The Education, SEND & Inclusion Cabinet Panel of Hertfordshire Council met on Friday 30 January 2026 to discuss the proposed closure of two primary schools, Albury Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School and St Nicholas Elstree Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School. The panel also reviewed the proposed budget for 2026/27 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy for Education, SEND and Inclusion, alongside updates on SEND performance and the Virtual School's annual report.

Albury Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School Closure Proposal

The panel considered the outcome of the public consultation on the proposal to close Albury Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School on 31 August 2026. Despite 96.1% of respondents disagreeing with the proposal, officers presented evidence highlighting the school's unsustainable financial position and declining pupil numbers. The school has not balanced its budget for over five years, and current projections indicate a significant deficit. While acknowledging the school's value to the community, the panel was advised that keeping it open would risk compromising educational standards. A recovery plan proposed by parents was deemed unrealistic by officers, as it relied on increasing pupil numbers to 50, a level the school has not sustained financially in the past.

Following extensive debate, the panel voted by six to five to recommend to Cabinet that it authorises the Director of Children's Services to publish a statutory notice on the proposal to close Albury C of E VA Primary School.

St Nicholas Elstree Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School Closure Proposal

The panel also reviewed the outcome of the public consultation on the proposal to close St Nicholas Elstree Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School on 31 August 2026. Similar to Albury, the school faces significant financial challenges due to low pupil numbers, with a projected deficit exceeding £650,000 by 2027/28. Despite 95.1% of respondents disagreeing with the proposal, officers presented data indicating declining pupil numbers and surplus capacity in the wider area. Concerns were raised about the school's ability to deliver a broad curriculum and maintain financial viability.

In a split decision, the panel voted six to six, with the Chair using their casting vote to support the proposal. Therefore, the panel recommended to Cabinet that it authorises the Director of Children's Services to publish a statutory notice to close St Nicholas Church of England (CofE) (VA) Primary School.

Budget 2026/27 and Medium Term Financial Strategy (Education, SEND & Inclusion)

Rachel, Head of Finance for Children's Services, presented an overview of the proposed budget for the Education, SEND and Inclusion portfolio. The overall Hertfordshire County Council budget is £1.2 billion, with Children's Services accounting for approximately £309 million. The report highlighted unprecedented financial challenges, including a £42 million gap due to Fair Funding reforms. Significant investment is planned for SEND services, with £6.3 million allocated to improve opportunities and outcomes, and a £140 million capital programme to expand specialist facilities. Savings proposals include £900,000 from the home-to-school transport budget and changes to post-16 transport policy. The High Needs Block faces a projected deficit of £90 million, leading to borrowing costs of £6.4 million. The panel noted and commented on the report, endorsing the Cabinet's proposals for the budget and MTFS.

Hertfordshire County Council's Admission Arrangements for 2027-28

The panel considered proposed amendments to the County Council's admission arrangements for 2027-28. These included reducing the Published Admission Number (PAN) at two community primary schools: Kimpton Primary School (from 30 to 15) and Little Green Junior School (from 90 to 60). The proposal to reduce the PAN at Leavesden Green Primary School was not supported by the governing body. Additionally, proposals were made to increase the PAN at three rural community primary schools: Widford and Hunsdon Primary Schools (by one each) and Reed First School (from 12 to 14). The panel unanimously endorsed these proposed amendments.

SEND Improvement Update

Erin Bradley, Strategic Lead for Intelligence and Insight, presented an update on the SEND improvement journey, highlighting the positive outcome of a recent Ofsted and CQC monitoring inspection. The inspection concluded that the Hertfordshire SEND Local Area Partnership had taken effective action in addressing its two Areas for Priority Action. While acknowledging that further work is needed, the report detailed progress in areas such as EHCP timeliness and quality, communications, co-production, inclusion, and SEND provision. The panel noted the report and congratulated the team on their achievements.

The Annual Report of the Virtual School Head

Marietta Harrow, Head of Achievement for the Virtual School, presented the annual report for 2024-2025. The report highlighted significant achievements in educational outcomes for Children Looked After (CLA) across all key stages, with Early Years and Key Stage 2 results exceeding regional and national averages. Key Stage 4 attainment also showed improvement. The report detailed the Virtual School's work in supporting CLA in further and higher education, including a 13% increase in young people sustaining education, employment, or training (EET) post-16. The panel expressed their appreciation for the Virtual School's work and congratulated the team on their achievements.

Response to Motion: Rural and Small Schools Resilience Strategy for Hertfordshire

The panel considered a motion proposed by Councillor Ralph Muncer and seconded by Councillor Paula Hiscocks, calling for the development of a 'Rural and Small Schools Resilience Strategy for Hertfordshire'. The motion aimed to provide headteachers and governors with guidance to improve school resilience, identify at-risk schools for early intervention, and ensure councillors are briefed on challenges and at-risk schools. Officers outlined existing strategies, including financial support, partnership working, and PAN reductions. While acknowledging the motion's intent, concerns were raised about the confidentiality of briefings on at-risk schools to prevent premature damage to school communities. The panel agreed to a modified approach where officers would provide confidential briefings to local members where appropriate or requested, striking a balance between informing councillors and maintaining confidentiality.

The meeting concluded with the panel noting and commenting on the reports presented.