New SEND facility a 'significant step forward'

Oliver, who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, had previously been travelling to a facility in Canterbury

A new facility designed to support young people in Kent with complex special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has officially opened its doors.

The Point, a new learning centre on the site of The Oaks Specialist College in Tonbridge, has created 10 more SEND places in the county.

This facility was made possible with £1.8m of funding from Kent County Council (KCC), which said it would make a significant cost saving as a result.

Councillor Beverley Fordham, cabinet member for education and skills, said the new facility marked "a significant step forward" for young people with SEND in Kent.

The new building includes four adaptable working spaces equipped with specialist features such as a riser kitchen

"This new provision will not only offer high-quality, tailored learning in a modern and inclusive environment, but also allow more learners to access the support they need closer to home," she said.

The expansion has proven a lifeline for some users, including Oliver, who had previously been travelling to a Canterbury facility from his home in Paddock Wood.

Oliver, aged 22, has cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

When managing those conditions became more challenging, it was made clear that the Canterbury facility could no longer cater to his needs.

'A black hole'

Mum Louise said The Point had offered Oliver a lifeline.

"It was just a black hole - there was nothing for him, so if it hadn't been for this new building in the pipeline, there would be nothing," she said.

"It would just be staying at home playing video games all day."

Oliver can now make use of the sensory room, take part in lessons and learn skills such as catering.

The five-classroom facility also has a workshop space for students with physical disabilities, and a media space to practise skills such as coding and film-making.

Ros Leach, college principal at The Oaks, said the expansion had made a "huge difference" to learners.

She said: "They're making friends - local friends - that's what we all want isn't it? To have lots of friends and have a good community."

Building work on The Point began in March after plans were approved in early 2025.

It costs around £42,000 a year to educate a learner at The Oaks, according to a feasibility report by KCC.

The average cost of an out-of-county placement is £141,750 a year, the report stated.