The Education, SEND & Inclusion Cabinet Panel meeting on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, focused on the future of several primary schools and the development of SEND provision across Hertfordshire. Key decisions included recommending the closure of St Nicholas Elstree Church of England Primary School and Albury Church of England VA Primary School, while deferring a decision on Sandon JMI School for a year. The panel also discussed and recommended for approval significant capital investment for new school places in the Gilston development and endorsed a new SEND Strategy and Provision Plan for 2026-2029.

School Closure Proposals

The panel considered the outcomes of statutory consultations regarding the potential closure of three primary schools: St Nicholas Elstree Church of England (VA) Primary School, Albury Church of England (VA) Primary School, and Sandon JMI School.

St Nicholas Elstree Church of England (VA) Primary School: Following a consultation, the panel heard that the school had a significant number of surplus places and a growing financial deficit, despite efforts to improve its financial standing and educational outcomes. Officers noted that while the school had improved since its last Ofsted inspection, its overall rating and financial viability remained a concern. Despite some members arguing for more time and highlighting the school's community role, the majority of the panel voted to recommend to Cabinet that a statutory notice be published for the closure of St Nicholas Elstree Church of England (VA) Primary School, with effect from 31 August 2026. This decision was carried by the Chair's casting vote.

Albury Church of England (VA) Primary School: The panel discussed the proposal to close Albury Church of England (VA) Primary School on 31 August 2026. While acknowledging the school's 'Good' Ofsted rating and the community's strong attachment, officers presented evidence of significant financial deficits and declining pupil numbers, with only one first preference application for reception in September 2026. Despite some members advocating for more time for recovery, the panel was divided, with an equal number of votes for and against recommending closure. The Chair used their casting vote to recommend to Cabinet that a statutory notice be published for the closure of Albury Church of England (VA) Primary School.

Sandon JMI School: In contrast to the other two schools, the panel voted to defer the decision on the closure of Sandon JMI School for one year. This decision was made to allow the school and its governing body the opportunity to enact its submitted recovery plan. An update on progress against agreed success factors will be provided in Autumn 2026.

SEND Strategy and Provision Plan

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the development and proposed adoption of the Hertfordshire SEND Strategy 2026-2029 and the accompanying SEND Provision Plan (2026-2029).

SEND Strategy 2026-2029: The panel reviewed the draft SEND Strategy, which has been developed through extensive engagement with young people, parent carers, schools, and staff. The strategy outlines six key ambitions: Listen, Engage, Collaborate, Evolve ; Early Identification & Support ; Local Provision for Children and Young People ; Aspirational for All ; Preparing for the Future ; and Strong Foundations . The panel noted the findings of the public consultation, which broadly supported the identified priorities but highlighted a desire for more detail on how these ambitions would be delivered. The panel recommended to Cabinet that the draft SEND Strategy be approved and published.

SEND Provision Plan (2026-2029): The panel was informed about the proposed SEND Provision Plan, which aims to create a redesigned, inclusive, and needs-led continuum of provision. The plan focuses on strengthening mainstream capacity, expanding specialist provision within mainstream schools (aiming for at least 650 new places in Specialist Resource Provisions (SRPs) and SEND Units by 2029), creating more special school places (up to 500 by 2029), updating special school designations, and implementing child-centred placement decisions. The panel noted that a 12-week statutory consultation on this plan would commence on 23rd March 2026.

New School Places and Capital Funding

Gilston Development: An update was provided on plans to ensure sufficient education infrastructure for the planned Gilston Garden Town development, which includes up to 10,000 new homes. The panel was asked to recommend to Cabinet the approval of capital budgets for two new primary schools: one in Village 1 (£18.53m) and one in Village 7 (£18.53m). These schools are intended to serve the new communities, with delivery timed to coincide with the first occupations. The panel recommended Cabinet approve these capital budgets and delegate final contract values to the Executive Director of Children's Services.

SEND Units and Special School Satellite Provision: The panel reviewed the outcomes of statutory consultations on proposals to establish SEND provision at four primary schools. The proposals, aimed at increasing specialist provision locally, include:

• A 12-place SEMH SEND Unit at Westfield Primary School, Berkhamsted.
• A 24-place C&L SEND Unit at Shepherd Primary School, Rickmansworth.
• A 12-place C&L SEND Unit at Morgans Primary School, Hertford.
• The enlargement of Watling View Special School by opening a 32-place SLD Satellite provision on the site of Oakmere Primary School, Potters Bar.

The majority of consultation responses were in favour of these proposals. The panel recommended to Cabinet the approval of these four statutory proposals and the allocation of £5.494m in capital funding for their delivery. Equality Impact Assessments were noted, with moderate impacts identified for disability in relation to the Watling View satellite provision, but with proposed mitigations.

Performance Updates

SEND & Inclusion Performance Update Quarter 3 2025/26: David Butcher, Strategic Lead for Intelligence and Insight, presented a summary of SEND and Inclusion performance. Key highlights included a 40% increase in finalised EHC plans in 2025 compared to 2024, with a growing proportion of these plans reflecting specialist needs. While capacity in statutory SEND services is under pressure due to increased demand, investment is being prioritised for school-aged cohorts. The number of EHC Needs Assessment requests showed early signs of stabilising, though growth is expected to continue. EHCP quality and timeliness of assessments and annual reviews have improved. The panel noted concerns regarding the high rate of permanent exclusions for pupils with EHCPs and the increase in children missing education during the autumn term, although reintegration efforts are showing success.

Standards and Quality in Hertfordshire Schools: Tania Rawle, Head of Standards & Accountability, provided an overview of school performance. The data indicated strong educational provision in Hertfordshire, with a higher percentage of schools judged good or outstanding for Quality of Education and Leadership & Management compared to national figures. Outcomes across key stages were generally above national averages and in the top 40% of local authorities, with Key Stage 4 and 5 outcomes particularly strong. The report also highlighted that outcomes for pupils with SEND remain higher than national averages at Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4. However, attainment for pupils in receipt of Free School Meals (FSM) was noted as being lower than national standards, prompting a shift in focus towards raising attainment rather than solely closing the gap, with a pilot programme, the Every Child Programme, being implemented.

Virtual School Annual Report: Members received the Annual Report of the Virtual School Head, with thanks and congratulations extended to the team for their vital work and successes in supporting children in care.

Rural and Small Schools Resilience Strategy: The panel unanimously supported a motion to instruct officers to produce a 'Rural and Small Schools Resilience Strategy for Hertfordshire'. This strategy will provide clear advice and guidance to headteachers and governors to improve school resilience, identify schools at risk of closure, and ensure County Councillors are kept informed. The motion was amended to allow officers discretion on the timing of confidential briefings to local County Councillors.

Budget and Financial Strategy

Budget 2026/27 and Medium Term Financial Strategy (Environment, SEND and Inclusion): The panel reviewed the budget proposals relating to Education, SEND, and Inclusion. Concerns were raised about the national underfunding of High Needs Block grants and the growing number of EHCP requests. Despite these challenges, members acknowledged the commitment to improving SEND services and praised officers and the Executive Member for their work in securing budget allocations. The panel endorsed the proposals relating to the budget and MTFS for Education, SEND and Inclusion.

Admissions Arrangements

Hertfordshire County Council's Admission Arrangements for 2027-28: The panel reviewed amended admission arrangements for 2027-28, which included proposals to reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN) at two community and primary schools, retain existing arrangements for others, and increase the PAN at three rural community primary schools. The panel unanimously agreed to recommend these amendments to Cabinet.

The meeting was confirmed as held, and decisions were made.