The Education, SEND & Inclusion Cabinet Panel met on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, to discuss a range of critical issues concerning education, special educational needs, and inclusion within Hertfordshire. Key decisions included the approval of capital funding for new SEND provision at four primary schools and the enlargement of Watling View Special School, alongside the initiation of a public consultation on the proposed SEND Provision Plan for 2026-2029. The panel also received updates on school standards and performance, and discussed the budget for the upcoming year.

New SEND Provision and Capital Funding Approved

The panel recommended to Cabinet the approval of capital funding totalling £5.494m for four significant projects aimed at increasing specialist provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These projects include the establishment of SEND units at three primary schools: Westfield Primary School (12 places for Social, Emotional & Mental Health needs), Shepherd Primary School (24 places for Cognition and Learning needs), and Morgans Primary School (12 places for Cognition and Learning needs). Additionally, Watling View Special School will be enlarged by opening a 32-place satellite provision on the site of Oakmere Primary School to cater for pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD). These proposals, all slated for delivery in the 2026/27 academic year, aim to address the rising demand for specialist places within Hertfordshire, reduce the need for out-of-county placements, and provide more local options for children with complex needs. The statutory consultation period for these proposals, which ran from 12 January to 9 February 2026, received predominantly positive responses, with significant support noted for the Watling View satellite provision and the SEND units at Morgans, Shepherd, and Westfield Primary Schools. Concerns raised during consultations, such as traffic impact and staffing, were addressed by officers, with further detailed planning to be undertaken.

Public Consultation to be Launched on SEND Provision Plan 2026-2029

A 12-week statutory public consultation will commence on 23 March 2026, running until 15 June 2026, on Hertfordshire's proposed SEND Provision Plan for 2026-2029. This plan, developed through extensive engagement with stakeholders including children, young people, parent carers, schools, and health partners, outlines a redesigned, inclusive, and needs-led continuum of provision. The plan focuses on strengthening mainstream school capacity, expanding specialist provision within mainstream settings through Specialist Resource Provisions (SRPs) and SEND Units, increasing special school places, updating special school designations, and implementing child-centred placement decisions. The consultation aims to gather feedback on whether the five key pillars of the plan reflect the right priorities and to identify any areas needing clarification or strengthening. The findings from this consultation will inform the final SEND Provision Plan, with a further report to be presented to the panel in September 2026.

Standards and Quality in Hertfordshire Schools Remain Strong

The panel received an overview of performance and standards across Hertfordshire schools and Early Years providers for the academic year September 2024 to August 2025. The data presented indicated that educational provision in Hertfordshire remains strong, with pupils achieving well overall. The percentage of Hertfordshire schools judged as good or outstanding for both Quality of Education and Leadership & Management was 87.7%, exceeding the national figure of 85.4%. Furthermore, 19.5% of Hertfordshire schools were judged outstanding in these areas, significantly higher than the national figure of 12.5%. At Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5, Hertfordshire's outcomes are in the top 20% of local authorities for most headline measures, including Attainment 8 scores and the percentage of pupils achieving standard and strong passes in English and Mathematics. Outcomes for pupils with SEND also remain higher than national averages at Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4. However, the report highlighted that pupils in receipt of Free School Meals (FSM) attained lower than their non-disadvantaged peers and, in some measures, lower than the national average for FSM pupils. In response, the council has commissioned the 'Every Child Programme' with HFL Education to pilot a comprehensive approach to driving attainment for disadvantaged pupils.

Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy for Education, SEND and Inclusion

The panel discussed the budget for 2026/27 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) concerning Education, SEND and Inclusion. Officers presented a budget that reflects a commitment to continuing to support and improve life experiences for children with SEND, including investment in educational psychologists and school support teams. Members noted concerns regarding the national High Needs Block grant funding, which is not increasing at the same rate as the growing number of children requiring Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). This has led to a projected deficit in Hertfordshire's High Needs Block. Despite these financial pressures, the panel endorsed the proposals relating to the budget and MTFS for Education, SEND and Inclusion, acknowledging the significant efforts made by officers and the Executive Member in securing the allocation of funds. The panel also unanimously supported a motion to develop a 'Rural and Small Schools Resilience Strategy for Hertfordshire', which will provide clear advice and guidance to schools at risk of closure, with a commitment to keep County Councillors informed of potential challenges.

Hertfordshire's Admission Arrangements for 2027-28 and SEND Improvement Update

The panel reviewed amended County Council admission arrangements for 2027-28, which included proposals to reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN) at two community and primary schools, retain existing arrangements for most schools, and increase the PAN at three rural community primary schools for 2026/27. The panel unanimously agreed to recommend these amendments to Cabinet. An update on the SEND improvement journey was also presented, highlighting progress made following the 2023 SEND Inspection. Officers reported significant improvements in the timeliness and quality of EHCP assessments and annual reviews, with completion rates for assessments now in the 90% range. The panel congratulated officers on clearing the backlog of EHCPs, a significant achievement that has improved the experience for families. Concerns were raised regarding the increasing number of permanent exclusions for pupils with EHCPs, which officers acknowledged as an important area for focus, with plans to address this through the proposed Inclusion Alliance. The panel also noted the ongoing transition of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and the importance of maintaining strong relationships with health partners.

Virtual School Annual Report and Rural and Small Schools Resilience Strategy

The panel received the Annual Report of the Virtual School Head for the academic year 2024-25, which detailed the vital work undertaken to support children in care and previously looked-after children. Members commended the Virtual School team for their efforts and successes. Following a motion proposed by Councillor Ralph Muncer and seconded by Councillor Paula Hiscocks, the panel unanimously supported the development of a 'Rural and Small Schools Resilience Strategy for Hertfordshire'. This strategy will provide clear advice and guidance to schools, particularly those in rural areas, to improve their resilience amidst demographic changes and to prevent closures. Officers agreed to provide confidential briefings to County Councillors on schools identified as potentially at risk.

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