Parents have say on special needs schools

Jun 4 2007 By Tony Collins, Birmingham Mail

PARENTS of children with special educational needs are being invited to attend a series of meetings across Birmingham aimed at helping to shape future provision.

The public meetings, starting on Thursday, will be supported by a poster campaign in schools and neighbourhood offices.

The roadshow has been organised by the city's education scrutiny committee in response to a council review of Birmingham's special educational needs service.

News of the review, first revealed in the Birmingham Mail, led to fears that some special schools could close or the number of special needs pupils drastically reduced.

Council education officials strenuously denied the claims, but the scrutiny committee - which monitors the work of the local education authority - has set out its own consultation exercise.

Parents are invited to attend one of six public meetings, hosted by members of the scrutiny committee.

Scrutiny chairman, Coun Jon Hunt, said: "It is important that parents use this opportunity to share their experiences with us. This feedback will be vital in helping to shape the council's future provision."

The number of city children with special needs currently stands at nearly 40,000, with more than 3,000 attending special schools.

Meetings will be held at Wilson Stuart School, Erdington, on Thursday at 10am; Holte School, Lozells, on June 12 at 7pm; Four Dwellings High, Quinton, on June 13 at 7pm; Calthorpe School, Highgate, on June 16 at 10am; Hillstone Primary, Shard End, on June 19 at 10am; and Queensbridge School, Moseley, on June 21 at 7pm.

Places must be reserved by completing a booking form from neighbourhood offices or schools, at www.birmingham.gov.uk/scrutiny or by calling 0121 464 8263/0121 303 1729.