Specialist Teaching and Learning Service

Kent County Council (KCC) is seeking views on how the Specialist Teaching and Learning Service (STLS) might fit within new ways of working that are being introduced as part of the ongoing transformation of Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services in Kent.

The STLS works mainly with Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCOs) in mainstream settings, providing advice, support and training that support early years settings and schools to provide good inclusive education to children and young people with SEND.

New ways of working in Kent and changes to legislation across the country mean we will continue to adapt the services that we provide to support children and young people with SEND. As new ways of working are implemented, and the transformation of SEND services continues, we want to understand how STLS might fit within these new ways of working, whether there are gaps the service might fill, how it can support children to achieve the outcomes important to them and how it might contribute to a financially sustainable model for the future.

How to get involved

We recommend that you read the Consultation Document before responding to one of the online questionnaires. Parents/carers and other individuals should use the Residents questionnaire. Professionals, schools and settings should use the Professionals questionnaire. Alternatively, you may wish fill in a Word/paper version and return it by email to: inclusion@kent.gov.uk or by post to: Children’s Commissioning, Invicta House, County Hall, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1XX.

Online events

You can also join us at one of our online events to give your feedback and ask your questions. Please email us at inclusion@kent.gov.uk to sign up to one of the sessions listed below:

Events for headteachers and governors of mainstream schools and early years settings:

• 30 September, 11am – 12 noon

• 9 October, 6pm – 7pm

Events for middle leaders, SENCos and classroom teachers of mainstream schools and early years settings:

Early Years:

• 27 September, 11am – 12 noon

• 7 October, 11.30am – 12.30pm

• 10 October, 8am – 9am

Primary phase:

• 27 September, 11am – 12 noon

• 30 September, 10 – 11am

• 3 October, 8 – 9am

Secondary phase:

• 27 September, 11am – 12 noon

• 2 October, 10 – 11am

• 7 October, 8 – 9am

Events for parents / carers:

• 1 October, 6 – 7pm

• 3 October, 10 - 11am

Next steps

The views expressed in this consultation are expected to be reported to Members of the Children, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee on 16 January 2025 and will be taken into consideration before a decision about the future of funding for STLS is taken by the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services. If a decision is taken to implement changes to the service following the consultation, these would come into effect September 2025 at the latest.