Statutory notice of decision – Suffolks Primary School
Suffolks Primary School proposal to establish a Designated Unit
Introduction
Enfield Council conducted a public consultation regarding a statutory proposal to establish a Designated Unit at Suffolks Primary School for pupils with autism and complex needs, to be implemented from September 2026.
The proposed Unit will offer 20 additional Local Authority-funded primary places for pupils with EHCPs, in agreement with parents/carers. Places will be allocated by the Local Authority’s SEN Service following formal consultation with the school.
This report summarises the consultation process and the responses that were received.
The council has carefully considered the consultation responses and all other relevant information in determining whether to proceed with the proposal. Subject to approval, the next stage will be the publication of a Statutory Notice and Statutory Proposal in accordance with the School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013 and relevant Department for Education statutory guidance. This report forms part of the evidence base supporting that proposal.
Consultation process
The consultation considered the proposal from Suffolks Primary School to establish a Designated Unit.
The consultation period lasted for four weeks, from 3 June 2026 to 3 July 2026.
A single consultation document was published on the council’s digital media platforms and the school website, with physical copies placed outside the school premises.
No in-person consultation meeting was held in this instance. This report includes the responses received as part of the consultation (Annex 1).
Individuals, groups, and organisations were invited to submit their views on the proposal either by emailing jeffreyjoib.mensah@enfield.gov.uk with 'Response to Statutory Proposal' in the subject line, or by completing a Microsoft Forms questionnaire.
All consultation responses were reviewed. Quantitative information was analysed to identify who had responded, including carers, staff, parents and residents.
Who responded?
There were 5 responses in total in relation to the consultation: 1 from a local resident, 3 from staff members and 1 from a Local Authority representative.
Were the responses supportive of the proposal?
All the responses were in favour of the new Designated Unit for pupils with autism and complex needs.
Decision
Following the conclusion of the statutory consultation period and careful consideration of all representations received, Enfield Council has approved, without modification, the proposal to establish a Designated Unit at Suffolks Primary School for pupils with autism and complex needs.
The Designated Unit will provide 20 additional Local Authority-funded primary places for pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Placements will be allocated by the Local Authority’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) Service, following formal consultation with the school and in partnership with parents/carers.
Enfield Council’s decision was primarily based on the priorities within its SEND Strategy (2023 to 2027) (PDF, 1657.19 KB) which aims to identify needs early and provide the right support, in the right place, at the right time.
This means ensuring that all children and young people receive an excellent education and that their needs are effectively met in an educational setting or environment that is right for them.
To support this, we are using our data and knowledge to plan accurately for the right number of places. This includes increasing the number of Specially Resourced Provisions (SRPs) and Designated Units in mainstream schools to meet high demand for places.
Further information about SRPs and Units can be found in the Position Paper for Specialist Provisions (PDF, 1463.91 KB).
Copies of the complete proposals, together with this statutory notice and final decision, will be published on the council’s website and on The School Hub. Copies can also be requested by emailing office@suffolks.enfield.sch.uk.
For further enquiries, email sen@enfield.gov.uk.
Signed: NEIL BEST Neil Best (Head of Strategic Resourcing AND Partnerships)
Signed: PETER NATHAN Peter Nathan (Director of Education)
Annex 1: Responses received as part of the consultation
Respondent 1: response received on 29 May 2026
These additional places are really needed for children with EHCPs.
Respondent 2: response received on 2 June 2026
I whole heartedly support the proposal for an additional designated unit because we are an inclusive, friendly, caring school. With extremely dedicated, experienced and caring staff who do and will continue to ensure the best outcomes for all children, mainstream or otherwise.
We already have a KS1 unit which is a success.
Examples of our experience of providing for children with EHCP's and/ or additional needs are:
We have two classes (Pumpkin and Poppy class) that already provide for children with specific individual needs and allows for the children to be educated alongside mainstream children (when it suits their individual needs).
We have provided for many children with EHCP's for many years ensuring all their needs are met successfully.
We have resources that enrich all children's school life such as a large outside area with swings (excellent for providing sensory, calm and peaceful fun), outside exercise equipment, a large field, an orchard and a thriving allotment which all the children have or will participate in planting and caring for food plants.
We have a well-equipped dedicated sensory room and a soft playroom which all the children have regular access to.
We already offer a safe and inclusive environment where all children are welcomed and valued.
Our site is safe and secure.
Our mainstream children will also benefit from the experiences gained from accepting and realising that we are all individuals and are all valued regardless of any differences- this can only be an asset in today’s world.
Suffolks will do their very best for the new children that will attend the designated unit and their families.
Respondent 3: response received on 2 June 2026
I have seen the success of the KS1 units. It has built community links and a greater understanding of the needs of these children. The children themselves have settled really well and are now more able to access a curriculum to suit their learning and play needs.
Respondent 4: response received on 3 June 2026
Suffolks is excellent at supporting SEND pupils and is already effectively running a KS1 unit for pupils with EHCPs.
Respondent 5: response received on 3 June 2026
This will benefit the children massively.
Statutory notice of decision – Enfield County School for Girls
Enfield County School for Girls proposal to establish a Special Resourced Provision (SRP)
Introduction
Enfield Council conducted a public consultation regarding a statutory proposal to establish a Special Resourced Provision (SRP) at Enfield County School for Girls for pupils with autism and complex needs, to be implemented from September 2026.
The proposed SRP will begin with 8 Local Authority, commissioned secondary places for pupils with EHCPs. Additional 8 places will be phased in from September 2027/28 as part of the planned expansion, in agreement with parents/carers. Local Authority places will be allocated by the LA’s SEN Service after formal consultation with the school.
This report summarises the consultation process and the responses that were received.
The council has carefully considered the consultation responses and all other relevant information in determining whether to proceed with the proposal. Subject to approval, the next stage will be the publication of a Statutory Notice and Statutory Proposal in accordance with the School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013 and relevant Department for Education statutory guidance. This report forms part of the evidence base supporting that proposal.
Consultation process
The consultation considered the proposal from Enfield County School for Girls for a Special Resourced Provision (SRP) offer.
The consultation period lasted for four weeks, from 3 June 2026 to 3 July 2026.
There was a single consultation document that was mainly posted on all the council’s digital media platforms and school website and physical copies placed outside school premises.
No in person consultation meeting was held in this instance. This report includes the responses received as part of these consultations. (Annex 1).
Individuals, groups, and organisations were invited to submit their views on the proposal either by emailing jeffreyjoib.mensah@enfield.gov.uk with 'Response to Statutory Proposal' in the subject line, or by completing a Microsoft Forms questionnaire.
All consultation responses were reviewed. Quantitative information was analysed to ascertain who had responded (i.e., carers, staff, parents, residents).
Who responded?
There were 6 responses in total in relation to the consultation,1 from a parent and 5 from staff including a governor at the school.
Were the responses supportive of the proposal?
Two responses from a parent and a governor at the school expressed support for the proposed Special Resourced Provision (SRP) for pupils with autism and complex needs, 3 responses from members of staff raised objections to the proposal, and one response from another staff member neither supported nor objected to it.
Decision
Following the conclusion of the statutory consultation period and careful consideration of all representations received, Enfield Council has approved, without modification, the proposal to establish a Special Resourced Provision (SRP) at Enfield County School for Girls for pupils with autism and complex needs.
The Special Resourced Provision (SRP) will begin with 8 Local Authority, commissioned secondary places for pupils with EHCPs. Additional 8 places will be phased in from September 2027/28 as part of the planned expansion. Placements will be allocated by the Local Authority’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) Service, following formal consultation with the school and in partnership with parents/carers.
Enfield Council’s decision was primarily based on the priorities within its SEND Strategy (2023 to 2027) (PDF, 1657.19 KB) which aims to identify needs early and provide the right support, in the right place, at the right time.
This means making sure all our children and young people receive an excellent education, and their needs are effectively met in an education setting or environment that is right for them.
To support this, we are using our data and knowledge to accurately plan the right number of places, this includes increasing the number of Specially Resourced Provisions (SRPs) and Special Resourced Provision (SRP) s (Units) in mainstream schools to meet high demand for places.
Further information about SRPs and Units can be found in the Position Paper for Specialist Provisions (PDF, 1463.91 KB).
Copies of the complete proposals, together with this statutory notice and final decision, will be published on the council’s website and on The School Hub. Copies can also be requested by emailing office@suffolks.enfield.sch.uk.
For further enquiries, email sen@enfield.gov.uk.
Signed: NEIL BEST Neil Best (Head of Strategic Resourcing AND Partnerships)
Signed: PETER NATHAN Peter Nathan (Director of Education)
Annex 1: Responses received as part of these consultations
Respondent 1: response received on 4 June 2026
I wish to formally object to the proposal to establish a Special Resourced Provision (SRP) at Enfield County School for Girls.
My objection is not to the principle of supporting pupils with SEND, but to the inadequately planned and under-resourced nature of this proposal. The documentation presents an aspirational vision of inclusion but provides very little evidence that the school currently has the capacity, staffing structure, training provision, or curriculum framework necessary to deliver the level of specialist support required for pupils with autism and complex needs.
The proposal repeatedly refers to the benefits that an SRP could bring but fails to address the practical realities of implementation. There is no clear explanation of how teachers will be given sufficient time to adapt schemes of work, redesign curriculum materials, develop appropriate interventions, and undertake the extensive training required to support pupils with complex needs successfully. These responsibilities will inevitably fall upon teaching staff, many of whom are already operating under significant workload pressures.
The assumption that existing staff can absorb these additional demands without a corresponding reduction in workload is unrealistic and raises serious concerns about staff wellbeing, retention, and recruitment. Teachers are increasingly being asked to meet a growing range of educational, behavioural, and pastoral needs without the time or resources required to do so effectively.
I am also concerned that the proposal underestimates the potential impact on the wider school community. Successful inclusion requires substantial specialist support and carefully planned systems. Where this support is insufficient, there is a genuine risk that classroom learning will be adversely affected. Teachers may find themselves attempting to meet highly diverse and sometimes conflicting needs within the same lesson, making it more difficult to maintain pace, challenge, and consistency for all pupils.
The proposal contains no meaningful assessment of the likely impact on:
- teacher workload and wellbeing
- curriculum delivery across departments
- staff recruitment and retention
- behaviour and pastoral systems
- outcomes for pupils already attending the school
- the financial sustainability of the provision beyond initial implementation
It is particularly concerning that the Local Authority appears to have reached the conclusion that the school possesses the necessary expertise and facilities before fully demonstrating how these requirements will be met in practice. Expertise cannot simply be assumed; it must be developed through significant investment, training, and experience.
Furthermore, there is a risk that this proposal is being driven primarily by the Local Authority’s need to create additional specialist places rather than by a robust assessment of whether this particular school is best placed to deliver such a provision successfully. The document itself highlights the financial benefits to the Local Authority of reducing costly out-of-borough placements. While financial considerations are understandable, they should not take precedence over ensuring that pupils receive appropriate support and that schools are adequately resourced to provide it.
In its current form, the proposal places considerable faith in outcomes that have not been substantiated by detailed implementation plans, staffing commitments, workload assessments, or educational impact studies. The absence of such information makes it impossible for staff, parents, and stakeholders to have confidence that the provision can be introduced without negatively affecting both existing pupils and those who would be placed within the SRP.
For these reasons, I strongly object to the proposal and believe it should not proceed until a full and transparent assessment of staffing, workload, training requirements, curriculum implications have been undertaken.
RESPONDENT 2: response received on 8 June 2026
Unsure of the implications this will have on staff, where will it be based?
Holly Walk Old Building in desperate need of refurbishment as are part of the S block, money being spent on a new provision when we should be upgrading current facilities for all students, not just a few.
RESPONDENT 3: response received on 9 June 2026
I am not against this is principle but I do have questions/comments/concerns.
Where would the unit be on our school grounds? We have limited space and struggle to find space and staffing to accommodate our 'Onward' internally excluded students.
Who would supervise these 8 SEN students? It should not be timetabled for staff already employed at our school, who have limited experience of and training in working with this type of SEN.
While in the unit, who would teach the SEN students? Will current staff be timetabled to visit the unit to teach their subject's curriculum? How would this fit into our already full timetable?
Will these students be supervised by a designated and trained member of staff when integrated into whole school social settings and mainstream lessons? We have had autistic students in our school in the past and the support they require disrupts the learning of other students in the lesson. The SEN students left for an alternative educational setting as we could not accommodate them here in our school.
Will a teacher be left solely in charge of a classroom with the new SEN students and with class sizes reaching up to 30 students? Using our current on call facility for support would be too slow and not fit for purpose when supporting the SEN students, while trying to maintain a positive and productive learning environment for the rest of the class.
We already have students in our class rooms with complex learning and behavioural needs, which are difficult for the class teacher to support. We have no quiet and monitored space for them to be removed to when needed. These students often remain in the class room, with the students with behavioural issues negatively impacting the learning environment for everyone else and leading to high levels of stress for the class teacher.
Teaching Assistants are limited in our school, so current issues with behaviour and learning of students are often not effectively supported.
RESPONDENT 4: response received on 11 June 2026
Whilst I think that this is a good idea in principle, I don't feel that our lower school site is the best setting for autistic students. As a mother of two autistic children myself, I have looked at various other provisions at schools in the area over the past several years, and I just don't feel that our school would be able to provide the calm and quiet setting that autistic children need. Lower school is very compacted in with students, corridors are noisy and I know that this environment would stress my children out completely! Please bear these thoughts in mind when deciding whether to go ahead with this plan.
REPONDENT 5: response received on 20 June 2026
As an existing pupil of the school my child is struggling currently with attendance and needs not met by the school. They are doing a fantastic job but do need more help and funding to be able to help each child with Sen needs.
RESPONDENT 6: response received on 2 July 2026
The opportunity to establish a SRP at the school in order to better support the needs of neurodiverse students is welcomed. The school will need the whole staff as well as the key staff and relevant leaders to be fully prepared and have completed relevant training. If appropriate it would be interesting to know about the comments of parents in response to this form.
Statutory notice of decision – West Grove Primary School
West Grove Primary School proposal to establish a Special Resourced Provision (SRP)
Introduction
Enfield Council conducted a public consultation regarding a statutory proposal to establish a Special Resourced Provision (SRP)at West Grove Primary School for pupils with autism and complex needs, to be implemented from September 2026.
The proposed SRP will have additional 8 Local Authority Key Stage 1 places for pupils with EHCPs and 2 discretionary places for pupils who are currently on roll at the school, in agreement with parents/carers. Local Authority places will be allocated by the LA’s SEN Service after formal consultation with the school.
This report summarises the consultation process and the responses that were received.
The Council has carefully considered the consultation responses and all other relevant information in determining whether to proceed with the proposal. Subject to approval, the next stage will be the publication of a Statutory Notice and Statutory Proposal in accordance with the School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013 and relevant Department for Education statutory guidance. This report forms part of the evidence base supporting that proposal.
Consultation process
The consultation considered the proposal from West Grove Primary School for a Special Resourced Provision (SRP)offer.
The consultation period was for four weeks, from 3 June 2026 to 3 of July 2026.
There was a single consultation document that was mainly posted on all the Council’s digital media platforms and school website and physical copies placed outside school premises.
No in person consultation meeting was held in this instance. This report includes the responses received as part of these consultations (Annex 1).
Individuals, groups, and organisations were invited to submit their views on the proposal either by emailing jeffreyjoib.mensah@enfield.gov.uk with 'Response to Statutory Proposal' in the subject line, or by completing a Microsoft Forms questionnaire.
All consultation responses were reviewed. Quantitative information was analysed to ascertain who had responded (i.e., carers, staff, parents, residents).
Who responded?
The following table outlines the written responses to the consultation. These include responses submitted online or on paper as well as emails or letters.
One response was received during the consultation period, submitted by a parent.
Were the responses supportive of the proposal?
The response was in favour of the new Special Resourced Provision (SRP)for pupils with autism and complex needs.
Decision
Following the conclusion of the statutory consultation period and careful consideration of all representations received, Enfield Council has approved, without modification, the proposal to establish a Special Resourced Provision (SRP) at West Grove Primary School for pupils with autism and complex needs.
The Special Resourced Provision (SRP) will provide an additional eight Key Stage 1 places for pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), together with two discretionary places for pupils currently on roll at the school. Placements will be allocated by the Local Authority’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) Service, following formal consultation with the school and in partnership with parents and carers.
Enfield Council’s decision was primarily based on the priorities within its SEND Strategy (2023-2027 (PDF, 1416.4 KB), to identify needs early and provide the right support, in the right place at the right time.
This means making sure all our children and young people receive an excellent education, and their needs are effectively met in an education setting or environment that is right for them.
To support this, we are using our data and knowledge to accurately plan the right number of places, this includes increasing the number of Specially Resourced Provisions (SRPs) and Designated Units (Units) in mainstream schools to meet high demand for places.
Further information about SRPs and Units can be found in the Position Paper for Specialist Provisions (PDF, 1463.91 KB).
Copies of the complete proposals with this statutory notice and final decision will be published on the council’s website and The School Hub or email office@westgrove.enfield.sch.uk for copies.
For further enquiries, email sen@enfield.gov.uk.
Signed: NEIL BEST Neil Best (Head of Strategic Resourcing and Partnerships)
Signed: PETER NATHAN Peter Nathan (Director of Education)
Annex 1: Responses received as part of these consultations
Respondent 1: response received on 5 June 2026
I think this is fantastic!
Statutory notice of decision – Garfield Primary School
Garfield Primary School proposal to establish a Designated Unit
Introduction
Enfield Council conducted a public consultation regarding a statutory proposal to establish a Designated Unit at Garfield Primary School for pupils with autism and complex needs, to be implemented from September 2026.
The proposed Unit will begin with 10 Local Authority commissioned primary places for pupils with EHCPs. Additional 10 primary places will be phased in over time as part of the planned expansion, in agreement with parents/carers. Local Authority places will be allocated by the LA’s SEN Service after formal consultation with the school.
This report summarises the consultation process and the responses that were received.
The council has carefully considered the consultation responses and all other relevant information in determining whether to proceed with the proposal. Subject to approval, the next stage will be the publication of a Statutory Notice and Statutory Proposal in accordance with the School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013 and relevant Department for Education statutory guidance. This report forms part of the evidence base supporting that proposal.
Consultation process
The consultation considered the proposal from Garfield Primary School for a designated unit offer.
The consultation period was for four weeks, from 3 June 2026 to 3 of July 2026.
There was a single consultation document that was mainly posted on all the council’s digital media platforms and school website and physical copies placed outside school premises.
No in person consultation meeting was held in this instance. This report includes the responses received as part of these consultations (Annex 1).
Individuals, groups, and organisations were invited to submit their views on the proposal either by emailing jeffreyjoib.mensah@enfield.gov.uk with 'Response to Statutory Proposal' in the subject line, or by completing a Microsoft Forms questionnaire.
All consultation responses were reviewed. Quantitative information was analysed to ascertain who had responded (for example, carers, staff, parents, residents).
Who responded?
One response was received during the consultation period, submitted by a parent.
Were the responses supportive of the proposal?
The response was in favour of the new Designated Unit for pupils with autism and complex needs.
Decision
Following the conclusion of the statutory consultation period and careful consideration of all representations received, Enfield Council has approved, without modification, the proposal to establish a Designated Unit at Garfield Primary School for pupils with autism and complex needs.
The Designated Unit will begin with 10 Local Authority commissioned primary places for pupils with EHCPs. Additional 10 primary places will be phased in over time as part of the planned expansion. Placements will be allocated by the Local Authority’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) Service, following formal consultation with the school and in partnership with parents/carers.
Enfield Council’s decision was primarily based on the priorities within its SEND Strategy (2023-2027 (PDF, 1416.4 KB), to identify needs early and provide the right support, in the right place at the right time.
This means making sure all our children and young people receive an excellent education, and their needs are effectively met in an education setting or environment that is right for them.
To support this, we are using our data and knowledge to accurately plan the right number of places, this includes increasing the number of Specially Resourced Provisions (SRPs) and Designated Units (Units) in mainstream schools to meet high demand for places.
Further information about SRPs and Units can be found in the Position Paper for Specialist Provisions (PDF, 1463.91 KB).
Copies of the complete proposals with this statutory notice and final decision will be published on the council’s website and The School Hub or email office@garfield.enfield.sch.uk for copies.
For further enquiries, email sen@enfield.gov.uk.
Signed: NEIL BEST Neil Best (Head of Strategic Resourcing and Partnerships)
Signed: PETER NATHAN Peter Nathan (Director of Education)
Annex 1: Responses received as part of these consultations
Respondent 1: response received on 6 May 2026
I support the proposal.