Temporary closure of Kennet Valley SEMH Resource Base

Councillor Heather Codling, Deputy Leader of West Berkshire Council and Executive Member for Children and Family Services, said:

"West Berkshire Council has temporarily closed the SEMH Unit at Kennet Valley Primary School due to ongoing staffing difficulties that have made it impossible to sustain a stable and consistent SEMH provision. This decision was taken jointly with the Headteacher and Governing Body.

"Like many specialist settings nationally, the Unit has faced significant recruitment and retention challenges. Despite the commitment of the existing team, staffing levels have repeatedly fallen below what is required for a high‑quality and continuous SEMH offer. These shortages have led to disruptions in provision and have affected the consistency of support for pupils.

"Families have been contacted directly, and we are working closely with the school to ensure all pupils receive suitable alternative education and support during this period. We are also working at pace to strengthen staffing arrangements, plan improvements to the site, and develop a more sustainable and resilient model of provision.

"A comprehensive review is underway, and its findings will inform a detailed improvement plan and the future model of the Unit. The Council remains committed to restoring a stable, well‑staffed, and high‑quality SEMH provision for pupils and will keep families updated as the work progresses."