Gateshead Council aims to keep more children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) in mainstream schools.
According to council figures, the number of pupils taught in special schools in Gateshead has increased from 429 in 2015 to 711 in 2022. This equates to 2.23% of all school-age children.
Children who require additional education support can be given an 'Education, Health and Care Plan' (EHCP). Over half of the pupils with such a plan have places in special schools.
