Union expresses concern at special school's future

The council said it would continue to work with partners to identify alternative provision for pupils

An education union has said it is "deeply concerned" over the uncertain future of a special school in East Sussex.

The National Education Union (NEU) has raised concerns over Brighton & Hove City Council's (BHCC) plans to no longer commission placements at Homewood College, Brighton, from September.

NEU senior regional officer Nick Childs said the proposals needed to be postponed until alternative provisions were finalised.

The council said it would continue to work with partners, including other schools in the city, to "identify alternative provision for these young people."

'In the dark'

The NEU said it was "deeply concerned" as "these young pupils all require specialist provision and resources, something that Homewood College is better placed to provide than mainstream schools".

The college caters for children aged 11 to 16 who have additional social, emotional and mental health needs.

Following an "inadequate" Ofsted inspection in December 2021, the school became subject to an academy order.

Academies are state-funded schools that are not overseen by a council - instead they receive funding from external bodies.

BHCC said it worked closely with governors and school leaders to provide a "high level of support" to the school but an academy sponsor had not been found.

"This has seriously impacted on the school’s ability to make improvements," BHCC said.

Mr Childs said union members who worked at the school were "in the dark with regards to their job security."

And he said the union had "grave concerns" about the local authority's ability to provide "desperately needed levels of care for these vulnerable young people".

BHCC said: "Children with social, emotional and mental health needs are some of the city’s most vulnerable and they deserve the very best educational opportunities."

The authority said it was "committed" to being an inclusive place for children to learn and be educated.

Homewood College has been contacted for comment.