SPECIAL SCHOOL FUNDS CUT
Adam, 9, and other pupils speak out over fears for special schools after funding cuts
HUNDREDS of pupils could lose their residential provision at special schools next year as all the funding is set to be pulled.
Teachers fear the move – affecting five special schools – will deprive children of essential support as the overnight stays help build independent living skills.
But Staffordshire County Council says its ‘high needs’ budget is under huge pressure and it can’t afford to pay for the non-statutory service beyond September 2020.
Horton Lodge Community Special School, in Rudyard, is one of the schools affected.
Headteacher Sarah Latham said most of the 53 pupils – who come from across North Staffordshire – use the residential provision once a week.
It was recently rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. Now five staff could face redundancy if the unit shuts.
Ms Latham added: “We call our residential department Kiplings and it’s at the heart of the school. We feel like our heart is being ripped out. This is a very anxious time for us and for families.
“It’s been open for more than 30 years and supports pupils with their education and progress. We don’t have the money to fund it ourselves.”
Horton Lodge is now desperately trying to find alternative funding from charities.
The other special schools affected include Cicely Haughton, in Wetley Rocks, Loxley Hall, near Uttoxeter, and Eccleshall’s Walton Hall.
Now Staffordshire Moorlands MP Karen Bradley has taken up their case and is arranging a meeting with the children and families minister.
She described Horton Lodge as a ‘wonderful, special place.’
Mrs Bradley said: “There is great concern about the funding for residential care and the possibility that the school will become unviable.”
Pupils at Horton Lodge are also pinning their hopes on a solution.
Nine-year-old Adam Shepherd, from Leek, said: “I like to sleep over because I never get to see my friends outside of school. I like having tea here.
“I would be very depressed if I couldn’t come here anymore.”
Youngsters who spend the night at Kiplings see it as a home from home and even keep their toys in the bedrooms.
They can take part in activities, help each other with reading, and also learn how to feed and bathe themselves independently. Pupils are given jobs too.
Adam said: “I put the flannels out. It’s helped me use my hand a lot.”
Nine-year-old Millie Emery, from Blurton, said: “I like doing arts and crafts. We do games, sports and all sorts. We have a lot of fun.
“If I couldn’t stay, I wouldn’t be very happy. I would bored. It’s nice to have a break as well.”
Although not designed as respite care, it gives parents time away from their caring responsibilities.
The council said it has given schools time to look for alternative funding sources.
Mark Sutton, cabinet member for children and young people, added: “Residential education provision doesn’t form part of the education, health and care plans for those children who attend Horton Lodge and is not something councils have a legal duty to provide.”