Pressure grows to save school

The county council wants to close the school in Rotten Row because fewer children are being referred there and also because it believes mainstream schools have greatly improved provision for children with moderate learning difficulties.

St Anne's, however, believes it provides a specialist service for children which could not be reproduced in another environment.

Today (Friday) Lewes MP Norman Baker was due to have discussions about ways of helping the school stay open.

On Monday Cllr Michael Chartier, county councillor for Lewes, is to visit the school to offer support.

On Tuesday there is to be a protest outside Pelham House, headquarters of the county council.

And on April 7 the Bishop of Lewes, the Rt Rev Wallace Benn, is to visit the school to offer his support.

Mr Baker said: 'St Anne's is a valuable facility and it would be a tragedy if it were shut.

'One has to wonder if the prime value of the land is a factor in the county council's thinking.'

Cllr Chartier told the Express: 'This is undoubtedly the most important time ever in the life of St Anne's School.

'Now is the time to make every effort to oppose its closure and save it.

'St Anne's plays an important role within our community. It has a first class reputation, a devoted staff and is highly valued in Lewes and the surrounding area.

'Everyone understands and recognises the case for inclusion, but inclusion does not always meet the needs of all our pupils.

'In addition, the school should not be artificially starved of pupils. The wishes and needs of both the pupils and their parents needs to be fully addressed.

'Good wishes are not enough. I would urge all who care to contact the governors via the school in order to register their support and join the campaign.

'It's time to stand up and be counted, time to let a heartless administration, that has little value for Lewes, its people, and its institutions, know our views.'

Said a governor, Robin Charlton: 'After an informal consultation period, the county has made a further step towards closure.

'Objections from governors, staff, parents, pupils, educational professionals, heads of mainstream schools and a petition with 5,000 signatures have been brushed aside and the county has now issued a statutory notice of intention to close the school.

'However, there is still a two month period of formal consultation. The pressure therefore needs to be kept up.'

A county council spokesman said: 'We understand the concerns of parents, staff and governors of St Anne's and will continue to discuss the issues with them.

'Any decision about the future of St Anne's will be taken by either the School Organisation Committee or by the National Adjudicator.

'If the decision is to close the school by July, 2007, then this will not be made until the middle of April at the earliest and may not come until June this year if the decision is referred to the National Adjudicator.

'It is important that we explore possible alternative placements for the small number of pupils that might transfer to the school next September rather than wait until the summer term.

'These discussions will continue until potential alternatives have been secured for all pupils that might be affected.

'All but three pupils currently attending St Anne's will continue at the school next year even if the decision is to close the school by July, 2007.'