Closure threat is 'a red herring' (From Wirral Globe)

Closure threat is 'a red herring'

2:47pm Tuesday 4th July 2006 in Search By Globe correspondent

I HAVE read your report of plans to review the need for Special Schools in Wirral (Shadow cast on Lyndale's future', Globe, 28-6-06).

This is stated to be a continuation of the process undertaken to review primary places in Wirral. This comparison is meaningless as the term special' tells all who have a basic understanding that such schools provide a specialist provision, which mainstream primary schools do not.

Special Schools in Wirral deliver a high level of education, service and support which is tailored to the needs of children. These schools are highly regarded by colleagues in mainstream schools and also by families who benefit from their dedication.

Two special schools Kilgarth and Orrets Meadow have this Summer been acclaimed by Ofsted as outstanding' and have been rated as giving very good value for money. This work and quality of support could not be replicated in a mainstream setting and all Headteachers would quite openly acknowledge this. Indeed, mainstream colleagues turn to the special schools for advice.

The idea that Wirral will increase inclusion by this means is misplaced and ill-conceived. The main focus last identified by Ofsted was that Wirral needed to bring more children back into education and reduce the number of children who are being educated outside of the borough, resulting in massive savings and enabling us to support more children within both mainstream and specialist provision.

Until this target is met, the drive to close special schools can only be seen as a red herring.

The only time when it should be considered necessary to close a special school is when it fails to meet the targets set by Ofsted and the decision is made with a recommendation and is supported through an Ofsted Report.

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