Letter to the Press

Margot writes to the the Stourbrdge News in response to remarks made by Lynda Waltho criticising Dudley Council's decision that parents should meet more of the costs of school transport if they can afford to do so.

Dear Sir

I am writing in response to remarks made by Lynda Waltho criticising Dudley Council's decision that parents should meet more of the costs of school transport if they can afford to do so. Firstly Dudley Council should be congratulated on keeping open so many schools that cater for children with special needs. Such schools have been closing down at an alarming rate elsewhere in the country in response to the pressure from central government to educate children with special needs in mainstream schools.

We believe that parents of children with special needs are best placed to make the decision as to whether or not to educate their child in a mainstream school or in a special school. But for that to be a real choice the provision of special schools must be maintained. Dudley has a far better record in maintaining these schools than many neighbouring Labour controlled councils.

The rising costs of transport and looked after children have placed significant cost pressures on the local children's services budget. Despite the Government's admission that Dudley Council require £2m more in order to meet local needs in this area, the central grant to which we are entitled has not been forthcoming. The council has had no choice but to ask parents to contribute to the costs of getting their child to and from school as part of the battle to save our special schools from a fate similar to those areas where they are being closed down completely.

Yours sincerely

Margot James