The Change.org petition, titled Stop the SEND Crisis: Fund a Secondary Wing for Swindon’s Chalet School Kids, has been launched by parents and supporters concerned about the future of children with profound Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when they reach secondary school age.
Campaign organiser Ghaizza Begale said existing secondary special schools were not equipped to meet the needs of every child requiring highly specialist support. She said:
“The existing secondary special schools are completely overcapacity. While these schools do a fantastic job trying to accommodate everyone, they are simply not designed or specialised to handle profound Autism Spectrum Disorder.
“The Chalet School provides specialised, highly specific care that these children desperately need. Without a secondary wing, these children lose that vital environment just as they hit their teenage years. The existing schools are doing their best, but they are not the ideal setting for children with these profound, specific needs.”
Parents supporting the campaign say extending The Chalet School into secondary education would allow pupils to remain in a familiar environment with staff who understand their individual needs.
They believe this would provide greater continuity during an important stage of the children’s development.
The petition has attracted support from families and residents across Swindon, with campaigners hoping the growing backing will encourage further discussions about expanding specialist SEND provision in the town.
Responding to the campaign, Swindon Borough Council said it recognised both the quality of The Chalet School and the increasing demand for specialist education places.
Councillor Kate Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said:
“We know what a fantastic school the Chalet School is and we continue to work closely with all schools across Swindon to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
“The Council is facing a £55.3 million shortfall in funding for new schools following the Government’s decision not to approve two of our free schools in the New Eastern Villages, which makes additional capital investment particularly challenging.
“However, the Council remains committed to delivering a brand new secondary SEND school to help meet growing demand and provide additional specialist places for a wider range of pupils.”
While the council has not committed to creating a secondary wing at The Chalet School, it said work is continuing to deliver additional specialist secondary SEND capacity elsewhere in Swindon.
Campaigners say they will continue collecting signatures in the hope that The Chalet School will be considered as part of the long-term solution to increasing demand for specialist education places.
Those wishing to support the campaign can find the petition on Change.org
