8 May 2026 weekly update

Dear Colleagues,

The academic year is rolling by at pace and Monday is the first big day of the exam season. Secondary students are sitting their first English Literature paper and primary pupils start their SATs with English grammar, punctuation and spelling papers. These are significant milestones for our students and for all of us who work in education. I wish everyone success and hope the outcomes reflect all the hard work that has taken place and support good next steps.

Early learning goal targets and free training

The government has set out its plans for ensuring strong starting points in ‘Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life’. As part of this work the DfE has set challenging early learning goal targets for Kent. Schools will have received a letter about this outlining the part they need to play in meeting these targets. The EYFS profile data will also be used as an accountable measure from June 2026. This means that it will return to the IDSR and be used by Ofsted in their analysis of school performance.

To support everyone to achieve these targets, KCC has commissioned The Education People to deliver bespoke training to strengthen confidence and consistency when assessing the Early Years Profile. All state funded schools in Kent with reception are entitled to take up this fully funded training. It is limited to one person per school but there is a waiting list in case there is spare capacity.

The three hour face to face session will provide a supportive and guided opportunity for Reception Year teachers to work alongside other schools and advisers to discuss their EYFS Profile judgements in line with DfE supporting materials. The sessions will be led by Polly Sharman and/or Jan Dubiel and will take place face to face in different locations across the County. To find out more and to book a place for your school, see The Education People. The first sessions takes place very soon on Monday 18 May and places are limited.

Pathways for All

At the other end of the education spectrum, Pathways for All is Kent’s programme to support and improve options for 16 to18 year old students. Our big challenge is the number of young people who fall out of education and become NEET (not in education employment or training) during transition into Post-16. There are complex reasons behind this and no easy fixes but the sector has come together to understand the issues, develop local solutions and share good practice. Click through these links if you’d like to know more about the sector leadership, local solutions and the good practice that is being shared.

The Expert Voices Series is part of the PfA work to share expertise and good practice. Back by popular demand, the next session is about the challenges of funding, particularly for Level 2 programmes in sixth forms. If you are interested in delivering programmes but have concerns about how funding works, this is an opportunity to hear from Nick Holbrook-Sutcliffe, Assistant CEO for Education, East Kent Colleges Group, who has a huge amount of expertise and experience to share. The session will cover:

• Insight into the new Level 2 qualifications and V Levels.
• Practical insights into post-16 funding.
• Key opportunities for education providers.
• Common challenges and pitfalls - how to avoid them.

This is taking place on Friday 5 June 2026 from 11:30am to 1pm. To request a place, please complete this form.

SEND

Finally, two pieces of news from the SEND team.

KCC is actively recruiting for additional Community of Schools Chairs to fill positions becoming vacant for September 2026. This is an important system leadership role and is key to supporting the SEND improvement journey and ensuring the best outcomes for children and young people in Kent. If you are interested, please find the job description (PDF, 126.2 KB) for further information. The closing date for expressions of interest is 5pm on Friday 5 June 2026.

Many school leaders are already aware of the fact that Dr Alison Ekins is leaving Kent to move with her family to the Peak District where she will take up a post as SEN and Inclusion Lead for Oldham City Council. Dr Ekins has worked as Director for Inclusion at VIAT trust for many years and she taught at Canterbury Christ Church University on the SEN Postgraduate diploma. She is a published author in the world of SEN and Inclusion and most SENCOs and Inclusion leads across Kent have been trained or mentored by Dr Ekins. She is highly respected by all who have worked with her and for her. Dr Ekins has been particularly impactful in the SEN improvement journey across Kent since 2023. She has advised on policy and strategy, she has led the system to develop the Continuum of Need and Provision and she has supported the system in the development of all SEN improvement work. Her legacy is immense and in the most recent months, she has been working with a large group of SENCOs and Inclusion leads to develop the capacity across the system to continue the work she has led. On behalf of KCC, Kent schools and all other partners, we would like to wish Alison the very best in her new venture.

Best wishes

Christine McInnes
Interim Corporate Director, Children, Young People and Education