A group set up to support special needs education is set to host a fundraiser and auction to raise more funds to fight the closure of The Parks School in Rutland.

The Parks Special Nursery School in Oakham is set to close, following a two-year review which has concluded that the provision is no longer viable. 

However, a group of parents, teachers and local people are standing against this decision, determined to 'Save the Parks School', which is Rutland's only state funded specialist setting.

Parents and the Save The Parks School action group have stood in opposition of the closure of The Parks School. Image credit: LDRS.

The Parks is a registered nursery school located within Oakham Church of England (CE) Primary Academy but maintained by Rutland County Council (RCC). The Parks offers support for children with moderate and severe learning difficulties, as well as support for speech, language and communication, autism and physical disabilities.

However, on 11 January 2024, the council made the decision to close the facility - which came as a huge blow to students, staff and parents and guardians who have relied upon the school.

The Parks School in Burley Road, Oakham, was Rutland's only state-maintained special needs school and had received an 'outstanding' rating in its last two Ofsted inspections. Despite this, the council voted to close the facility.

As a result, the Save The Parks School action group launched a fundraiser to raise £5,000 to go towards legals fees to support their opposition of the closure.

With the legal fees secured, the group will go to a judge who gave them leave to apply for a judicial review, meaning the council's decision could be recalled for further review, and could even be reversed, despite the council saying that the petition cannot be presented.

Former pupils, parents and staff have stood against the closure. Image credit: Nub News.

Following their fundraising success, the group will be hosting a fundraiser and auction to further support their campaign against the closure of the school.

The evening of fundraising for the Save The Parks School campaign will take place at The Barnsdale on Friday 17 May from 6:30pm.

Residents are invited to dress to impress for an evening of drinks, two-course meal, live music, raffle and auction.

Find out more and buy your tickets here, or contact [email protected] for donation enquiries.

The event is being organised by Rutland Women in Business and volunteers.