19 November 2024                 

 

Dear Parents and Carers 

 

I hope that this letter finds you, your friends and family in good health.

 

In my previous letters I have informed you of Kent’s Special School Review, Special School consultation and the potential impact for Laleham Gap school in the future.

 

The most significant issue is KCC’s proposal to change our designation from a Communication and Interaction school to a Neurodivergent with Learning Difficulties school. The new designation description is like that of Bradstow and Stone Bay schools. Also proposed is a change of Stone Bay to an identical designation as Foreland Field school. My view is that these proposals are illogical and do not take account of Thanet’s circumstances.

 

I cannot over state that there is no need for anxiety or concern for our current practice. These changes are proposed for gradual implementation starting from September 2026. My concern is for the long term and for meeting the needs of the most complex SEND children of Thanet and East Kent.

 

There is a Children’s Young People and Education Cabinet Committee meeting on Thursday 21 November 2024 at 2pm. This is where the decision will be made. You can use this link to access the agenda and papers relating to this meeting https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=894&MId=9492&Ver=4

 

I would like to draw your attention the supplement document items 6, 10 and 12, in particular pages 77-250.

 

I am most concerned about the following points:

 

• The consultation feedback of 1345 responses show that 72% of respondents disagree with the proposed designation and admissions guidance
• 71% of education professionals disagree with the proposed designation and admissions guidance.
• 89% of responses completed on behalf of Special schools disagree with the proposed designation and admissions guidance
• The proposal has no financial modelling
• There is no data on pupil need
• There are no projections for future pupil need

 

If the cabinet agree these proposals on Thursday, there is likely to be a formal consultation and representation period which will run for 4 weeks in January. If these proposals are agreed, I will be writing to you again to seek your support and collaboration on how we can best support the most complex SEND children and young people in Thanet and East Kent.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Les Milton

Headteacher