Commentary on Sections and Schedules Special Educational Needs: Wales Section 191: Regional provision for special educational needs in Wales
371.There are currently 22 LEAs in Wales, all of which are relatively small in size. The largest has a pupil population of just over 50,000 while the smallest is around 10,000. All the authorities are experiencing difficulties in providing for the full range of children with SEN in terms of the provision required and / or the provision of support services. This section enables the NAW to direct an LEA in Wales, on behalf of a number of LEAs in Wales, to consider whether SEN of children might be arranged more effectively or efficiently by making regional provision. “Regional provision” may be provision of education by a school (a regional school) maintained by one authority for their children and children from other areas, or the provision of goods and services by one authority to other authorities or schools. The LEA must report its conclusions to the NAW. The NAW may issue guidance to LEAs in relation to these duties which those LEAs must have regard to.