An independent expert to consult on a school closure will be paid £320 a day.

Following a consultation about the future of The Parks School, Rutland's only state specialist school, Rutland County Council released a statement dubbing the school not 'viable', despite welcoming feedback about the provision until 3 December 2023.

As such, parents, guardians, teachers and supporters across the county have spoken out against the closure of the school. Subsequently, Rutland County Council employed an independent expert to support the consultation.

Rutland County Council brought in Maureen Morris to look at The Parks Nursery School, which teaches children with special needs.

A spokesperson for the council said £320 was a daily rate and final costs will depend on the amount of time needed to review and summarise the consultation feedback.

The council enlisted an expert following public feedback through consultation launched last month to look at the viability of the school in Burley Road. If the council's proposal is accepted The Parks will close in August next year.

Mrs Morris, who is a parent-carer and an associate of Contact, the charity for families with disabled children, will review comments sent during the consultation period, which ended on December 3.

The council will publish Mrs Morris' summary report, alongside all representations received. This information will be anonymised and made publicly available with papers for the council's January cabinet meeting.

Rutland County Council, which is responsible for state schools in the county, announced a review of special educational needs (SEN) provision in October.

The Parks School has provision for up to eight children, but according to Dawn Godfrey, strategic director for children's services, only two are currently enrolled.