Closure of SEND school and child care home confirmed

The Sheiling School is an independent SEND school and children's home

A special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school and children's home is to close, it has been confirmed.

The Sheiling School in Thornbury, near Bristol, will shut at the end of the academic year due to "serious financial difficulties".

Parents were informed of a consultation process with staff over a proposal for closure in April, and children residing in the care home were issued a six-week notice to leave.

In a letter seen by the BBC, Justin Davey, the CEO of the school, said: "It is not financially possible to both keep the school running and to give our children the education and support that they deserve."

The independent school caters for children and young people aged between six and 19-years-old.

It offers academic education, day and residential placements, and a range of therapies.

Parents previously told the BBC closing the school would have a "massive impact" on students and residents.

'Upsetting news'

In a letter to parents, Mr Davey said trustees of the school's parent charity, Thornleigh Camphill Communities, had considered all options for keeping the facility open but it was not financially possible.

He said all children will have places at other schools secured over the coming weeks, but did not "take away from the sadness that we all feel about this decision".

"Our school has been very proud to support children for over 70 years, and we will all miss our community coming together each day," Mr Davey said in the letter.

"It is important we recognise how upsetting this news is, but it is also right that we celebrate all that has been achieved and how brilliant our children are."

A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council, said: “We received notification from Thornleigh Camphill Communities Ltd, the charitable organisation responsible for operating Sheiling School, of the decision to close the school at the end of the current academic year.

“We are disappointed to receive this news as we are aware children and young people enjoy being at the school and parents value the provision on offer.

“Our officers will be working closely with parents and providers to identify new placements and with the management team at Sheiling to support a smooth transition.”