By a County Press reporter
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
UPDATED WEDNESDAY 17:17*
FURTHER consultation on proposals for the future of Special Educational Needs on the Isle of Wight, including a controversial move to Love Lane in Cowes for some of the children with the most challenging behaviour, is set to take place.
A decision is being made under delegated powers by the cabinet member for children's services and education, Cllr Dawn Cousins, to undertake a second stage consultation on the proposals.
The council hopes to allay the fears of residents, particularly with regard to the proposal for children with behaviour, social, emotional difficulties (BESD) to be educated at Love Lane.
Some of the children are currently at expensive mainland units.
The proposal is to relocate from Thompson House and Clatterford Tuition Centres to the former Berry Hill school site in Lake and also in separate accommodation on that site would be the Special Educational Needs and Early Years Services.
The site at Love Lane would be for a maximum of 25 children and young people with BESD, who have been excluded or are in danger of exclusion from mainstream school or those who are returning from mainland placements and who need intensive support before returning to schools on the Island.
It would also include Work Initiative in Support of Education (WISE) workshops.
*The delegated decision to consult further was taken today (Wednesday). The results of the further consultation will be considered later this year by the Isle of Wight Council cabinet.