The Cabinet of Hertfordshire Council is scheduled to consider proposals for expanding special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision across the county. Discussions are also planned regarding the council's performance, a new carers strategy, and a motion response concerning street lighting policy.

Expansion of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Provision

A significant portion of the meeting is expected to focus on proposals to increase provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This includes plans to open new SEND units at several primary schools and to enlarge an existing special school with a satellite provision.

Specifically, the Cabinet will consider proposals to:

• Open a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) unit at Morgans Primary School & Nursery in Hertford, designed for up to 12 pupils with Cognition and Learning needs, for the academic year 2026/27. Approval for the necessary capital funding for this scheme is also to be sought.
• Establish a SEND unit at Shepherd Primary School in Rickmansworth, which would cater for up to 24 pupils with Cognition and Learning needs during the 2026/27 academic year. Capital funding for this project will also be considered.
• Introduce a SEND unit at Westfield Primary School and Nursery in Berkhamsted, intended for up to 12 pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs during the 2026/27 academic year. Capital funding for this initiative is also to be requested.
• Enlarge Watling View Special School by establishing a 32-place satellite provision at Oakmere Primary School in Potters Bar, also for the 2026/27 academic year, with a request for capital funding approval.

These items are scheduled to be considered in a private session, as they are understood to contain information relating to the financial and business affairs of the Council and/or other persons. The public interest in maintaining the exemption is considered to outweigh the public interest in disclosing the information. The report on these proposals is available in the Public reports pack Wednesday 18-Mar-2026 10.00 Cabinet.

Performance Report and Strategies

The Cabinet is also scheduled to review the council's performance for the 2024/25 period. This will be presented in a report concerning the Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Plan.

Additionally, the meeting agenda includes consideration of the Adult Care Services Plan 2026-2028, which outlines the strategic direction for adult care services over the next two years. A refreshed Hertfordshire Carers Strategy for 2026-2028 is also scheduled for discussion, aiming to improve support for unpaid carers across the county.

Other Business

The Cabinet will also consider a report on The Crisis and Resilience Fund, which may relate to emergency preparedness and response. Furthermore, a response to a motion regarding Street Lighting Policy is on the agenda.

The meeting will also include the confirmation of minutes from previous Cabinet meetings and an opportunity for Executive Question Time, where councillors can ask questions of Executive Members. The full agenda and associated reports can be found in the Public reports pack Wednesday 18-Mar-2026 10.00 Cabinet and the 260318 01 Agenda.