Consultation on the future of the Hearing Impairment Resource Unit at Rushy Meadow Primary Academy

Overview

This paper outlines the options for the future of the Hearing Impairment Resource Unit at Rushy Meadow Primary Academy, with effect from 1st September 2018. All children currently attending the Unit will continue to receive their education, with support, at the school until their natural point of transfer.

Rushy Meadow Primary is an academy that hosts a Hearing Impairment Resource Unit offering up to 14 places for pupils with Statements of Special Educational Needs/Education Health and care plans. The academy receives enhanced funding to provide specialist resources and teaching expertise for pupils placed in the unit.

The number of Sutton pupils placed at the unit has remained reasonably consistent across the last 2-3 years and currently, only 9-10 of the places are filled with Sutton children. There may be a number of reasons for this such as advances in technology or a more flexible approach to providing support, making it easier for young people to thrive in other schools. Currently, the majority of children of primary age with HI attend schools other than Rushy Meadow, with support, in accordance with their parents’ wishes.

Nationally, many local authorities are changing the way they support children with hearing impairment, with an increasing proportion now being educated in mainstreams schools, with support, which is welcome. However, a small number may benefit from more intensive support, such as is available at Rushy Meadow.

Why your views matter

The London Borough of Sutton, in partnership with the Cirrus Academy Trust (the multi-academy trust of which Rushy Meadow is a part), would like to know what parents in the area think about the proposal. We welcome comments and questions from parents or other interested parties regarding future provision for children with HI across the borough.

• The Consultation period will open on 15th January 2018, and close on 12th February 2018.

• There will be a meeting for parents and other interested parties on Thursday 1st February at 6.30pm at the School. You do not need to register your attendance.

Please read the consultation document attached at the bottom of the page and complete the online survey. We would prefer that respondents use the online survey but if respondents would prefer there is a hard copy of the consultation response form attached below with details of who to send it to in the consultation document

Ultimately decisions on where to place pupils with SEN are taken by the Local Authority. It is anticipated that Councillors at the London Borough of Sutton will consider the responses to the consultation and make a final decision on Wednesday 14th March 2018. Should members decide to either reduce the number of places or to cease funding the unit, changes will come into effect in  September 2018.