Kent County Council has formally urged the government to proceed with the construction of three newly approved special schools, prioritizing long-term infrastructure over a short-term cash payout.
Faced with a choice from the Department for Education to either accept a direct funding alternative or allow the state to deliver the promised sites in Whitstable, Swanley, and Northfleet, the Council confirmed that the urgent need for physical capacity outweighs other investment options. This decision aims to fast-track the opening of Leigh Academy Birchwood, Whitstable Special School, and Jude’s Academy to support a local system currently under immense strain.
The urgency stems from a significant disparity in local needs, as 39% of Kent’s students require Education, Health, and Care Plans compared to a 30% national average. By choosing the free school delivery model, KCC intends to alleviate the saturation of existing facilities and reduce the necessity for costly independent placements. This move complements the Council’s own ongoing £20 million investment strategy, which has already expanded hundreds of places across sites like Broomhill Bank and Parkwood Hall.
Beverley Fordham, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said:
“Our priority has always been, and will continue to be, doing what is right for children and young people with SEND in Kent.
“These new schools will provide vital specialist places at a time when demand is rising. We hope this confirmation means we will now start to see these projects moving forward.”