Two new schools for youngsters with special educational needs have been announced for Norfolk, but fears have been raised it is “too little, too late”. 

Some 270 places will be created at new schools in Great Yarmouth and Downham Market. 

Both will provide education for young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and ‘alternative provision’ - for children who cannot attend mainstream schools – with funding coming from the Department for Education. 

But opposition councillors have said SEND demand has “rocketed” in recent years and the new schools will not provide enough provision. 

The Downham Market school will have 100 places for children aged five to 18 with communication and interaction needs.   

Great Yarmouth will have space for 170 children with complex needs aged from three to 19.  

It is hoped the schools will open in September 2026. 

Penny Carpenter, cabinet member for children’s services at County Hall, said she was delighted the government has backed their plans for the “much needed” new schools. 

Eastern Daily Press: Penny Carpenter, cabinet member for children's servicesPenny Carpenter, cabinet member for children's services (Image: Norfolk Conservatives)

“Creating more specialist provision for children and young people with higher SEND needs is vital to making sure this group have the best support to flourish in their education and adult life,” she said. 

“Our ambitious Local First Inclusion programme aims to make sure all children and young people have the right school place to suit their needs as close to their homes as possible.” 

Labour county councillor Maxine Webb said the three-year wait for the schools to open would come as a “huge blow to families waiting for places now”. 

Eastern Daily Press: Labour's Maxine Webb fears the plans are too little, too lateLabour's Maxine Webb fears the plans are too little, too late (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “We’ve had three built out of the four schools promised in the last ‘transformation’ five years ago and demand has rocketed since, with over 250 appeals last year.  

“This is too little, too late, for too many of Norfolk’s children.” 

Ms Webb reiterated Labour’s call for Norfolk County Council to repair and reopen Angel Road junior school in Norwich so more provision can be provided “without delay”.