Proposed decision
To permanently remove the specialist resourced provision for pupils with speech and language needs at River Primary School, following statutory consultation and representation.
Reason for the decision
The specialist resource provision (SRP) at River Primary School is designated to meet speech and language needs (S&LN). The number of pupils for whom the SRP at River Primary School has been deemed appropriate has fallen significantly. Currently there are only 4 pupils accessing the SRP and all will move on to secondary school within the next two years.
Background – Provide brief additional context
In order to meet the changing needs of pupils, SRPs now need to provide for pupils who may have wider communication needs in addition to purely speech and language. This may include Speech Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Whilst the number of pupils supported by River’s SRP has fallen, the number supported by the SRP at Whitfield Aspen School has grown significantly (by over 100 places since 2015). This is because it has the existing resources and expertise to support pupils with multiple need types including SLCN and ASD.
An SRP in Deal/Walmer would reduce the distances that residents in Deal, Walmer, Sandwich and the surrounding villages have to travel to secure specialist provision.
Kent’s Strategic Statement
The proposed decision supports KCC’s strategic statement as it is necessary for KCC to continue to deliver the statutory duty, in a cost-effective way. It will help to maintain KCC’s strategic role in supporting schools in Kent to deliver accessible, high quality education provision for all families, particularly those with SEND.
Options (other options considered but discarded)
Option 1: to keep the SRP open for purely speech and language needs was not viable as insufficient pupils with this need are being identified to keep the provision viable. The changing needs of pupils mean that SRPs now need to provide for pupils who may have wider communication needs in addition to purely speech and language.
Option 2: broadening the need type that the SRP can support, was considered and discarded as the accommodation and site constraints at River Primary School mean the premises do not lend themselves to supporting other need types.
Decision type: Key
Decision status: For Determination
Notice of proposed decision first published: 06/01/2026
Decision due: Not before 4th Feb 2026 by Cabinet Member for Education and Skills
Reason: To allow 28 day notice period required under Executive Decision regulations
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Education and Skills
Lead director: Christine McInnes
Contact: David Adams, Assistant Director Education (South Kent) Email: david.adams@kent.gov.uk Tel: 01233 898559.
Consultees
Public consultation:
A public consultation will take place between 10th November and 8th December 2025. The outcome of the consultation will be reported to the Cabinet Member prior to any formal decision being made.
Cabinet Committee consultation:
The proposed decision will be considered at the Children’s, Young People and Education cabinet Committee on 20th January 2026.
Financial implications: Capital: No capital funding is required to implement the proposal. Revenue: Places in the SRP are paid by KCC on an annual basis and funded from the High Needs Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant, a specific ring-fenced grant from the Department of Education. There are no General Fund implication to this request. Appropriate ongoing revenue funding will continue to be provided to support the current pupils in school.
Legal implications: The proposal to remove the current provision will be required to go through the statutory process under the School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013.
Equalities implications: Equalities implications An EQIA has been completed. This finds that the proposals will have little impact as the pupils who currently receive support from the SRP, and who will be on roll for one more year. Should the SRP be removed, both KCC and the school staff are committed to ensuring that pupils supported by the SRP will continue to receive high-quality teaching and learning support to achieve the outcomes identified in their education and health care plan (EHCP). Data Protection implications A DPIA was not required for this proposal.