Lack of SEND places in Worcester schools could have 'dire consequences', school governors warn
Fort Royal School say "innovative" solutions have been put forward.
Last updated 15th Apr 2024
Governors at a Worcester school say a lack of special educational needs and disability (SEND) places could have “dire consequences” for vulnerable children.
Fort Royal School governors say “innovative” solutions have been put forward but are being ignored in favour of short-term thinking by the county council.
Emma Evans, chair of governors at the special school in Wyld’s Lane, wrote to Tracey Onslow, the council’s cabinet member for education, to set out the school’s concerns.
The letter, which was also sent to a number of Worcestershire councillors and MPs, was shared online by Families in Partnership, which represents parent carers in the county.
Class sizes at Fort Royal are being reduced after a report commissioned by Worcestershire Children First looked at the implications of the school’s increasing intake of pupils with complex needs.
“This move, while critical for our current pupils’ welfare, projects a stark capacity crisis that urgently demands a strategic response,” the letter states.
The governors say they have suggested relocating Riversides School to the Fort Royal site, funding the move by selling its current premises in Barbourne.
“Such initiatives not only promise immediate relief but also envisage significant longer-term savings to the higher needs fund, currently burdened by a substantial deficit.
“Regrettably, the absence of a commitment to these suggestions, favouring instead short-term, less costly measures, signals a distressing trend towards reactive rather than proactive planning.
“This approach neglects the dire consequences of insufficient specialist provision: increased pupil and parent distress, missed educational opportunities, and adverse life outcomes for some of our most vulnerable citizens.”
The letter calls for urgent action from the council and to be considered at the cabinet meeting on March 28.
Cllr Onslow said: “The continued rise in the number of children with special educational needs and EHCPs has put pressure on access to specialist provision for pupils in Worcestershire.
“We continue to work with all schools around inclusion and with all specialist settings, in particular special schools, to review options available to increase pupil numbers and to ensure that children are accessing the most suitable provision for their needs.
“Options include re-configuration of spaces, expansions, or conversion of temporary accommodation to permanent builds.
“We are waiting to hear from the Government regarding the 2024-25 High Needs Provision Capital allocations (for places needed in 2025) and will continue to work with our MPs to lobby central government for additional funding.”