There were not enough appropriate school placements for four-year olds in Reception. This was due to the increasing numbers of four-year-olds with plans and significantly more complex needs. Mainstream schools were not confident at meeting the needs of Blackpool children with special needs (increase in refusals to consultations and placements breaking down). Mainstream school buildings not able to meet the needs of the changing cohort (increase in capital requests for sensory rooms, toilet changing and break out spaces. Blackpool, in partnership with local schools, sought to create a specialist offer of provision for reception children with EHCPs that can be delivered within mainstream schools. It is a ‘pop-up’ approach which means it reflects areas of the town with the most need at a specific point in time.
