A STUDY is set to be launched into why Swindon has an above average number of children with special education needs.

New figures reveal that 3.6 per cent of pupils in the town are statemented, compared with 2.8 per cent nationally and 2.7 across the South West.

Now the council is set to look into why this is so plans can be made to prepare for a predicted increase in demand for services.

For example, there are more than 150 diagnoses among young people of autism, and with the council facing cuts it has been decided something needs to be done to solve a potential crisis further down the line.

Coun Fionuala Foley (Con, Chiseldon and Lawn), the cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We are facing a lot of pressures so I want to find out why Swindon has a higher proportion of young people with special educational needs.

“There could be a number of factors. It may be that in Swindon we are especially good at diagnosis. I have also heard a rumour that parents move to Swindon because we have very good provision. Some of our facilities are very highly regarded, so it wouldn’t surprise me. This is an incredibly important issue so it is vital we get this right.”

A series of expansions have already been approved at a number of Swindon’s schools for special educational needs, to cope with the initial growth.

The Chalet Special School is recognised as a leading provider for children with autism and has already undergone two expansions, which have increased the number of places from 36 to 55. Further expansion up to 70 places is required from September 2015 and funds of £330,000 will likely be needed in the next financial year.

Earlier this year a scheme was approved to create an 11 to 25 years Complex Needs Provision to open in September 2018 at a cost of £4.6 million and a new post-16 provision at Crowdy’s Hill, at an indicative cost of £800,000, to open in September next year.

The study will also look into possible ways of coping with the extra demand for places. This may include greater integration with secondary schools or provider found to construct new school.

The move to look into the reasons has been welcomed by the Labour Group.

Shadow cabinet member Cindy Matthews (Lab, Lydiard and Freshbrook) said: “I welcome this study at is very important to find out the reasons for this.

“A lot of our members have experience of looking after children with special educational needs so we understand the dilemma.

“What I think a lot of parents would like to see is mainstream schools providing a focus on the child’s needs.”