The Specialist Teaching and Learning Service (STLS) in Kent provide a vital service for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Experienced teachers and staff support the inclusion of our most vulnerable learners in mainstream settings. 

However, KCC is now making this more difficult: jobs have changed significantly since September 2025, support is no longer offered to childminders or nurseries, individual pupil support is discouraged, and staff have more targets to meet than children to support.

Potentially up to 9,000 children and young people no longer get the support they need.

NEU and NASUWT union members are currently actively in dispute with KCC over these changes and the poor policies they have in place. We simply ask that KCC fully consult with the staff that support these children every single day and undertake a full review of the changes to the STLS service since September 2025.