WILTSHIRE Council is assessing how to meet rising demands for special educational needs.

There has been a huge rise in children and young people in Wiltshire who have a formal agreement for extra help for special educational needs since 2010, according to government figures.

In January this year there were 2,982 children with education, health and care (EHC) plans or special educational needs (SEN) statements. In 2010 there were 1,838 SEN statements - an increase of 62 per cent in eight years.

Three special schools currently exist in Wiltshire, in Chippenham, Trowbridge and Rowdeford.

But the council says it will need an extra 220 places for children and young people with special needs by 2026.

And there is a need to address where the schools are placed, as currently there is a lack of provision in the south, with some pupils having to travel up to 90 minutes each way to attend school.

The consultation will decide whether to develop one school, two schools or develop/continue the three existing schools.

Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children said: “It’s important we get this right for all our children and young people.

“Our teachers and school staff do an amazing job, and in some cases, in very challenging facilities. We want to provide the right facilities for the 21st century so they can teach and support our children and young people in an environment where they can thrive.

“This consultation puts the options on the table fairly so we avoid people having to make unnecessary journeys to attend school and pupils can learn in great classrooms that meet their needs and support them to reach their potential.”

In Wiltshire 439 children were assessed last year and 415 were given an education, health and care plan.

Across England there were nearly 320,000 young people with plans in January of this year.