The Education, SEND & Inclusion Cabinet Panel is scheduled to convene on Monday, 2 November 2026, to discuss proposals for school reorganisations, the expansion of special educational needs provision, and the Hertfordshire School Improvement Strategy. Key topics include potential school closures and amalgamations, the establishment of new SEND units within mainstream schools, and the strategic direction for school improvement over the next three years.

Approval to Consult on School Reorganisation Proposals

The panel is set to consider proposals for school reorganisation in response to declining pupil numbers and surplus school capacity across Hertfordshire. The report outlines the outcome of area reviews conducted in Ware, Hitchin, Stevenage, Borehamwood, Berkhamsted, and St Albans. It is proposed that the panel endorse proceeding to a pre-consultation phase on two specific proposals: the closure of Sandon JMI School in Sandon, effective from 31 August 2027, and the amalgamation of Purwell Primary School and Mary Exton Primary School in Hitchin to form a new single-form entry primary school from 1 September 2027. A four-week pre-consultation period is planned to begin on 12 November 2026, with views sought from a wide range of stakeholders.

Extending Colnbrook Special School and Opening a Satellite Provision

A proposal to extend the age range of and enlarge Colnbrook Special School by 40 places through the opening of a satellite provision at Woodhall Primary School during the 2027/28 academic year is scheduled for discussion. The report details the outcome of a statutory consultation, which received 136 responses, all of which were in favour of the proposal. The scheme aims to provide additional specialist capacity for children and young people with severe learning difficulties (SLD) and is part of Hertfordshire's wider programme to increase local SEND capacity. Capital funding of £3.712 million is sought for the necessary capital works, with £0.450 million to be allocated from the School Condition Allocation grant.

Approval of Statutory Proposals for New SEND Units

The panel will consider the approval of statutory proposals and the capital funding required to open Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) units at identified schools with cognition and learning needs, for the academic year 2027/28. The report outlines the outcomes of statutory consultations for four schemes:

• A 12-place SEND unit for children with Cognition and Learning (C&L) needs at St Mary's Infants' School in Baldock.
• A 16-place SEND unit for children with C&L and co-existing needs at Shenley Primary School in Shenley.
• A 36-place C&L SEND unit at Hitchin Boys' School, an academy, which will deliver its own scheme through a funding agreement.
• A 24-place C&L SEND unit at Ralph Sadleir School, an academy, which will be delivered by the council.

The total capital funding requested for these four schemes is £7.107 million, to be funded from the £147.343 million capital budget for Enhancing SEND Provision. The report also notes that a proposed scheme at St Peter's C of E (VA) Primary School in Rickmansworth is not proceeding at this time.

Hertfordshire School Improvement Strategy 2026-29

The panel will be asked to consider and recommend approval of the refreshed Hertfordshire School Improvement Strategy 2026-29. This revised strategy builds upon the previous 2021-2026 framework, incorporating significant developments in national and local education policy, including the Government's White Paper Every child achieving and thriving and reforms to Ofsted inspection arrangements. It also aligns with the Hertfordshire SEND Strategy 2026-2029 and other local priorities. The strategy retains the vision that every child in Hertfordshire should attend a great school where they are safe, happy and able to reach their full potential, with an increased focus on inclusion, vulnerable learners, educational excellence, workforce development, and sustainable partnerships.

Cabinet Panel Work Programme 2026/27

The panel will review and consider items for inclusion in its work programme for 2026/27, as outlined in Appendix A of the report. This includes potential additions such as the Rural and Small Schools Strategy, the impact of the reduction of independent schools on state-maintained schools and academies, and apprenticeships.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at 10:00 AM on Monday, 2 November 2026, in the Committee Room, Robertson House, Stevenage, SG1 2FQ. The meeting will be webcast live and recorded.