A petition opposing the possible closure of special educational needs provisions at a Gateshead primary school has collected more than 700 signatures. At the latest count, 734 people have signed the petition calling for the retention of Bede Community Primary School’s three Additional Resource Mainstream School (ARMS) provisions.
Consultation Launched Over Financial Viability
Gateshead Council opened a public consultation on the potential closure of the provisions after the school’s governing body concluded that the “financial and operational arrangements” are no longer viable.
The provisions currently support children with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH) and autistic children across Key Stages 1 and 2. The Old Fold Road school now has 12 pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and one in SEMH support, but has space for 16 ASD pupils and six SEMH places.
Parents Describe Children's Progress
The petition reads: “We are requesting a petition to keep the Additionally Resourced Mainstream School (ARMS) unit at Bede Community Primary School open, as it is currently under threat of closure. As parents of children who attend the unit, we want to ask for support in order to make this happen. Our children have complex needs which can’t be supported effectively in a mainstream environment. The ARMS unit has given our children a second chance at an education and a brighter future.
“Without this kind of specialist provision and support that the unit provides our children, they wouldn’t get an equal chance at an education like everyone else’s child is automatically entitled to. Children who have extra needs shouldn’t be forced into situations that make it impossible for them to learn. They should be able to attend a provision that makes the learning experience secure, supportive and understanding.”
Parents told the Chronicle earlier this month that they were left “heartbroken” at the prospect of losing the ARMS at Bede Community Primary. One mother, Sarah Crinnion, described how her eight-year-old son had been non-verbal before attending the school, crediting the school for turning him into a “totally different child”.
Council Response and Next Steps
In response to the petition, Gateshead Council stated: “The Governing Body of Bede Primary School has launched a public consultation on the future of its ARMS provision, which supports children with additional needs in a mainstream school setting. No decision has been made, and the consultation gives parents, staff and other stakeholders the chance to share their views and put forward alternative suggestions.
“Anyone wishing to take part in the consultation can submit their views through the online consultation portal: Have Your Say Today – ARMS Provision At Bede Community And High Spen Primary Schools – Commonplace. Stakeholders can also request an individual meeting to discuss the proposal by emailing bedeconsultation@gateshead.gov.uk.”
