Calls to convert a vacant Gosport school into a site for teaching children with special educational needs has been turned down by Hampshire County Council.
More than 1,100 people signed a petition asking the administration to conduct a feasibility study and open a consultation to transform Brockhurst Primary’s north campus.
Petitioners said families were struggling to access appropriate support for children with diverse and complex needs and urged the council to act “as soon as possible.”
The Change.org petition stated: “There is a growing demand for high-quality, local SEN education in Gosport and the surrounding areas. Many families are struggling to access appropriate support for children with diverse and complex needs.
“The current shortage of SEN placements is putting pressure on families, educators, and existing schools.
“This petition reflects the views of local parents, educators, carers, and community members who recognize the urgent need for increased SEN capacity.
“We ask that the local authority conduct a feasibility study and open a consultation on this transformation as soon as possible. Together, we can create a nurturing, inclusive space where every child has the chance to thrive.”
In a public response, the council said that while the site could be considered for SEN provision, it has “limitations” around parking and the condition of the building, which would require significant capital investment.
The council said the recent decision to use the former Peel Common Infant School site as SEN provision would provide an additional 70 primary specialist school places in the Gosport area.
Additionally, the council said it increased specialist revision places at Holbrook and Bedenham primaries.
Discussions are also taking place with two secondary schools in Gosport for more places next September. According to the council, another three primary schools in Gosport have also expressed interest in hosting resource provision.
The council said: “With the proposed new provision at the former Peel Common Infant site now progressing, it is expected that this will provide sufficient primary specialist school places together with the RP proposals outlined above in the Gosport area.”
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