Councillors refuse to cut cash for special schools

On December 10, members of the county council's executive board had been due to agree to consult parents and teachers on the possibility of closing Iffley Mead School, in Oxford, and Woodeaton Manor School.

But, after hearing claims from parents that education officers were blocking access to promote a policy of inclusion in mainstream schools, councillors amended their plans.

The council will still consult on the closure option, but board members called for an independent chairman to set up a panel to review the issue and submit a detailed report by March.

Councillors also refused to pass a recommendation cutting annual funding for places at the two schools by £228,000.

Senior education officer Simon Adams confirmed that if this took place, teachers at the schools, which cater for pupils with moderate learning difficulties, would lose their jobs as pupil numbers fell.

Peter Symonds told the meeting that he had to win a tribunal to get his daughter a place at Iffley Mead School.

He said he was originally told there was no chance of getting a place at the school, and that when she was forced to attend a mainstream school her health suffered.

"She's much happier now she's at the special school and now she has friends for the first time," he added.

Christine Kyle, a governor at Iffley Mead School, claimed that the falling number of referrals to the schools had been engineered by education officers.

She added: "Parents are being brainwashed that mainstream schools are the only option."

Heidi Plowman added that her son was only admitted to Woodeaton Manor School after she threatened to go to a tribunal.

She added: "When I asked if I could visit Woodeaton Manor, I was told by the education department that it was not the policy to allow parents to visit."

Janet Godden, the executive member for children and family services, said she hoped the review panel, whose members would include several councillors, would carry out a full investigation.