Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across Oxfordshire are set to benefit from expanded tailored support after new funding was approved by Oxfordshire County Council on 24 February 2026.
Councillors have agreed to allocate more than £1 million per year to fund 20 additional enhanced pathways, while continuing support for the 40 already in place. The decision increases total annual investment in the initiative to £3 million, extending provision across 60 enhanced pathways countywide.
Developed within mainstream schools, enhanced pathways enable teachers to provide targeted small-group support for pupils with SEND.
The approach offers bespoke and specialised curriculums designed to meet each child’s social, emotional, sensory and academic needs, helping them access the right support at the right time without leaving mainstream education settings.
Councillor Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Young People’s Services, said:
“These new enhanced pathways build on our commitment to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), giving them access to the right support at the right time.
“Already 292 children and young people benefit from our dedicated provision and support in mainstream schools, and I know there is no doubt whatsoever in what the benefits will be of more enhanced pathways.”
The initiative was first introduced during the 2021–22 academic year with funding of around £500,000 per year. The latest decision marks a significant expansion in both scale and long-term commitment.
Locations for the new enhanced pathways will be confirmed towards the end of the spring term, allowing time for schools to submit applications.
Parents seeking further information about available SEND support are encouraged to speak directly with their child’s school about its approach to inclusion.
