The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning approved the allocation of £1.4 million to create 24 specialist school places for autistic pupils at St Andrew's C of E Primary School in Cobham. A public question raised concerns about the council's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services.

Funding for Specialist School Places Approved

Councillor Helyn Clack, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning, approved the allocation of £1.4 million from the SEND Capital programme to establish a satellite provision for Pond Meadow School at St Andrew's C of E Primary School in Cobham. This funding will create 24 permanent specialist school places for autistic pupils and those with communication and interaction needs, aged from Reception to Year 6.

The decision was made because the scheme represents good value for money, with annual independent sector placement costs for 24 pupils estimated at a minimum of £1.28 million, compared to £0.6 million for maintained specialist school placements. Investing in this satellite site is expected to improve outcomes for children and young people and enhance the council's financial sustainability. The project aligns with Surrey County Council's priority objectives to ensure children with complex needs can thrive in local, state-maintained specialist settings, as outlined in the Surrey Inclusion and Additional Needs Partnership Strategy 2023-2026. The Regional Schools Director had previously approved the expansion of Pond Meadow School onto a satellite site, subject to planning permission and project delivery. The expansion is considered business-critical to ensure Surrey County Council meets its statutory duties under various education acts.

Public Question on SEND Services

A question was submitted by Lisa Stevens regarding serious concerns about the operation of Surrey County Council's SEND services. These concerns included failures to follow internal complaint procedures, specifically in relation to missed occupational therapy timelines, a lack of response to formal Section 19 requests for alternative provision, and non-compliance with legally binding directions from the HMCTS SEND tribunal. The question sought information on immediate actions and governance measures being implemented to ensure statutory duties are met, communication failures are addressed, and officers are held accountable.

In response, it was stated that the SEND service follows the Council's corporate complaints policy, with compliance reported to the Audit and Governance Committee. Issues regarding occupational therapy timelines require joint consideration by local authority and health commissioners. For Section 19 requests, a review process is in place, involving professional networks and evidence gathering, before a decision is made on arranging provision. The response also noted that an audit of alternative provision arrangements had been conducted, with a follow-up audit planned. Regarding non-compliance with tribunal directions, it was acknowledged that Surrey had experienced barring orders in SEND appeal cases during 2025 due to high demand and restructuring. Measures have been put in place to reduce delays and improve compliance, and data on tribunal activity will be reported to the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning and Culture Select Committee. The response concluded by highlighting that SEND services are subject to ongoing scrutiny through select committee arrangements, Department for Education engagement, and Ofsted inspections.