Hundreds of pupils with special educational needs should be attending the district’s best schools, according to Essex County Council.

It has today released its five year plan to help youngsters with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) and has named sending them to good or outstanding schools as its top priority.

Its report states: “Where schools offer good or outstanding provision, children and young people with SEND can be supported to achieve their ambitions and make good progress.”

There are currently 6,905 pupils across the county with a statement of SEN, which sets out what extra help they need.

In the Maldon district, about 200 children have statements.