Thanks to Wirral Council for its support (From Wirral Globe)

Thanks to Wirral Council for its support

12:05pm Wednesday 16th March 2011 in Letters

WEDNESDAY March 9 was a big day for all of us directly or indirectly associated with special education needs with the publication of the long- awaited government green paper [reform of special educational needs].

At the time of writing I've yet to get my head around what it means to me as chairman of governors of a special school, for my fellow governors, or more importantly, the young people at my school and the impact on parents, carers and teachers.

I hope it will improve and simplify the all round provision for those young people in my and the other excellent special schools here on the Wirral and elsewhere.

With current legislation and guidance so out of date, and which didn't even address some disorders schools now have to provide for, I have my hopes high.

What is important is the consultation period during which anyone with a view can respond to the green paper and I encourage all interested parties to engage in this process.

This is our opportunity to make the system work for us and to give every child the opportunity to reach their full potential. Every child matters.

I would also like to thank Wirral Council for recognising the need to support our most vulnerable children with the extra money they are investing this year.

Geoff Gubb, Chair of Governors, Meadowside Special School, Wirral.

Upton.