Changes planned for special needs schools (From Wirral Globe)

Changes planned for special needs schools

12:56pm Tuesday 30th September 2008 in Search By Staff reporter

PLANS to alter educational provision for Wirral youngsters with special needs are likely to be approved this week.

Two reports will be taken to Wirral Council’s cabinet on Thursday detailing initial plans for making improvements to the provision for both primary and secondary age pupils with a high degrees of complex learning difficulties.

The changes could see Foxschool School in Moreton and Meadowcroft School merging.

The council says initial exploratory discussions with headteachers, staff, governors, parents and pupils at all the schools concerned have so far shown support for exploring in more detail the benefits and implications of any changes.

Changes that would be explored at a primary level include the development of extended schools provision for pupils with complex learning difficulties including wrap around care and school holiday activities, better year round access to health professionals and the possibility of moving to premises co-located with a mainstream school to enhance the learning and life opportunities for all pupils.

Councillor Phil Davies, Wirral’s cabinet member for education and lifelong learning, said: “Although the teaching and learning at the current provision is outstanding, in some cases the school buildings are not good enough to meet the future need.

“We have also listened to parents and want to consider how we can make the improvements many of them are asking for. That is why we need a plan to ensure that the provision is the best we can offer for the next generation.

“Any change is unsettling, but I would like to reassure parents that this plan is about making improvements. I can assure them that if a change doesn’t make things better for youngsters with complex learning difficulties and their families, we will not do it.”

The report recommends that an exploration of these ideas takes place and makes clear that any change must be an improvement to the current provision.

For secondary aged pupils with complex learning difficulties, initial consultation has identified that students could be better supported in moving on from school to adult life and that the choice of educational and training opportunities beyond the age of 16 need extending.

It recommends that approval is given to undertake a consultation exercise and feasibility study to look at amalgamating Foxfield and Meadowside to form a single split-site school.