Archived decisions

REORGANISATION OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS FOR CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES IN EAST HAMPSHIRE

1. Notice is hereby given, in accordance with Section 31(1) of the School

Standards and Framework Act 1998, that Hampshire County Council, being the Local Education Authority, intends

a. to discontinue Whitedown School, Albert Road, Alton and The Meadow School, Mill Chase Road, Bordon, with effect from 31 March 2006.

b. to establish a new community special school for 120 boys and girls with complex learning difficulties, between the ages of 2 and 19, with effect from 1 April 2006. The new school will be situated on the site presently occupied by The Meadow School, Mill Chase Road, Bordon.

2. In order to achieve this intention it is proposed that accommodation appropriate to pupils with a range of learning difficulties will be provided on the site now occupied by The Meadow School. That school, and Whitedown School, Alton, will close as separate schools at the end of the Spring Term 2006. Whitedown School is currently recognised to cater for 50 pupils aged 2 to 19 with Severe Learning Difficulties and had 32 pupils on roll at the start of the Autumn Term 2002. The Meadow School is currently recognised to cater for 120 pupils aged 4 to 16 with Moderate Learning Difficulties and had 108 pupils on roll at the start of the Autumn Term 2002.

3. Places will be available for all pupils affected by these proposals either at the new special school on the site of The Meadow School, or in units or resourced provision at mainstream schools, as appropriate to the pupil's individual needs. Transport to the school will be provided for pupils who qualify in accordance with the Local Education Authority's published policy.

4. Further details about these proposals can be obtained from George Heller, Assistant County Education Officer, the Castle, Winchester SO23 8UG (telephone 01962 846518. e-mail: [email protected]).

5. Any person may object to these proposals. Objections should be in writing and addressed to The Chief Executive (reference "HW"), Hampshire County Council, The Castle, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8UJ, to arrive no later than two months after the date of publication of this notice. Any objections received, and not subsequently withdrawn in writing, will be submitted to the School Organisation Committee for Hampshire within one month of the closing date for objections.

Dated 17 January 2003 Peter C B Robertson

Chief Executive