The Hertfordshire Council Cabinet is scheduled to consider proposals for expanding special educational needs provision across the county. These proposals include the potential opening of new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) units and specialist resource provisions at several schools.

Expanding Special Educational Needs Provision

A significant portion of the meeting's agenda is dedicated to proposals aimed at increasing the capacity for supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The reports indicate that the Cabinet will be presented with information regarding the potential extension of the age range at Colnbrook special school by opening a satellite provision at Woodhall Primary School for the academic year 2027/28.

Further proposals include the potential opening of a SEND unit at Shenley Primary School, Radlett, designed to accommodate up to 16 pupils with Cognition and Learning needs during the 2027/28 academic year. Similarly, a SEND unit for up to 12 pupils with Cognition and Learning needs is scheduled for consideration at St Mary's Infant School, Baldock.

The meeting will also review plans for a Specialist Resource Provision (SRP)¹ at St Peter's C of E VA Primary School, Rickmansworth, intended for up to 10 pupils with Cognition and Learning needs. Additionally, the Cabinet is expected to consider entering into a funding agreement for capital funding to establish a SEND unit at Ralph Sadlier Middle School, Ware, which would cater for up to 24 pupils with Cognition and Learning needs. Finally, a proposal to enter into a funding agreement for capital funding to deliver a SEND unit at Hitchin Boys School for up to 36 pupils with Cognition and Learning needs is also on the agenda.

These items are scheduled to be considered in a private session, as they contain information relating to financial and business affairs.