The Education, SEND & Inclusion Cabinet Panel of Hertfordshire Council met on Thursday 6 November 2025, to discuss several key issues, including public petitions, school reorganisations, the SEND strategy, and the expansion of Southfield School. The panel addressed a petition to save Sandon JMI School, ultimately deciding to defer a decision on its potential closure for a year. They also voted to proceed with public consultations regarding the potential closures of St Nicholas Elstree Church of England Primary School and Albury Church of England VA Primary School. Finally, the panel approved a recommendation to cabinet to expand Southfield School and agreed to a public consultation on the draft SEND strategy.

Here's a more detailed look at the key discussion points:

• Save Sandon JMI School Petition
• School Reorganisation Proposals
• SEND Strategy
• Southfield School Expansion
• UK Youth Parliament and Local Youth Councils
• Plan for Children and Young People: Performance Report 2024/25

Save Sandon JMI School Petition

The meeting began with a petition presented by Paul Heath, Chair of Governors at Sandon School, urging the panel not to proceed with the consultation process on the closure of the school. He presented a recovery plan, emphasising the school's unique appeal, its rural setting, forest school lessons, and inclusive environment for pupils with SEND.¹ The panel ultimately voted to defer the decision regarding Sandon School, giving the school an opportunity to implement its recovery plan and increase pupil numbers. The situation will be reviewed in a year.

School Reorganisation Proposals

Kate Leahy, Head of School Planning, presented proposals regarding the future of three primary schools facing challenges due to low pupil numbers. She emphasised that these proposals were not a reflection on the staff's dedication but a response to unsustainable circumstances. The schools under consideration were:

• St Nicholas Elstree Church of England Primary School
• Sandon JMI School
• Albury Church of England VA Primary School

Leahy highlighted the demographic landscape of falling pupil numbers across Hertfordshire and the Department for Education's expectation for local authorities to manage the school estate efficiently. She noted that all three schools had very low pupil numbers, leading to financial and operational pressures.

St Nicholas Elstree Church of England Primary School

Leahy reported that St Nicholas Elstree had seen pupil numbers decline over the past three years, operating at around a quarter of its capacity. She noted that most local families sought places at schools further afield. Tanya Rawle, Head of Standards and Accountability, added that the school faced challenges in teaching across multiple year groups, impacting educational outcomes. She also raised concerns about the school's business plan, which relied on increasing numbers in a declining pupil base and cutting staffing, potentially compromising educational standards.

Caroline Clapper, a local councillor, spoke on behalf of the governors, parents, and residents, requesting that the consultation be halted or deferred. She emphasised the school's inclusive character, its role as the only Church of England primary within six miles, and its strong reputation for supporting children with additional needs.

After a lengthy discussion, the panel voted to proceed with a public consultation on the closure of St Nicholas Church of England Primary School, Elstree, with effect from 31 August 2026. The results were nine votes in favour, four against, and five abstentions.

Sandon JMI School

Leahy stated that Sandon JMI School's pupil numbers had been declining, operating at less than a quarter of its capacity. She noted that most pupils lived closer to other schools and that very few children lived in Sandon, impacting future reception place numbers. Rawle added that the school faced challenges in teaching across a number of year groups and that standards would be impacted if staffing was cut too tightly.

Steve Jarvis, Leader of the Council, noted that the school had a forest school element to it and asked for clarifications as to exactly what a forest school is and what the implications are if any if it ceases to operate in that way and do other schools offer anything equivalent.

Councillor Steve Jarvis, a local member, acknowledged the community's support for the school and the business plan prepared by the governors. However, he noted that the school needed substantially more children to be viable.

Ultimately, the panel decided to defer the decision on Sandon JMI School, giving the school an opportunity to increase its numbers.

Albury Church of England VA Primary School

Leahy reported that Albury School's pupil numbers had been low, operating around a quarter of its capacity. She noted that most children lived closer to another school and that very few children lived in Albury, impacting future pupil numbers. Rawle added that the school had been in a challenging financial situation for a number of years and that outcomes at the school were below national and local authority averages.

Jane Avery clarified that pupils would be offered transport to either Furnock's Pelham Primary School or Little Haddon Primary School if the school was to close.

A local member stated that the school was important to the local community and asked for time to develop a recovery strategy for the school.

The panel voted to proceed with a public consultation on the closure of Albury Church of England VA Primary School, with effect from 31 August 2026. The results were nine votes in favour, three against, and one abstention.

SEND Strategy

Erin Bradley, Programme Manager, presented the draft SEND strategy for 2026-2029, emphasising that it was developed in partnership and centred on the voices of children, young people, and families. She outlined the six ambitions of the strategy and the plans to consult on it. Sarah Hannington, Director of Children and Young People for Hearts and West Essex ICB, expressed her excitement about the strategy and the opportunity it provided.

Councillor Chris Lloyd suggested that the panel should have input into the consultation plan before it starts.

The panel agreed to a 12-week public consultation on the draft SEND strategy, with the consultation plan to be communicated to the panel.

Southfield School Expansion

Andy Mordale presented the outcome of the public consultation on the proposal to enlarge Southfield School in Hatfield. He reported a positive response, with 78% of respondents agreeing with the proposal. Councillor Michael Blissett, a local member, expressed his full support for the expansion, noting the school's high regard and the need for its services.

The panel unanimously approved the proposal to enlarge Southfield School by 26 places from 1 September 2026.

UK Youth Parliament and Local Youth Councils

The panel then moved on to a discussion of the UK Youth Parliament and Local Youth Councils.

The panel noted a report on the proposed engagement in the UK Youth Parliament and the link to local and SEND youth councils.

Plan for Children and Young People: Performance Report 2024/25

The panel noted a report on the Plan for Children and Young People: Performance Report 2024/25.