Here is a summary of the topics that were scheduled for discussion at the Education, SEND & Inclusion Cabinet Panel meeting on 9 July 2025. The agenda included updates on the SEND priority action plan, specialist resource provisions, additional capital funding for SEND, closing the attainment gap in early years, and the children and young people's strategic plan.

SEND Priority Action Plan and Improvement Plan

The Education, SEND & Inclusion Cabinet Panel were scheduled to note and comment on a report about the progress and impact of the Hertfordshire Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Local Area Partnership's (the Partnership) Priority Action and Improvement Plan.

The report in the report pack noted that the Partnership was at a crucial point in the SEND improvement journey, as the intended lifecycle of the Priority Action & Improvement Plan had come to an end, but the partnership had not yet had a monitoring visit from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The report also noted that a SEND Summit was scheduled for September 2025, as part of the council's commitment to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to be heard and influence what happens next.

Specialist Resource Provision Phase 4

The Education, SEND & Inclusion Cabinet Panel were scheduled to discuss the outcome of the public consultation on the proposal to create Specialist Resource Provision (SRP) at Lordship Farm Primary School in Letchworth, and Swallow Dell Primary & Nursery School in Welwyn Garden City, from 1 January 2026.

The report in the report pack noted that on 17 March 2025, the Cabinet approved the publication of statutory notices to deliver Phase 4 of the SRP Strategy, to establish two new SRPs; one at Lordship Farm Primary School and one at Swallow Dell Primary & Nursery School, from 1 January 2026.

The report also noted that a statutory notice for each of the proposals was published on 23 April 2025, inviting stakeholders to submit comments.

Additional Capital Funding for SEND

The Education, SEND & Inclusion Cabinet Panel were scheduled to discuss a report providing updated budget estimates and seek approval for additional capital funding to support the following SEND schemes:

• The construction of Journeys Academy, a new communication and autism primary school on the former Sunnybank Primary School site, Potters Bar.
• The rebuild and consolidation of North Herts Education Support Centre (NH ESC), at Briar Patch Lane, Letchworth Garden City.
• The Enlargement of The Collett School through satellite provision at the former Laureate sixth form building, Gadebridge Rd, Hemel Hempstead.
• The enlargement of Breakspeare School, Abbots Langley, through the relocation of the school to the Durrants School Former Playing Field site, Manor Way, Croxley Green.

The report in the report pack noted that additional capital funding is required to support the delivery of the four major SEND schemes.

Closing the Gap – Attainment Gap in the Early Years

The Education, SEND & Inclusion Cabinet Panel were scheduled to be informed of the work being undertaken in Hertfordshire to close the gap in attainment in the early years between children who would be eligible for free school meals and all others.

The report in the report pack noted that the gap in EYFS attainment at end of Reception year in Hertfordshire between those eligible for free school meals (FSM) and all others is currently 25.3% (2024).

The report also noted that the Early Years Service (EYS) collect progress data three times per year for approximately 60% of the cohort of early years children accessing early education and childcare entitlements at age two, three and four.

Plan for Children and Young People

The Education, SEND & Inclusion Cabinet Panel were scheduled to endorse the Children and Young People's Strategic Plan 2026-2031 for approval at Cabinet.

The report in the report pack noted that the new Plan sets out ambitions for improving outcomes for Hertfordshire's children and young people and how they will be enabled.

The report also noted that the Plan has been developed following extensive consultation with key stakeholders including, members, families, children and young people, and professionals.