Menu

Education and children

Three teenagers in school uniform, two boys either side of a girl.

In this section

  • Schools

    Find out about schools in Kent including, how to apply, term dates, attendance, transport, free school meals and complaints.

  • Childcare and pre-school

    Find advice on childcare, pre-school, nurseries and paying for childcare.

  • Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

    SEND Information Hub (Kent's Local Offer) - find support for your child or young person (0 to 25) with special educational needs and disabilities.

  • Kent Family Hub

    Kent Family Hub has local services and advice on keeping your child safe and well.

  • Post 16 options

    Find out the options for young people (16+), to continue staying in education, start training or work.

  • Educating your child at home

    Information and resources for parents considering educating their child at home.

  • Early Help

    Find local services that supports Kent families with the educational, social and emotional needs of children, young people.

  • Activities outside school

    Learn more about other education opportunities in Kent, as well as applying for a child work permit, information for children who work in entertainment.

  • Youth justice

    Support we offer to children to help you stay out of trouble and lead a positive life. We also support victims of crimes committed by children.

  • Protecting children

    Learn about how to protect your child and how we protect children in Kent. Including support for bullying, how to report abuse, and being safe online.

  • Adoption, fostering and supported homes

    Find out about adopting or fostering a child and how to access birth records.

  • Children in care

    Read more information about children in care and looked after children in Kent. Including having adoption and what happens if your child is in care.

  • Kent Resilience Hub

    Help and support for young people (10 to 16), parents and carers, staff, and practitioners to understand emotional wellbeing and resilience.

  • Children services Ofsted inspection report

    Our children's services have been rated as outstanding by Ofsted. Read the latest report.

  • Skills4Life

    Developed by Kent County Council Public Protection, Skills4Life empowers Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers to prepare for adult life.

  • Adult education

    Find adult learning opportunities in Kent.

Free school meals

If your child is under 19 and is in full-time education, and you receive certain benefits, you may be able to get free school meals for them.

Check your eligibility and apply now

A young boy lining up to get his free school meal talking to the dinnerlady.

SEND Information Hub

Find out how we can help and support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Visit the SEND Information Hub

A boy with special educational needs is playing with a male, both are smiling surrounded by arts and crafts at the table.

Forest Schools

Our Forest Schools programme is a great way to enrich teaching the curriculum through woodland adventure.

Learn more about the Forest Schools

Two boys under the age of 10, using a magnifying glass to look at some moss in the forest.