The future of The Parks School was discussed at a public meeting on 1 November, which also saw the launch of a public consultation.

This consultation, which launched on 2 November, gives parents and guardians 30 days to share their views on the proposed closure of the school, but parents reported emails bouncing, effectively resulting in the consultation period not extending to the full 30 days required.

In October 2022, it was revealed the the future of Parks Special Nursery was under threat and was facing closure, despite outcry from distressed local parents and carers.

Parents rallied in support of the school, sharing their stories and upset that the school faces closure despite being the only state funded specialist setting in Rutland.

SEND Rutland and local parents set up a petition to prevent the closure of the school, which surpassed 1,500 signatures.

Following this, Rutland County Council's Cabinet endorsed an engagement programme with the county's Early Years sector and parents, asking how they could further develop support for very young children with emerging needs, as well as their families.

Now, they are hosting a consultation to appraise the future of the school, but this has launched with a hitch, as parents reported emails bouncing.

Former Rutland County Councillor and parent of students at the school, Leah Toseland, said: "The Parks consultation email is bouncing back. This means the public do not have the full 30 days for consultation and to share their views.

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"If you really care about the public sharing their views, once the email issue has been rectified, give the public the extra time due to the technical error on your side.

"I also want to add, that at the meeting last night, all members of public present requested that an independent person review and present the emails and communication recieved during the consultation. This is an extremely reasonable request. Please listen to them.

"It would also be appreciated if you could share how those without Internet access, poor internet access, our neurodiverse members of the public and those who struggle with technology will be able to hear about this consultation and take part, and if they will be given additional time to input their views. It would be a reasonable measure to do so, and kind."

It appears that the email is now working. Residents can feedback to [email protected].