The Education, SEND and Inclusion Cabinet Panel met on Thursday 11 September 2025 to discuss the relocation and expansion of Breakspear School, review SEND performance, and consider proposals for school admissions arrangements. The panel also received updates on the Wraparound Childcare Programme and the Childcare Expansion Programme, and reviewed the annual complaints and compliments report for Children's Services.

Motion on the Relocation and Expansion of Breakspear School

The panel discussed a motion concerning the relocation and expansion of Breakspear School, a special school for children and young people with severe learning difficulties. Ralph Muncer, the proposer of the motion, highlighted significant delays of over two years to the project, expressing concern about the impact on 113 families who would have benefited from the additional places. He questioned the costs associated with these delays and sought assurance that the school would open by summer 2028. Paula Hiscocks, the seconder, acknowledged the discovery of chalk-related ground issues as a challenge but not an insurmountable one, citing other local developments built on chalk. She questioned why such a delay was necessary and urged for a more courageous and purposeful approach.

Officers confirmed that additional funds had been approved by Cabinet to ensure the project could proceed at pace. They assured the panel that the proposed programme was reasonable and would allow for necessary ground remediation works. However, the exact cost of the delay to the taxpayer was not immediately available, as this information had been contained within a Part II report.

During the debate, Councillor Chris Lloyd highlighted historical issues with the site selection and access, while Councillor Penelope Hill suggested that further scrutiny of past decisions could be undertaken through the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Councillor Mark Watkin, Executive Member for Education, SEND and Inclusion, reassured the panel that the new administration had made this project a top priority and had moved quickly to secure approvals. He also thanked officers for their work and for incorporating suggestions regarding the risk matrix and survey timings.

Ultimately, the motion was defeated by a vote of 5 to 4 against, with one abstention.

SEND & Inclusion Performance Quarter 1 2025/26 Report

David Butcher, Strategic Lead for Intelligence and Insight, presented the SEND and Inclusion performance report for Quarter 1 of the 2025/26 academic year. He highlighted a significant increase in the number of children and young people supported with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), noting an ongoing upward trend. This increase was attributed to intensive work on assessment and advice-giving services.

Key performance indicators showed improvement in the completion of assessments within the statutory 20-week timeframe, with 67% completed in July and 77% by August. Parental satisfaction with the assessment process had also risen to 68%.

The report also indicated an increase in the number of annual reviews completed and amended plans issued, with over half of families receiving final amended plans within the 12-week statutory expectation.

The report detailed that approximately 42,000 pupils in Hertfordshire schools have an identified special educational need, representing nearly one in five pupils. Permanent exclusions had significantly reduced in number and rate.

During the discussion, councillors raised questions about managing the needs of children with greater needs, the stability of the recruited workforce, and the financial capacity of schools to meet aspirations for SEND support. Officers confirmed that while data provides insights, a nuanced approach is taken to support children with additional risk factors. They also reported a significant reduction in turnover within the SEND workforce, from 44% to 25% on average, with the school-aged statutory SEND service at 17%.

Councillor Paula Hiscocks raised concerns about children waiting for specialist placements and those on reduced timetables, questioning the reasons for missing education and the support offered to schools. Officers explained the new reduced timetable pathway and the work being done to support reintegration into full-time education. They also detailed efforts to address children missing education and those electively home-educated, with responsibility now integrated into the Virtual School.

Councillor Kirsty Taylor-Moran requested data broken down by DSPL areas, and officers confirmed they were mapping SEND data across various local government reorganisation models. Councillor Ralph Muncer sought information on educational outcomes and qualifications for home-educated children, which officers agreed to investigate.

The panel also discussed the quality of provision, with a request for data on specialist placements and the capacity of special schools and resource provisions. The financial implications of increasing demand for SEND services were also raised.

Tina Bhartwas inquired about the effectiveness of implementation support officers in identifying and meeting children's needs earlier, and officers clarified that the focus had shifted towards earlier intervention. Beth Kelly highlighted concerns about permanent exclusions in secondary schools and requested clarification on the difference between DSPL areas and district areas.

Jan Maddern suggested a training day for councillors on the SEND process to better support families. Officers agreed to explore this possibility, while also advising on the safest route for casework.

The panel noted the report.

Hertfordshire County Council's Admission Arrangements for 2027-28

The panel considered proposals for Hertfordshire County Council's admission arrangements for the 2027-28 academic year. Jayne Abery, Deputy Head of Admissions, presented proposals for reducing the Published Admission Number (PAN) at four community and voluntary-controlled primary schools: Kimpton Primary School (from 30 to 15), St Mary's Junior School, Baldock (from 60 to 30), Leavesden Green Primary School, Watford (from 60 to 30), and Little Green Junior School, Croxley Green (from 90 to 60). These reductions are due to declining pupil numbers and are intended to ensure financial viability and a better match of places to demand.

The panel heard that consultation would be undertaken on these proposals. Minor increases to the PAN were also proposed for Widford and Hunsdon Primary Schools to accommodate a federation. Existing schemes of coordination were recommended for retention.

Councillor Chris Lloyd, representing Kimpton, expressed concerns about the impact of PAN reductions on rural primary schools and the potential for mixed-year group classes. Officers assured that mixed-year groups are common and do not necessarily negatively impact educational outcomes, and that PAN reductions allow for better financial forecasting. They also confirmed that the reduction at Kimpton aligns with the local preschool population and that capacity could be increased if demand grows.

Councillor Paula Hiscocks raised concerns about the impact of growth in neighbouring areas on the decision for Kimpton and Codicote primary schools. Officers explained that additional land had been secured for Codicote Primary School's expansion and that local demand was being met. Ralph Muncer questioned the measures being investigated to improve the viability of rural primary schools through resource sharing, but the Chair ruled this was outside the scope of the current discussion.

Councillor Beth Kelly inquired about the retention of facilities for potential future expansion, and officers confirmed that reduced PANs allow for flexibility to increase numbers later without requiring new buildings. Chris Lloyd, as chairman of governors for Kimpton, reassured the panel that the school had consulted early and was prepared to increase its PAN if needed.

The recommendation to consult on the proposed PAN reductions at the four primary schools was approved unanimously.

Wraparound Childcare Programme

Melanie Knowles and Pablo Benvenutto provided an update on the Department for Education (DfE) funded Wraparound Childcare Programme. The programme aims to expand wraparound childcare provision, running from 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday, during term time, for primary school-aged children. Hertfordshire has successfully delivered over 2,000 places, exceeding initial targets, with further applications in progress.

Support has been provided to schools and providers through business planning, financial forecasting, and training, including safeguarding training. An inclusivity statement, developed with Herts Parent Carer Involvement (HPCI), is a mandatory part of the grant award process. The programme has seen significant engagement from schools and providers, with a focus on ensuring long-term sustainability beyond March 2026.

Councillor Mark Watkin, Chair of the Panel, raised questions about take-up rates, additional funding for children with EHCPs, and any geographical variability in provision. Officers stated that take-up is still early days and can be fluid, but data collection is ongoing. They clarified that DfE funding cannot be used to subsidise places but can support costs for equipment and inclusive spaces. There is no specific geographical concern, but rather individual schools with insufficient demand.

Councillor Ralph Muncer questioned the long-term sustainability of the scheme, particularly concerning Section 106 contributions, and whether the programme has had the desired impact on workforce productivity. Officers explained that Section 106 is for capital expansion, and ongoing funding for places comes from the DfE. They acknowledged that assessing the direct economic impact is complex but stated they could explore this further.

Councillor Paula Hiscocks praised the programme's success in enabling parents, particularly women, to return to work and progress their careers, but highlighted the lack of term-time provision as a significant challenge. She also raised concerns about the costs for private nurseries. Officers explained that government initiatives like tax-free childcare help mitigate costs, and schools sometimes offer reductions for vulnerable families.

Beth Kelly welcomed the programme's positive impact on women's lives and child development, while also raising concerns about workforce capacity and the quality of provision. Officers reported that workforce capacity is currently strong, with an increase in people entering the childcare sector.

Tina Bhartwas inquired about how the provision supports parents actively looking for work and whether childcare hours align with interview times. The Chair noted this was a question for the programme designers rather than the delivery team.

Jan Maddern raised concerns about transport for SEN children attending after-school clubs, and officers explained the challenges with funding transport for wraparound care, particularly for special schools, and that this was a lobbying point with the DfE.

The panel noted the report.

Childcare Expansion Programme Update

Jamie Leavy provided an update on the Childcare Expansion Programme, which is now in Phase 3, offering up to 30 hours of free childcare per week to eligible working parents of children aged nine months and older. Hertfordshire has seen high uptake rates in Phases 1 and 2, and the sector's response has been robust, creating over 900 daycare places through capital grants and an additional 660 places via Section 106 contributions. A further £1.9 million grant was distributed to providers in August 2025.

The childcare market in Hertfordshire remains stable, with high parental satisfaction (82%) and manageable costs (66%). The expansion has positively impacted employment, with 42% of parents increasing their working hours. Provider confidence is also high, with 88% anticipating financial viability.

Councillor Kirsty Taylor-Moran raised concerns about the term-time-only nature of some provision and the lack of affordable childcare during school holidays, particularly for parents working full-time. Officers clarified that the expansion focused on all-year-round daycare places, and while holiday play schemes are supported, they are not a government priority for expansion.

Ralph Muncer questioned the long-term sustainability of the scheme, particularly regarding Section 106 funding, and the financial struggles of some preschools. Officers explained that Section 106 is for capital expansion and that DfE funding for places is ongoing. They also acknowledged that some providers, particularly those catering to three and four-year-olds, face financial challenges, and this has been reported to MPs and the DfE.

Paula Hiscocks praised the programme as a successful Conservative initiative that has enabled parents, particularly women, to return to work and progress their careers. She echoed concerns about term-time-only provision and the costs faced by private nurseries, hoping the new government would address these.

Beth Kelly welcomed the expansion for its positive impact on women and child development, but also raised concerns about workforce capacity and the quality of provision. Officers reported that workforce capacity is currently strong.

Penelope Hill, who disclosed she was a recipient of the free childcare hours, raised points about the application process, eligibility criteria (specifically regarding indefinite leave to remain), and the need for comparable data on the quality of provision from private nurseries. Officers clarified that eligibility criteria are set nationally and that they review all types of provision.

The panel noted the report.

Children's Services Annual Complaints and Compliments Report 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025

Kamaljit Bhangal, Complaints Manager, presented the annual report on compliments and complaints for Children's Services. The report showed a significant increase in compliments received (up 74% to 1,178), attributed to workforce investment, strengthened practices, and increased awareness of the compliments process. Total representations increased by 5% to 1,184, with Stage 1 complaints rising by 8% to 849.

The main themes for representations included complaints about workers, delays in responding and communication issues, dissatisfaction with care plans/assessments, unactioned casework, quality of service, and dissatisfaction with specialist settings.

While acknowledgement timescales were met at 100%, overall response timescales declined, with only 68% of representations responded to within statutory timescales and 36% within 10 working days. Stage 2 complaint investigations increased slightly to 224. Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) complaints rose by 17% to 81, with fault identified in 37 cases. Financial remedies awarded totalled £91,386.

The report noted a decrease in SEND complaints in Q2, Q3, and Q4 of 2024/25, offset by an increase in Q1, but the overall trajectory of complaints is declining into 2025/26. The ratio of complaints to EHCPs is lower due to an increase in EHCP numbers.

Councillor Chris Lloyd noted the increase in compliments but requested a breakdown of complaints by social care and education in future reports. He also inquired about the support provided to staff dealing with complaints. Officers confirmed that staff receive training and support throughout the complaints process, and that complaints are not taken personally but are seen as part of the work undertaken for the council.

Ralph Muncer observed that while the overall trend for complaints is downwards, delays in responding remain an issue. He stressed the importance of empathy and timely acknowledgement.

The panel noted the report.

The meeting concluded with the Chair thanking members for their questions and noting that follow-up discussions would occur regarding childcare issues.