The Education, SEND & Inclusion Cabinet Panel met on Wednesday 9 September 2026. The panel discussed and agreed to recommend to Cabinet the adoption of a comprehensive SEND Provision Plan for 2026-2029. They also agreed to recommend to Cabinet the approval of an increase to the capital funding envelope for Enabling SEND Provision to expand post-16 places for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The panel received an update on the progress of the SEND Strategy and reviewed the Children's Services Annual Compliments and Complaints Report.

SEND Provision Plan 2026-2029 Recommended for Adoption

The panel agreed to recommend to Cabinet the adoption of the SEND Provision Plan 2026-2029. This plan, developed through extensive consultation with over 400 children and young people, parents, carers, schools, and partners, outlines a strategic vision for a more inclusive and responsive SEND system in Hertfordshire. It is built around five key pillars: strengthening capacity in mainstream schools, expanding specialist capacity within mainstream schools, creating more special school places, updating special school designations, and ensuring child-centred placements.

Key proposals within the plan include the creation of at least 650 new specialist places in Specialist Resource Provisions (SRPs) and SEND Units within mainstream schools, and the aim to create up to 500 new special school places by 2029. The plan also proposes updating special school designations to create Complex Cognition and Learning schools, better reflecting the growing need for specialist provision for children with more complex and significant needs. The Local Offer will be updated to reflect these changes, and progress will be measured through the SEND Reform Plan performance framework.

During the discussion, concerns were raised about workforce capacity, funding pressures, and the need for consistency in inclusion practices. Officers assured the panel that a workforce strategy is in place and that the Experts at Hand model aims to provide specialist support earlier. The panel also heard that the plan would not negatively impact current SEND placements and that the redesignation of special schools would be a phased approach, with no expectation for current pupils to move settings.

Capital Funding Recommended for Approval for Post-16 SEND Places

The panel agreed to recommend to Cabinet the approval of an increase to the capital funding envelope for Enabling SEND Provision by £7.32 million, bringing the total to £147.34 million. This funding will cover four projects across Hertfordshire's Further Education (FE) colleges, totalling £21.045 million, to expand post-16 SEND provision.

The approved projects include:

• Hertford Regional College: Expansion of the Department of Inclusive Learning to create 35 new specialist places.
• North Hertfordshire College: A two-phase development to create 50 additional specialist post-16 SEND places.
• Oaklands College: Development of a new purpose-built Springfield High Needs Centre to expand specialist provision for learners with the most complex needs, increasing capacity from 100 to 140 places.
• West Herts College: Adaptations to existing accommodation to create more inclusive learning environments, particularly for learners with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, expected to benefit around 200 learners and enable a further 20 with SEND to access provision.

Officers confirmed that the council works closely with colleges to align provision with identified needs and that expanding local capacity will reduce reliance on expensive out-of-county placements, representing a revenue positive proposal for the council. The panel also heard assurances that colleges are overseen by the government on performance, with employment outcomes being a critical measure.

SEND Strategy Progress Update

An update was provided on the progress made against the six ambitions of the Hertfordshire SEND Strategy 2026–2029 between April and September 2026. The report indicated measurable service improvements despite ongoing challenges of rising demand, increasing complexity of need, and financial pressures. Key achievements highlighted include improved early support, the creation of new specialist places, and progress in statutory SEND services, such as EHCP timeliness.

However, challenges remain, including an increase in appeals, high waiting times for some health services, and the overrepresentation of children with SEND on reduced timetables and missing education. The panel noted the significant increase in EHCP requests and the rise in children educated outside their recommended specialist setting for over 12 months. The Experts at Hand model and the Inclusion Alliance are being developed to address these issues.

Children's Services Annual Compliments and Complaints Report

The panel received the Annual Report on Compliments and Complaints for Children's Services for 2025-2026. The report showed a 20% increase in total representations received, with a 5% rise in informal complaints being resolved at an early stage. Stage 1 complaints increased by 11%, with a notable rise in complaints related to delays and communication issues (38%). Education and SEND services saw a 1% decrease in complaint rates relative to referrals, while Social Care saw an increase.

Positively, response timescales for complaints improved significantly, with 83% being met within statutory limits, and 50% resolved within 10 working days. Stage 2 investigations increased by 21%, and while Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) complaints rose by 9%, the number of upheld complaints decreased, and compensation awarded fell by 65%. The report also noted an increase in complaints referencing Artificial Intelligence (AI) use, prompting the council to provide guidance on effective AI use for complainants. The panel was assured that learning from complaints is actively used to improve services, with specific actions being taken to address communication issues and workforce capacity.

Work Programme

The panel noted and agreed the draft work programme for 2026/27. Several items were suggested for inclusion or further consideration, including the 16-18 Travel Policy, the Rural and Small Schools Strategy, the impact of independent school closures on state schools, and apprenticeships. The panel agreed to note the work programme, with an open invitation for further contributions.

Other Discussions

During the meeting, Penelope Hill, Deputy Executive Member for Education, SEND and Inclusion, highlighted that Best Start in Life would be discussed in March, focusing on early intervention. Ralph Muncer raised concerns about the potential impact of independent school closures on state schools, and officers agreed to provide a briefing note on this. Beth Kelly requested an update on the apprenticeship motion.

The meeting concluded with the panel noting and agreeing the proposed work programme for 2026/27.