Rekha Kakkar
Updated on: October 11, 2024 12:51 pm GMT
Parents and teachers are expressing deep concern over the recent relocation of sixth form students from Little Heath School for special needs in Hainault Road to the nearby William Torbitt Primary School. The transition, which has undergone significant criticism, has been labeled as “unfit for purpose,” sparking protests and industrial actions that have kept the school closed for two consecutive days.
Protests Erupt Over Sixth Form Move
The protests took place on September 10 and 11, mobilizing a considerable number of parents and teachers who gathered outside the main site of Little Heath School. Many carried banners with slogans like “SEND children matter” and “SEND deserves better,” voicing their frustrations over the handling of the relocation.
Kathryn Wilkinson, a parent of a 17-year-old student named Alexander, voiced her criticism, stating that the move undermines the established routines crucial for students with autism. She highlighted the insufficient time allocated for converting parts of the primary school to accommodate the specific needs of the sixth formers, which created a sense of apprehension for the families involved.
Concerns About the New Setting
Parents and educators have raised various concerns regarding the suitability of the new site at William Torbitt Primary School. Wilkinson noted that many issues persisted when the students returned to school on September 9. Among the problems reported were the absence of lifts, inadequate hygiene facilities, mixed-gender toilets lacking sanitary bins for female students, and significant classroom necessities that were missing, such as whiteboards and Wi-Fi access.
Ben Morris, membership secretary for the Redbridge National Education Union (NEU), echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the relocation was not properly set up for the commencement of the academic year. He stated that when staff arrived at the site, they found unassembled furniture that had to be constructed on-site, further delaying essential operational tasks as the school year commenced.
Official Rationale for Relocation
Colin Stewart, the director of education and inclusion at Redbridge Council, provided context regarding the decision to relocate the sixth form. He explained that the move was prompted by a decline in primary-age pupil numbers across the borough, coupled with a need for additional spaces for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at Little Heath. In a letter to parents, Stewart conveyed that the plan sought to ensure adequate facilities and support for all students involved.
According to Stewart, the decision to relocate was strategic, aiming to leverage spare space at the primary school while ensuring that both educational environments could be maintained separately. He assured parents that the renovations and modifications were prioritized over the summer to address the anticipated needs.
Limited Response from Officials
While Redbridge Council refrained from commenting on specific allegations regarding the setup of the new sixth form area, they reassured the public that students would have access to “excellent facilities” and “high-quality equipment.” They underscored their commitment to student and staff safety and well-being during this transition.
Despite the assurances, parents and staff remain skeptical, as they strive for a learning environment that meets the unique needs of SEND students. Morriss emphasized the importance of dialogue between staff and the school’s administration to help address ongoing challenges.
Future Steps and Community Impact
The ongoing issues at William Torbitt Primary School reflect broader concerns regarding how educational institutions manage transitions, especially for vulnerable populations like students with special needs. Parents hope that the protests and industrial actions will compel school authorities to prioritize their children’s requirements, ensuring that they receive the quality education and support they deserve.
Little Heath School is closed for another day, and everyone in the community is paying close attention. Parents and teachers are waiting to see how school leaders will respond to their concerns. What happens now could affect how other schools deal with similar problems in the future.
