MP celebrates securing 'vital' Government funding for specialist school places in Central Bedfordshire

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

THURSDAY 18th DECEMBER 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alistair Strathern, MP for the Hitchin covering part of Central Bedfordshire, has welcomed new funding for Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) to create 130 additional specialist school places.

Having long campaigned on the need for greater investment in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision locally,  Strathern believes the £6.5m investment is a significant step forward in meeting the needs of local children.

The announcement follows the Government’s commitment of at least £3 billion nationally over four years to create tens of thousands of new specialist places, often within mainstream schools, so children can learn closer to home.

With SEND provision a national issue felt especially in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, Strathern has been meeting with council SEND teams, SEND families and teaching staff to campaign for improvements since being elected. He has spoken many times on the issue in Parliament, including leading a debate on SEND in Beds and Herts, and has formed a working group of local MPs to push for progress.

Alistair Strathern MP said:

"Every child deserves the chance to thrive in a setting that meets their needs, and this funding is a real boost for families across Central Bedfordshire.

“It’s about making sure support is local and tailored so that every SEND child can meet their potential.

“I know how much SEND families in our area have struggled to obtain the school provision their child needs, and what a difference this will make for so many of them.

“I know many locally have concerns about whether the council will make best use of this funding, but I'll be pushing CBC to ensure this welcome investment is now put to good use. 

"There is plenty more to do to ensure every child gets the support they need to thrive at school, but this announcement is an important step forwards and recognition of our campaigning work together."

Notes to Editors

Locally, overall pupil numbers are forecast to fall from 35,124 in 2025/26 to 32,830 by 2030/31, while demand for specialist provision continues to rise, from 1,069 in 2023 to more than 1,167.

CBC have said they will prepare detailed options for how the 130 places could be delivered and that an update on the preferred approach will be shared in the new year.