David Morris MP has this week submitted a letter to the Lancashire County Council Consultation about the future of Skerton Community High School. In the letter, David urges the County Council to transform Skerton Community High School into a centre of excellence for children with special educational needs. Making the point that 52.9 % of pupils at Skerton have a special educational need and that if Skerton does close other local schools will not have the ability to provide for these pupils.
David Morris writes:
“The consultation lists other Schools that these pupils could go to should the school close. On that list is the Girls and Lancaster Royal Grammar Schools, which require academic criteria to be met before admission, these schools are not appropriate for the children at Skerton. There are two faith schools Ripley and Our Lady’s and then three other non faith schools. If parents do not want their children to go to a faith school they are not left with many options. This is made even fewer given that many children have experienced bullying at other schools.”
The Morecambe & Lunesdale MP also blames the County Council for falling roll numbers:
“I have been in discussions with the school governors and have been informed that Lancashire County Council have been threatening this school with closure for many years. This would explain the low pupil numbers as parents will not send their children to a school if they think that the school may close.”
David adds, that he is “greatly worried” about the plan to close Skerton Community High School and highlights the excellent work that is done at the school in providing pastoral care for vulnerable young people:
“The vast majority of pupils at Skerton Community High School come from troubled circumstances at home, have faced bullying at other schools or have special educational needs. They may not be students who will excel academically, although Skerton does have a few of these pupils, but at Skerton they are nurtured to achieve the best they are able to achieve. I would urge you to take seriously the numerous consultation responses from the children and take into consideration how this decision will affect them.”
“I have not received one negative comment or email about the School at all since the intention to close the school was announced.”
David Morris MP is encouraging all staff, pupils, parents (prospective and current) and other interested parties to submit their comments to the consultation either online http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/web/?School_Organisation_Reviews/43183 or by writing to the County Council.
David's letter can be read in full by viewing the attached pdf file.