Cumbria County Council is calling on the government to provide extra funding to meet the demand for the region’s special schools.

Out of 121 applications from parents, only 76 were successful in securing a place for their child at a Cumbrian special school, meaning that 45 children have missed out.

Cllr Sue Sanderson, has explained that the current demand has exceeded the county’s capacity.

The cabinet member for schools and learning said: “Unfortunately, overall demand for places at the county’s special schools exceeds the number available each year.

“We understand parents’ frustration and we are lobbying central government to provide the additional funding that is needed to meet the growing demand.

“This situation is not unique to Cumbria, across the country local authorities are struggling to meet increasing demand due to inadequate government funding.

“Where children do not secure a place they will normally be supported to attend mainstream school.”

Currently, there is a total of 660 places across six Cumbrian special schools.

Places at special schools are allocated by an independent panel and based on need.

Parents can appeal the decision made by the panel.

Cumbria’s special schools cost £11.5 million a year, approximately £20,000 per place.