WELCOME
Kent Special Educational Needs Trust (KSENT) is the organised voice of special schools within the County of Kent. It represents all maintained (Community, Foundation and Academy) special schools, which choose to join it, and currently has 26 members representing every need type.
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The vision of KSENT is to enable children and young people in Kent who have special educational needs to have access to high quality specialist provision in order to improve outcomes. KSENT has achieved considerable progress already in establishing itself as a lead organisation, raising standards through supporting other schools and engaging in research and development.
KSENT are a pioneering group of schools who are working together to fulfil the ambitious plan of ensuring all Kent Special Schools provide an excellent education for every pupil with SEND.
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In taking these opportunities forward KSENT works closely with partner schools, and partners from the private sector and government, local and national.
STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
Date: 2nd April 2025
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KCC Halts Special School Redesignation Following Legal Challenge from Families and Kent’s Special School Leaders.
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On 27th March 2025, Kent County Council (KCC) confirmed in writing that it will not proceed with its 3rd January 2025 decision to redesignate seven special schools in Kent. The decision follows formal legal correspondence and a pre-action letter issued on behalf of affected families and Kent’s special school leaders.
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The legal action, initiated by the Kent Special Educational Needs Trust (KsENT), was taken in response to serious concerns about the potential for discrimination as well as the quality and transparency of the process behind the proposed changes. The challenge focused on the lack of evidence, inadequate consultation, and limited engagement with school leaders and families.
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KCC’s legal representatives have now confirmed that:
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The January decision will not be implemented.
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A new decision will be made only after further work is completed which will be subject to further challenge if necessary.​
Statement from KsENT:
“As Headteachers of Kent’s special schools, our priority is always the best interests of the children and families we serve. The decision to pursue legal action was not taken lightly. We acted to protect the integrity of SEND provision and to ensure that any future proposals are built on evidence, transparency and true collaboration.
“We recognise that change is needed, and we remain committed to engaging positively with KCC to help shape future decisions. However, it must be on a basis of collaboration with meaningful involvement from those who lead, deliver and rely on special school education across Kent.
“This outcome provides a necessary pause. It creates space for better planning, co-production and, above all, decision-making that starts with the needs of the children.”
KsENT, together with families, legal representatives and supporting partners, will continue to monitor developments.
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ENDS
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For further information, please contact:
Camilla Etheridge, KsENT Coordinator cetheridge@ksent.org