Omnia Foundation exists to transform the lives of young people with complex special educational needs (SEN) who have often struggled in mainstream education. Our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and aspirational environment where pupils can rebuild confidence, re-engage with learning, and achieve meaningful outcomes.
At Omnia Foundation, we are dedicated to supporting young people with complex special educational needs by providing a safe, nurturing environment where they can rebuild confidence, re-engage with learning and develop the skills needed for their future. Our approach goes beyond education, focusing on personal growth, wellbeing and helping every pupil realise their potential.
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We believe that with the right support, structure and opportunities, every young person can thrive. As a specialist SEN school, we are committed not only to our pupils, but also to working closely with families, local partners and the wider community to create meaningful, lasting impact.
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Being part of the Future Basildon initiative reflects our commitment to inclusive growth and community collaboration. Partnering with Feel Good Fitness highlights the importance of bringing together education and wellbeing to support young people and families. Together, we hope to contribute to a vision for Basildon that is inclusive, supportive and focused on long-term opportunity for all.
David Kreyling
Proprietor, Omnia Foundation
Why Basildon Needs a New Specialist Secondary School
A growing need that cannot be ignored
Basildon is seeing a rapid and sustained increase in the number of children and young people with additional needs.
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EHCP numbers have risen from 1,551 to 2,159 in just four years – an increase of 39%
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Requests for EHCP assessments have almost doubled, rising from 354 to 675
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Autism is the largest and fastest-growing need, increasing to 1,078 pupils - That is an increase of 448 pupils, or about 71%.
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SEMH needs are also rising, increasing to 305 pupils
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This data shows a clear and accelerating demand for specialist education provision in the borough.
A significant gap at secondary age
The need is particularly acute for secondary-aged pupils.
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​There are already 359 pupils aged 11–16 with autism
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And 144 pupils with SEMH needs
That’s over 500 young people in the exact cohort a new 12–17 specialist school would serve.
At the same time, there is a large pipeline of younger pupils moving toward secondary age, including:
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934 primary-aged pupils with EHCPs
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313 pupils currently in Year 5 and Year 6
This means demand will continue to rise as these pupils transition into secondary education
Local provision is already full
Specialist provision in Basildon is under significant pressure.
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The borough has two special schools with a combined capacity of 410 places
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However, current roll stands at 427 pupils
This means local specialist schools are already operating above capacity, with no clear room to absorb future demand.
Too many children are being educated outside Basildon
A lack of local places means many children are being educated away from their community.
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Only 309 Basildon pupils are placed in local special schools
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374 pupils are placed outside the borough
This means more children are educated outside Basildon than within it.
In addition:
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Pupils travel an average of 5.5 miles to reach suitable provision
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Some attend schools outside Essex altogether
This can place strain on children, families, and support networks.
Some children still don’t have the right provision
The current system is not meeting demand for every child.​
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16 pupils are waiting for a specialist placement
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39 pupils are in Education Other Than at School (EOTAS)
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35 pupils with EHCPs are electively home educated
These figures indicate that, for some families, the right provision is not currently available.
Why a new school in Basildon is needed
The data presents a clear and consistent picture:
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Demand for specialist education is growing rapidly
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Autism and SEMH needs are increasing significantly
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Local provision is already full
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Too many children are placed outside the borough
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Future demand is already coming through the system
A new specialist secondary school in Basildon would:
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Provide local, high-quality education for children with Autism and SEMH
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Reduce the need for long-distance travel and out-of-borough placements
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Support better outcomes for young people and families
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Help Essex County Council meet increasing demand for specialist places
Omnia Foundation’s proposed school aims to meet this growing need by providing specialist, nurturing, and high-quality education for young people aged 12–17 with Autism and SEMH, right here in Basildon.
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