The Children's, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee met to discuss several key issues, including increasing the number of places at Nexus Foundation Special School, funding for school services, and commissioning short break day activities for disabled children. The committee endorsed the decision to release capital funding for the second phase of works at Nexus School, while also endorsing, with some reservations, a decision regarding the funding of services to schools, and a decision to commission short break day activities. The committee also reviewed the Local Authority Designated Officer Education Safeguarding Service Annual Report 2024-25 and the Private Fostering Annual Report 2024-25, and noted the work programme.

Nexus Foundation Special School Expansion

The committee endorsed the release of additional capital funding for the second phase of expansion works at Nexus Foundation Special School, a school catering for children with profound, severe, and complex needs in the Tunbridge and Malling area. The decision aims to increase the school's designated number of places to meet the growing demand and ensure appropriate facilities are available.

Councillor Paul Stepto supported the expansion, noting that it would:

improve travel distances, so it's a good concern to move forward with.

The expansion project's initial cost estimate of £2.88 million had significantly increased to £7.173 million, raising concerns among committee members. Councillor Alister Brady questioned the accuracy of the initial estimation and the cost of the contractor who provided it. An officer explained that the initial estimate was over-optimistic and that new processes had been implemented to ensure more accurate cost estimates in the future, including an additional layer of external quantity surveyors.

Despite the cost increase, the committee agreed that the expansion was essential to provide local provision for children with complex needs and avoid the higher costs associated with independent sector placements.

Funding of Services to Schools 2026-27

The committee endorsed a decision regarding the funding of services to schools for 2026-27, despite reservations raised by Councillor Alister Brady. The proposal involves shifting the funding of certain services, such as statutory compliance, health and safety, and teacher pensions, from the council's general fund to maintained schools' delegated budgets through a process called top-slicing¹.

The aim is to create parity between maintained schools and academies, which already fund these services from their own budgets. However, concerns were raised about the potential impact on schools' already strained budgets and whether the council was adequately listening to schools' concerns.

Councillor Alister Brady voiced his concerns, stating:

I think the point here is how do we listen to schools?

He highlighted that a clear majority of schools disagreed with top-slicing for certain services and suggested a more nuanced approach.

An officer explained that the decision requires the support of the Schools Funding Forum and that there would be opportunities to further consult with schools and potentially revise the proposals. The officer also clarified that the council would still have a responsibility to ensure that all schools, including those that choose to manage these services themselves, meet the required standards.

Councillor Trudy Dean raised concerns about the impact of the proposals on smaller schools and the potential for underfunding by the government.

Commissioning of Short Break Day Activities 2026 to 2028

The committee endorsed a decision to commission short break day activities for disabled children for the period 2026 to 2028 through a grant process. These activities provide respite for families and social opportunities for children with disabilities.

Councillor Alister Brady supported the proposal, emphasising the importance of these services and the need to avoid gaps in provision. He also asked how outcomes would be measured and how consultation would influence the next steps.

An officer explained that providers would be required to record data on the council's early health system, Core Plus, and that annual reviews would be conducted to gather feedback from parents and carers.

Councillor Trudy Dean asked about the capacity of the voluntary sector to take on these contracts. An officer confirmed that the voluntary sector had the capacity and was actively engaging with changes in procurement activity.

Local Authority Designated Officer Education Safeguarding Service Annual Report 2024-25

The committee noted the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) Education Safeguarding Service (LESAS) Annual Report for 2024-25. The report provided an overview of the service's performance, including the number of referrals received and the training provided to education settings.

Councillor Paul Stepto proposed offering safeguarding training to members, particularly those involved in home school transport appeals, given the safeguarding issues that can arise in those cases. This proposal was supported by the committee.

Councillor Trudy Dean raised several questions about the report, including the service's engagement with faith groups and the accuracy of data on safeguarding issues.

Ms. Hammond thanked Councillor Dean for her questions, emphasising the importance of the report in highlighting concerns around children's safeguarding in the community.

Private Fostering Annual Report 2024-25

The committee noted the Private Fostering Annual Report for 2024-25. The report provided an overview of private fostering arrangements in Kent, including the number of notifications received and the support provided to privately fostered children.

Councillor Claudine Russell asked for reassurance about the support being provided to a specific child mentioned in the report. An officer confirmed that support was in place under a child in need framework.

Councillor Paul Stepto asked about the rules regarding family members as carers, referencing the case of Victoria Climbie². An officer explained that the private fostering regulations had been significantly tightened since Victoria's death and that the council relies on families and professionals to be honest about who is providing care.

Councillor Alister Brady asked about hidden private fostering and how the council checks in cases of homeschooling. An officer explained that there isn't anything in legislation that would cause a person to be guilty and have a criminal record as a result of not declaring.

Work Programme

The committee noted the work programme for future meetings. Councillor Alister Brady advised moving some items from the November agenda to December to reduce the workload.