Decision details

UPDATE – 7 September 2020:

At this point in time the decision to establish two 16 place Specialist Resourced Provisions (SRPs) for Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at Garlinge Primary is not in a position to be progressed, and therefore this decision will be taken at a later date.  However the decision to establish a 16 place Specialist Resourced Provision (SRP) for Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at Holy Trinity and St John’s CE Primary school, Thanet, will progress, following the Council’s agreed decision making procedure. 

Background: Around 3% of the total school population for which the Local Authority is responsible for have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).The number of pupils in the Thanet District with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in January 2019 was 1,369. This was an increase of 12.8% from 2018. This was higher than the national increase of 11%. As at January 2019, 4.8% of the pupils aged 5-19 years in Thanet (maintained and independent) were subject to an EHCP. Pupils with an EHCP in Kent are less likely to be educated in a maintained mainstream school than would be expected nationally. The establishment of SRPs attached to mainstream schools is part of the continuum of provision to enable pupils to be included within mainstream settings.

A number of students with an EHCP require higher level of support than can be provided in mainstream schools, but their needs are not so complex that a special school placement is appropriate. For these students we maintain a range of Specialist Resourced Provisions (SRPs) which are based in mainstream schools with places reserved for students with an EHCP.

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remains the most common primary need type with 40% of children and young people aged 0-25 years having an EHCP with this primary need identified. This is significantly higher than the national figure of 29%

Currently there are no SRPs in the Thant district for primary aged children for ASD.

Options: Options regarding the establishment of SRPs has been fully investigated with the SEN team and Garlinge Primary School & Nursery and Holy Trinity and St Johns Primary School were considered to be the best options to create an SRP for ASD for 16 children at each school.  Both school’s governing bodies are fully in support of the proposals and creating two provisions will enable choice for parents in Thanet with a child who requires additional support from an SRP provision.

The Cabinet Member for Education and Skills agrees to:

(i)            Issue two public notices to establish two 16 place Specialist Resourced Provisions (SRPs) for Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at Garlinge Primary School & Nursery and Holy Trinity and St John’s CE Primary School from January 2021.

And, subject to no objections being received to the public notices:

(ii)          Establish two 16 place Specialist Resourced Provisions (SRPs) for Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at Garlinge Primary School & Nursery and Holy Trinity and St John’s CE Primary School from January 2021.