PARENTS of pupils at a Wirral special needs school are hoping for a miracle as council leaders are expected to make a final decision on its future tonight.

The authority’s ruling cabinet will meet today, Wednesday for a special meeting to discuss whether the Lyndale School should close.

It follows a year of anguish for parents, who have fought tirelessly to convince councillors that the Eastham school is vital to their children’s future.

Wirral Council first announced it was “minded” to close the school last December, citing a change in Government funding and falling numbers.

Since then, parents have attended countless meetings.

Cabinet unanimously voted to close Lyndale during a special meeting in September, with a meeting of the authority’s co-ordinating committee also voting to uphold the decision.

A statutory consultation period then followed, with the outcome to be discussed ahead of a final decision this evening.

Parents told the Globe they fear they already know the outcome of this week’s meeting but have vowed to continue fighting, having recently secured legal aid for their judicial review.

Chrissie Woodland - whose eight-year-old son Alex Brie has a unique known condition and attends Lyndale - said: “We don’t expect the council to change their mind on this last and final cabinet meeting but we still hope that they realise that the Lyndale School is a home from home and a safe environment for our children.

“This is the only place we want our children to be and the only place we feel that we can leave our children and know they will be safe.”

Dawn Hughes, whose 12-year-old daughter Ellie also attends Lyndale, described the last 12 months as a year “full of fear”, with parents often feeling “crushed and hopeless” at times.

She said: “We just hope that the Labour group can see their way to not only saving Lyndale but also supporting it to thrive in the future by investing in it and letting children stay at the school beyond the age of 11.”

Wirral Globe:
Lyndale pupil Ellie Hughes with her mum Dawn and dad John Healing.

Describing Lyndale as a “lifeline” and “extended family”, Dawn said she is certain there is no other place on Wirral that can provide the level of care and safety it does.

She added: “The only people who have the power to save Lyndale will meet on December 17 to make their final decision and we hope they can see their way to do this, as it is the children and families who will ultimately live with the consequences.

“We have just got to keep fighting – we’re hoping for a miracle.”

In a report to Wednesday’s meeting, Wirral’s director of children’s services, Julia Hassall, says: “The closure of The Lyndale School is being considered because the viability of the school is compromised by its small size and falling roll. There are also two other primary schools in Wirral providing good and outstanding provision for children with complex learning difficulties.

She adds: “We would like to affirm our continued intention to work positively with the children and families affected by any recommendations, and reassure parents of our continued commitment to their child’s wellbeing and education.”

If cabinet does approve the closure, Lyndale will close on August 31, 2016 – a modified date to ensure children currently in Year 5 do not have to transfer twice in one year.

Wirral Council’s ruling cabinet will meet at Wallasey Town Hall on Wednesday at 6.15pm.

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What has happened since the closure threat was first announced in December?

December 12: Wirral Council announced it was “minded” to close the school.
December 16: A petition to save the school reaches 3,000 signatures (it now has 6,443).
December 20: Parents ask the council for more time before a report is submitted to cabinet.
January 16: Wirral’s ruling cabinet agrees to consult on the closure of Lyndale.
January 21: Tory lead describes closing Lyndale as an "act of educational vandalism".
January 29: Opposition councillors “call-in” the decision and ask for it to be reviewed.
February 4:  Call-in meeting cancelled after bureaucratic bungling means council is in breach of its own constitution.
February 11: Education Secretary Michael Gove pledges his support for the school.
February 14: Wirral South MP Alison McGovern chairs a public meeting over Lyndale’s future.
February 27: Co-ordinating committee uphold cabinet’s decision in rearranged call-in meeting.
April 2: Wirral Council launches 12-week consultation.
April 4: Lyndale parents brand closure consultation 'misleading'.
May 16: Lyndale parents' dismay at Wirral's stay-away councillors.
June 17: Parents beg Wirral Council to keep Lyndale open.
June 20: Petition signed by 10,598 people presented to Graham Burgess.
August 6: Lyndale consultation a 'complete farce' say Tory councillors.
August 26: Parents beg council not to break their Lyndale family.
September 4: Heartbreak as cabinet votes unanimously to close Lyndale.
September 11: Fight to save Lyndale continues as opposition councillors call on cabinet to think again.
September 12: Questions asked after Lyndale School site is valued at £2.7m.
September 22: SPECIAL REPORT: Why Lyndale is a second home to Alex and friends.
September 29: SPECIAL REPORT: Why Lyndale is a place of safety for sweetheart Robinson.
October 2: Education Secretary to keep a close eye on Lyndale as decision to close is examined this week.
October 3: Parents' fight for Lyndale continues after closure decision is upheld.
October 6: SPECIAL REPORT: Why Lyndale is first choice for Emily.
October 16: SPECIAL REPORT: Why leaving Lyndale is not an option for charismatic Scott.
October 22: SPECIAL REPORT: Why Lyndale always brings a smile to Emma's face.
October 27: Fight to save Lyndale continues as donations pour in from community.
November 17: Parents call on Wirral councillors to stand up for their children by keeping Lyndale open.
December 8: SPECIAL REPORT: Parents are hoping for miracle in their fight to save 'priceless' Lyndale.