Hertfordshire Debate Special Education School Department For Education Catherine Mckinnell

Hertfordshire Council Opts Against Special School Expansion Despite Warnings

Proposal to extend Oaklands School places rejected

Councillors voted against increasing capacity at the special school in Welwyn Hatfield due to lack of need

Hertfordshire County Council’s executive voted on Monday to reject a proposal to expand Oaklands School in Welwyn Hatfield due to a lack of need.

The decision came despite warnings from campaigners, parents, and the Department for Education that the existing school is already over capacity and that the expansion is necessary to meet the increasing demand for special school places in the county.

The proposal would have seen the school's capacity increase from 120 to 150 places. However, the council's decision-making panel voted against the expansion, citing a lack of evidence to support the claim there was a need for more places.

The decision has been met with disappointment by campaigners, parents, and the Department for Education.

Catherine McKinnell, Labour's MP for Newcastle upon Tyne North, said: "I am deeply disappointed by the decision. The expansion of Oaklands School is essential to meet the needs of children with special educational needs in Hertfordshire.

The Department for Education has also expressed its disappointment with the decision. A spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that Hertfordshire County Council has decided not to expand Oaklands School. We believe that the expansion is necessary to meet the increasing demand for special school places in the county.

The council's decision is likely to have a significant impact on children with special educational needs in Hertfordshire. Without the expansion, there will be fewer places available for children who need them.

Key Points

• Hertfordshire County Council has rejected a proposal to expand Oaklands School in Welwyn Hatfield.
• The decision was made despite warnings from campaigners, parents, and the Department for Education that the existing school is over capacity.
• The council cited a lack of evidence to support the claim that there is a need for more places.
• The decision has been met with disappointment by campaigners, parents, and the Department for Education.
• The council's decision is likely to have a significant impact on children with special educational needs in Hertfordshire.