The Education, SEND & Inclusion Cabinet Panel of Hertfordshire Council met on Thursday 6 November 2025 to discuss several key issues, including proposals for school reorganisations, the SEND strategy, and the expansion of Southfield School. The panel recommended proceeding with public consultations on the potential closure of Sandon JMI School, Albury Church of England VA Primary School, and St Nicholas Church of England Primary School, Elstree. They also approved the draft SEND Strategy 2026-2029 for public consultation and recommended the enlargement of Southfield School, Hatfield.

School Reorganisation Proposals

The panel considered proposals for the future of three primary schools facing challenges due to low pupil numbers: Sandon JMI School, Albury Church of England VA Primary School, and St Nicholas Church of England VA Primary School in Elstree.

Sandon JMI School: The panel heard that Sandon JMI School has seen a significant decline in pupil numbers, with only 20 pupils on roll. Despite a recovery plan presented by the school, officers expressed concerns about its viability due to low local demand and a projected surplus of places in the wider planning area. The school's rural designation was noted, but the case for closure was considered strong due to financial and educational sustainability concerns. The panel ultimately voted to defer the decision on Sandon JMI School, giving the school a year to demonstrate its recovery plan's success.

Albury Church of England VA Primary School: Albury CofE VA Primary School also faces low pupil numbers, with only 39 pupils on roll and a projected surplus of places in its planning area. The school's federation with Puller Memorial Primary School has not yielded the necessary efficiencies. Despite a recovery plan presented by the local member, officers highlighted the lack of new housing development in Albury and the fact that a majority of local children do not attend the school. The panel voted to recommend proceeding to public consultation on the closure of Albury CofE VA Primary School.

St Nicholas Church of England Primary School, Elstree: St Nicholas Elstree has experienced a significant drop in pupil numbers following a Requires Improvement Ofsted rating in October 2023. Officers highlighted that despite sufficient local demand in the area, families are choosing alternative schools. The school has a substantial and growing deficit budget. The panel recommended proceeding to public consultation on the closure of St Nicholas Church of England Primary School.

SEND Strategy 2026-2029

The panel reviewed the draft SEND Strategy 2026-2029, which has been developed through extensive engagement with children, young people, families, schools, and professionals. The strategy aims to improve outcomes and experiences for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across Hertfordshire. Key ambitions include listening and engaging with stakeholders, providing early identification and support, developing local provision, fostering inclusion, preparing for the future, and building strong foundations through workforce development and technology. The panel noted the strategy's adaptability to national policy changes and recommended that a 12-week public consultation be undertaken on the draft strategy.

Enlargement of Southfield School, Hatfield

The panel received an update on the outcome of the public consultation regarding the proposal to enlarge Southfield School by 26 places, from 100 to 126, from September 2026. Southfield School is a special school for children with Learning Difficulties (LD) and Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD). The consultation showed strong support for the proposal, with 77.4% of respondents agreeing. Concerns raised primarily related to traffic management on Woods Avenue, which officers addressed by outlining plans for an expanded on-site pick-up and drop-off area and ongoing collaboration with neighbouring schools. The panel recommended to Cabinet that the proposal to enlarge Southfield School be approved.

UK Youth Parliament and Local Youth Councils

The panel was provided with an update on the proposed engagement with the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) and local SEND youth councils. Services for Young People (SfYP) currently runs 10 local youth councils and 10 SEND youth councils, and is proposing to establish seven elected members and seven deputies to represent Hertfordshire nationally within the UKYP. This initiative is to be funded from existing SfYP budgets. The panel noted the report and commented on the proposed allocation of seats across the county.

Plan for Children and Young People: Performance Report 2024/25

The panel reviewed the 2024/25 Performance Report for the Plan for Children and Young People. The report indicated largely positive performance against strategic ambitions, with many indicators showing improving trends. Areas of particular strength included the number of children returning home from care, increased visits to the Local Offer website, and the delivery of new special school places. However, areas for attention were also highlighted, including the percentage of Children Looked After living out of county and the achievement gap for disadvantaged pupils at Key Stage 4. The report noted that the plan is delivered within existing budgets and has no direct financial implications.

The meeting concluded with the panel noting the performance report and agreeing to move forward with the proposed consultations and recommendations.