Dorset's new school for SEND pupils hits problems weeks after opening
There've been closures with some families being told alternative education provision will now be found
Dorset's new school for children with special educational needs and disabilities has run into problems just weeks after opening.
Dorset Council spent £10m on buying the site for Coombe House School near Shaftesbury.
The school has only been open for 6 weeks, but there have been issues with delays to building work, meaning parts of the school have had to close.
Dorset Council have given Greatest Hits Radio Dorset this statetment:
Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills & Early Help said:
“During the past few weeks, we have worked with a dynamic and changing situation at Coombe House School. The school closed for a period of a week and since that time most children on roll have been in school for some set days each week, but none full time, and some have not been considered by the school to be ready or able to return.
“We have reviewed the Education, Health and Care Plans for a small number of children, to consider if Coombe House can meet their needs at this time. As a result, their families have been written to suggesting we look at a suitable education offer elsewhere. All these families have a single point of contact at Dorset Council, and I am confident they are being kept informed as to why we feel we need to make these changes.
“Starting a new special school often has its challenges as children and staff come together. As a result of discussions with the Board an external interim head was appointed by the Chair of the Board.
“Dorset Council has been providing day-to-day support to the staff, children and the Board. That work continues and involves other members of our special school system. A key part of that has been secured with the agreement of Sean Kretz, the Head Teacher of Westfield School, to step into Coombe House full time in the short term and support the teaching staff prepare for September.
“Children and young people are at the heart of our decision making and we must make sure the school can offer the first-class education that we know we can provide them by supporting the Board, the staff and our families. There is not an overnight solution to this, it will take a bit more time than we had envisaged but we are confident that it is going in the right direction.”
If your child has been impacted we would like to hear from you.
Contact the news team by emailing: dorsetnews@bauermedia.co.uk