KCC and NEU Clash Over Specialist Teaching Service Strikes
Kent County Council (KCC) and the National Education Union (NEU) are currently at odds over planned industrial action by staff of the Specialist Teaching and Learning Service (STLS). This strike highlights tensions surrounding ongoing reforms within Kent’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system. This article aims to explain the background of the dispute, the positions of both parties, and the potential impact on children, families, and schools across Kent.
Understanding Kent’s Specialist Teaching and Learning Service (STLS)
The STLS plays an essential role in Kent’s education system by providing specialist support to children and young people identified as having SEND. These services include tailored teaching assistance, advisory support to mainstream schools, and guidance for families to help meet the educational needs of children with autism, learning difficulties, sensory impairments, and other disabilities.
The STLS focuses on ensuring children with SEND receive appropriate educational interventions, promoting inclusion within mainstream schools where possible, and facilitating early intervention strategies to support children’s development and learning outcomes.
The Heart of the Dispute: Why Are STLS Staff Striking?
The upcoming industrial action, scheduled for 25 February 2025, has been organised by the NEU to voice the concerns of STLS employees. According to the NEU, staff grievances include:
- Insufficient consultation regarding proposed changes to working conditions and service delivery.
- Uncertainty over the impact of KCC’s restructuring plans on job roles and responsibilities.
- Concerns that the proposed reforms may undermine staff capacity to provide adequate support to children with SEND.
- Apprehension about the terms of the planned TUPE transfer, which would move STLS staff formally under the control of KCC from 1 September 2024.
STLS employees argue these factors have led to a lack of clarity and confidence among staff, prompting the industrial action to urge the council to engage in meaningful dialogue and reassess its proposals.
KCC’s Stance: Reforms, Consultation, and Accountability
KCC insists that it has undertaken extensive consultation with stakeholders, including STLS staff, schools, and families, to develop reforms aimed at improving SEND provision. The council highlights that the restructuring and transfer plans are integral to meeting the requirements set out in a government Improvement Notice issued following critical Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections in 2023.
The council contends the TUPE transfer, set for 1 September 2024, is intended to unify services previously managed by various organisations under one local authority framework to ensure consistency, accountability, and improved delivery.
KCC acknowledges some concerns raised by NEU but rejects claims of inadequate consultation, emphasizing ongoing efforts to address localised issues and adapt proposals based on feedback.
A Timeline of Changes: Integrating STLS into KCC
The upcoming transfer of STLS staff to direct KCC employment through the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE) will take effect on 1 September 2024. TUPE is a legal framework that protects employees’ terms and conditions when their employment is transferred between organisations.
Under this arrangement, the council aims to align STLS operating practices within its broader SEND and education services, focusing on advice, training, and capacity-building within mainstream schools rather than primarily direct teaching support. This represents a shift in the service’s approach which has raised concerns among staff about the potential impacts on their roles and service delivery.
The Broader Context: Overhauling Kent’s SEND System
Kent’s SEND system has faced significant challenges in recent years. In 2023, Ofsted and the CQC identified serious failings in the support and outcomes for children with SEND, leading to the issuance of a government Improvement Notice. Key issues included delays in assessments, insufficient support in schools, and poor communication with families.
Since then, Kent County Council has worked towards lifting the Improvement Notice, which was officially lifted in August 2024. The reforms, including restructuring of STLS, are part of this improvement plan, aiming to enhance early intervention and promote mainstream inclusion for SEND pupils.
Seeking Resolution: Negotiations and Next Steps
Negotiations between KCC and the NEU remain ongoing. The council has presented proposals intended to resolve the dispute, including commitments to further dialogue, clarifications over working arrangements, and assurances to minimise negative impacts on staff.
The NEU has yet to formally accept these proposals and has maintained the scheduled industrial action date. Both parties have expressed willingness to continue talks in pursuit of an agreement that safeguards staff wellbeing while advancing SEND service reforms.
Impact on Kent: What This Means for Children, Families, and Schools
KCC has pledged to maintain continuity of support for children with SEND during the dispute and minimise disruption to education provision. Nevertheless, the industrial action could delay access to specialist services, affecting pupils’ learning and development.
Parents and schools have expressed concern about the uncertainty surrounding SEND support. Many families rely heavily on the expertise of STLS staff and fear that further service changes may reduce the quality and consistency of support.
Long-term, the outcome of this dispute and the success of SEND reform efforts will significantly influence Kent’s ability to meet the educational needs of its most vulnerable children. All stakeholders emphasize the importance of a swift, collaborative resolution.
Summary: The STLS industrial action reflects deeper challenges in reforming SEND services in Kent. While KCC stresses necessary structural changes to meet improvement mandates, the NEU and staff seek greater involvement and safeguards for their roles. The coming months will be critical for both sides to resolve differences and secure a service that truly supports children with SEND, their families, and schools.
