The Children, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee of Kent County Council met on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, to discuss performance monitoring, proposals for school expansions, and the establishment of a new primary school. Key decisions included the approval to increase the designated number of students at Laleham Gap School and to proceed with the pre-construction design and presumption process for a new primary school in Paddock Wood.

Proposal to Increase Designated Number at Laleham Gap School

The committee considered a proposal to permanently increase the formal designated number of students at Laleham Gap School from 188 to 208 from September 2026. Laleham Gap School, an outstanding special school for pupils aged 4-18 with communication and interaction needs, is already exceeding its current designated number. The increase is facilitated by repurposing rooms previously used by the Specialist Teaching and Learning Service. Following an informal consultation, which received 5 responses (2 supportive, 2 against, 1 undecided), the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Beverley Fordham, approved the increase and authorised officers to issue a public notice. This decision aims to ensure sufficient specialist provision within the Thanet district.

Proposed New Paddock Wood Primary School

A key discussion point was the proposal for a new primary school in Paddock Wood, to open in September 2028. This decision is driven by significant housing growth in the area, which is forecast to create a deficit in primary school places from 2028-29. The new school is planned to accommodate 1 Form of Entry (FE) with core facilities for 2 FE, including a 26-place nursery and a 14-place Specialist Resource Provision (SRP).

The committee was informed that the principle of a new school in Paddock Wood had been identified over a decade ago, but its establishment was deferred due to fluctuating birth rates and concerns about impacting existing schools. However, recent housing development and population growth have made the need for new provision urgent.

The proposal seeks approval for £1,409,507 in capital funds to complete pre-construction design activities and to initiate the Free School Presumption process, which will involve a competition for an academy trust to run the school. The estimated total project cost is circa £12.11 million.

Consultation responses indicated support from local residents and parents for the new school, while concerns were raised by the Diocese of Rochester and local rural schools regarding the impact on existing provision, the accuracy of demand forecasts, and potential traffic and parking issues. Leigh Academies Trust (LAT) also responded, supporting the need for provision but suggesting alternative delivery models. Officers addressed these concerns, stating that the proposal is based on localised demand evidence and that risks to existing schools are considered manageable.

The Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Beverley Fordham, approved the allocation of funds for pre-construction activities and authorised the commencement of the presumption process.

Performance Monitoring

Katherine Atkinson, Assistant Director of Management Information and Intelligence, presented the performance monitoring report. Positive trends were noted in the increasing performance of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) being issued within 20 weeks, reaching 91.3% in March. This was attributed, in part, to improved turnaround times for educational psychology assessments. The number of open EHCP cases exceeding 20 weeks had also significantly decreased.

However, the report highlighted a rising trend in children not in education, employment, or training (NEET), mirroring national trends. Changes to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for children's social care were also noted, with new measures to be introduced at the next committee meeting.

Several red indicators were discussed, including the percentage of children in care placed in KCC foster care or with relatives/friends (67.0%, below the 75.0% floor standard), and the average number of days between a child entering care and moving in with an adoptive family (458.2 days, above the national guide of 426 days). The percentage of care leavers in education, employment, or training was also below target at 53.9%. Actions to address these areas were outlined, including recruitment drives for foster carers and a review of care leaver support.

Concerns were raised about caseloads in Children's Social Work Teams (CSWT) in Canterbury and Dover, which remained above target. The report indicated that recruitment of newly qualified social workers and apprenticeships were being implemented to address these pressures.

The committee also noted the performance data for the Dartford area, which showed a predominance of green indicators.

Other Matters

The committee noted the work programme and agreed to add an update on Pathways for All to a future agenda.