The Education, SEND and Inclusion Cabinet Panel met to discuss several key issues, including delays to the relocation of Breakspear School, SEND performance, school admission arrangements, and childcare programmes. A motion regarding the relocation of Breakspear School was defeated. The panel recommended that the cabinet undertake consultation on proposed reductions to the published admission number (PAN) at four primary schools.

Breakspear School Relocation and Expansion

The panel discussed a motion concerning delays to the relocation and expansion of Breakspear School¹, a special school for children and young people with severe learning difficulties, currently located in Abbots Langley. The school is planned to be built on the Durrant site in Croxley Green.

Councillor Ralph Muncer proposed the motion, seconded by Councillor Paula Hiscocks, expressing concern over significant delays to the project, which would have provided 113 additional SEND spaces. He questioned the costs incurred due to the delays and sought assurance that the school would open no later than summer 2028.

Councillor Hiscocks addressed concerns about chalk-related ground issues at the relocation site, arguing that such discoveries are not unusual in the area and should not cause excessive delays. She highlighted the outdated and overcrowded conditions of Breakspear's current site and the opportunity to provide a modern, purpose-built school.

Officers responded, acknowledging the need to move forward and confirming that additional funds had been approved to address the ground conditions. They stated that the timeline was reasonable and would ensure necessary ground remediation works.

During the debate, Councillor Christopher Wright highlighted the lack of project management from the previous administration. Councillor Penelope Hill suggested a more thorough discussion of the project through the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Councillor Hiscocks emphasised the impact of the delays on children and families.

Jackie Aldridge, Head of Design and Capital Delivery, explained that a risk-balanced approach was necessary due to the large site and complex ground conditions, comparing it to Swiss cheese.

Ultimately, the panel voted against the motion.

SEND and Inclusion Performance

The panel reviewed the SEND and Inclusion Performance Quarter 1 2025/26 Report, presented by David Butcher, Strategic Lead for Intelligence and Insight. Key points included:

• A significant increase in children and young people with education, health and care plans (EHCPs).
• Improvements in completing assessments within 20 weeks, a key statutory marker.
• Increased satisfaction among parents surveyed after the assessment process.
• An increase in amended plans issued following annual reviews within 12 weeks.
• A decrease in permanent exclusions.

Councillor Mark Watkin, Executive member for Education, SEND and Inclusion, noted the increasing demand and pressures on the service. He highlighted the importance of mainstream schools accommodating more children with special educational needs to reduce demand on EHCPs.

During the discussion, concerns were raised about managing children with significantly greater needs, supporting staff, and the limitations of the data. Hira Perman, spoke about staff well-being, noting a reduction in staff turnover.

Councillor Tina Bhartwas inquired about reduced timetables and support for students to return to full-time learning. Tony Smith, responded that a new portal was in place for schools to report reduced timetables, and that the council scrutinises these and supports schools to help children return to full time education.

Councillor Hiscocks raised concerns about communication, children waiting for specialist placements, children missing education, and home education. She requested data on the children's voice for home-educated children and a breakdown of why children are missing education.

Councillor Ralph Muncer asked for information on the educational outcomes and qualifications gained by home-educated children.

Councillor Kirsty Taylor-Moran requested data broken down by Delivering Specialist Provision Locally (DSPL) areas².

Councillor Beth Kelly inquired about permanent exclusions in secondary schools and the difference between DSPL areas and districts.

Councillor Jan Maddern suggested training for councillors to support families through the SEND process.

School Admission Arrangements

The panel discussed Hertfordshire County Council's admission arrangements for 2027-28. Jane Abery, Deputy Head of Admissions, presented the report, highlighting proposed reductions to the published admission number (PAN) at four community and voluntary-controlled primary schools.

The schools affected are:

• Kimpton Primary School, Kimpton, Hitchin: Proposed reduction from 30 to 15 places.
• St Mary's Junior School, Baldock: Proposed reduction from 60 to 30 places.
• Leavesden Green Primary School, Watford: Proposed reduction from 60 to 30 places.
• Little Green Junior School, Croxley Green: Proposed reduction from 90 to 60 places.

The panel approved a recommendation to Cabinet that consultation be undertaken in the local relevant area to reduce the PAN at the four primary schools.

Wraparound Childcare Programme

Pablo Benvenutto, Strategy Manager, provided an update on the wraparound childcare programme, a DfE-funded initiative to expand childcare provision for primary school-aged children. The programme aimed to offer childcare from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, during term time.

As of September 2025, the programme had delivered over 2,000 places. The DfE has been flexible with the criteria, introducing equivalent hours and partial hours to accommodate different needs.

The panel discussed the take-up of places, inclusivity for children with SEND, and the sustainability of the programme.

Childcare Expansion Programme

Jamie Leavy, Strategy Manager, presented an update on the childcare expansion programme, which offers up to 30 hours of free childcare to eligible working parents of children over nine months old. Hertfordshire has successfully delivered previous phases, creating over 900 daycare places and receiving further funding to support providers.

The panel discussed the term-time only nature of the provision, the impact on private nurseries, and the need for more support for children with SEND.

Children Services Annual Complaints and Compliments

Kamaljit Bhangal, Complaints Manager, presented the Children Services Annual Complaints and Compliments Report for 2024-2025. The report highlighted a 74% increase in compliments and a 5% increase in complaints. The main themes of complaints were related to workers, delays in responding, and dissatisfaction with care plans/assessments.

The panel discussed the support provided to staff dealing with complaints and the need for improved response times.