Vulnerable children set to be taught in mobile classrooms

A CONTROVERSIAL application to teach some of York’s most vulnerable youngsters in temporary classrooms to cope with a shortage of space is set to be pushed through despite residents’ concerns over a lack of consultation.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Aug 2011, 11:25 BST

The proposal to build the mobile classroom unit at Danesgate, a centre providing support for children with behavioural difficulties at Fulford Cross, has been “called in” before a planning sub-committee this week by Green party leader Coun Andy D’Agorne.

The building, which will provide space for two classrooms, is needed to accommodate an influx of troubled five to 11-year-olds to the centre following the closure of the primary behaviour support unit at Westfield School last year.

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Coun D’Agorne said he had been contacted by a number of residents complaining there had been no consultation before the council began building the mobile classroom earlier this summer.

“The proposal I haven’t got a problem with, but the process has been flawed,” he added.

“Residents contacted me saying they had a letter from the school saying this building was going to be installed the next week.

“The deadline for objections hadn’t even passed yet even though work had already begun preparing the ground for it.

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“The council complains when the private sector tries to do things without going through the proper process and certainly they shouldn’t be doing that.

“The reason this has come about is because of the children being moved into that unit in a rushed decision staff found unworkable.

“It certainly is a concern that for the youngsters that need the most support, there isn’t enough space for them in the city.”

The application is recommended for approval due to an “immediate problem with providing adequate education facilities” for the youngsters.

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Jake Wood, school planning manager at York Council, said: “Since Danesgate opened in 2007, the number of pupils actually on site at any one time has not increased due to changes to the personalised learning packages offered.

“Council education officers have been in constant consultation with the planning officer throughout the life of this planning application. All necessary public consultation required by the planning process has been undertaken.”

Related topics:YorkResidents