Decision details

Proposed decision –

The Cabinet Member for Education and Skills is asked to agree the Commissioning Plan for Education Provision 2021-25.

Background –

The Commissioning Plan for Education Provision in Kent (KCP) is a five-year rolling plan which is updated annually. It sets out how Kent discharges its statutory responsibility, as the Strategic Commissioner of Education Provision, to provide sufficient Early Years, SEND, Primary and Secondary places and to ensure that there are appropriate learning pathways for pupils at Post 16.  It is also our responsibility to ensure that we have enough places in the right locations, to meet the demands of increased pupil numbers and parental preferences.  It reflects the fact that the Local Authority’s role has changed to being the commissioner, as well as continuing to be a provider, of education provision. 

Options -

The Education Commissioning Plan sets out the principles by which we determine proposals, and it forecasts the need for future provision.  It also sets out in more detail plans to meet the commissioning needs which arise in each District in Kent, during the next two to three years.

How the proposed decision meets the objectives of ‘Increasing Opportunities, Improving Outcomes: Kent County Council’s Strategic Statement (2015-2020)’:

Outcome 1 states that children and young people in Kent get the best start in life.  The Commission Plan will ensure that there are sufficient, high quality early years, primary and secondary school places in all Districts.

Decision:

Cabinet approved the Commissioning Plan for Education Provision in Kent 2021-25 at its meeting on 11 January 2021