CONCERNS over the withdrawal to create a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school in Shirley have been raised in Parliament.
Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, Solihull West and Shirley MP, warned of the significant impact this decision will have on children as well as on the wider school system in Solihull.
Speaking during a debate on SEND provision in the House of Commons, he also highlighted the growing pressures facing families and schools in the borough.
His intervention follows a recent meeting with school leaders across Solihull, where concerns were expressed about the increasing strain on existing provision and the urgent need for additional specialist places.
Dr Shastri-Hurst MP said: “The withdrawal of the Tanworth Lane special school is deeply concerning for families across Solihull who are already navigating a system under considerable pressure.
“Without that specialist provision, the pressure does not disappear; it is displaced. Mainstream schools, which are already working tirelessly to support pupils with a wide range of needs, will be expected to absorb further demand without the necessary resources or infrastructure in place.”
In December Solihull Council was told it would not receive capital funding from the government to create a free SEND school for those aged 11 to 19.
Instead it was informed it would get funds to create new specialist places in mainstream schools under government plans.
Sajida Golby, founder of North Solihull Additional Needs Group, said: “As a parent of three young people with SEND, who require specialist provision, and as the founder of the North Solihull Additional Needs Group, I see first-hand the daily impact this situation has on families.
“The lack of appropriate school placements creates significant emotional, mental, and physical strain, and can lead to long-term consequences for children’s wellbeing and development.
“It also carries wider societal and economic costs, particularly in relation to mental health and future support needs.
“Cancelling the school denies children the opportunity to thrive within their own community and places further strain on an already overstretched system.
“The proposed school on Tanworth Lane would have provided vital support for some of Solihull’s most complex young people, offering specialist provision tailored to meet their needs. It is therefore difficult to understand the decision by the current government to cancel a 150-place Special Free School that was clearly needed.
“Our most vulnerable children deserve a person-centred education that meets their holistic needs, delivered in the right environment. Without this, we risk failing them at a critical stage in their lives.”
Councillor Karen Grinsell, leader of Solihull Council, said: “Following the Labour Government’s initial decision to withdraw the previous Conservative Government’s funding c£20m for our Special School we are still awaiting the final decision from the DfE.
“Following requests from the Council, myself and local MPs for funding to be reinstated, the department agreed to reconsider their position following our submission of further evidence. We hope there will be a positive decision soon.”
