Guidance

Forecasting demand for SEND provision for SCAP: guidance for local authorities

How local authorities should produce forecasts of demand for specialist provision places for pupils with education, health and care plans (EHCPs).

From:
Department for Education
Published
30 April 2026

Applies to England

Documents

Forecasting demand for SEND provision for SCAP 2026

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Details

This guide helps locals authorities to produce forecasts of demand for specialist school and alternative provision places for pupils with EHCPs in line with the data requirements for the school capacity (SCAP) survey.

The guide includes information on:

  • the specialist provision forecast data required
  • forecast methodologies
  • validation of the forecasts

Updates to this page

Published 30 April 2026

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