to home.
New Specialist Inclusion Bases are due to open at Muscliff Primary School, Bethany CE Junior School, Somerford Primary School and Pokesdown Primary School during the 2026/27 school year, with 3 existing provisions also being formally recognised.
Queen's Park Infant Academy, Old Town Infant School and Nursery and St. Clement's and St. John's CE Infant School have worked with BCP Council since 2024 to provide specialist support and will now become bases.
Manorside Primary School is adding 10 places, while the bases will remain part of mainstream schools so children can receive tailored help and join school life with their peers where appropriate.
Councillor Richard Burton said the plan means more children can get support 'close to home', adding that inclusion helps pupils build confidence, make friends and 'believe in themselves' within local communities.
Paul Howieson, chief executive of Coastal Learning Partnership, said Inclusion Bases help children feel 'confident, included and successful', while BCP Council said the expansion is part of longer term inclusive education work.
