Gloucestershire County Council’s cabinet is being asked to approve a new five-year strategy for SEND provision.
The SEND Sufficiency Strategy 2026 to 2031 sets out how the council plans to expand support for children and young people aged up to 25.
It aims to make sure enough specialist places are available across Gloucestershire, while strengthening support in mainstream schools, early years and post-16 settings.
The council says the number of children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans has risen from 4,854 in 2022 to 7,521 in January 2026.
The strategy includes plans to expand specialist provision and develop more specialist bases within mainstream primary and secondary schools.
It also highlights existing plans for two new special schools in Gloucester and Cheltenham, creating up to 400 extra places by 2028.
The council says the aim is to help more children access suitable education closer to home.