A protest to 'Save The Parks School' took place this weekend in Oakham.

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.

Banners reading 'Save The Parks School' were brandished outside Rutland Library. Image credit: Nub News.

A parent of a former pupil at the school said: "Without this facility, my child would not have been able to access mainstream education in primary school. This is a very short term view, which will ultimately cost RCC more money in the future."

A group of supporters of the school, headed up by passionate parents, set up a petition in October 2022, when the future of The Parks School was first put under scrutiny.

It states: "The Parks School is Rutland's only state maintained community special school. The school takes children up to 7 years old. In the last two Ofsted inspections, they team achieved Outstanding, a rating that is very difficult to achieve. Rutland County council want to close the Parks school because they say it's no longer needed.

'Thrive not survive' was the message from children at the school. Image credit: Nub News.

"We, as a community, say differently. The Parks have seen hundreds of children through their doors and have given those children an amazing start to their academic life, something that would be almost impossible to do in a mainstream setting or designated specialist provision. 

"The Parks doesn't just help the children, it supports the whole family, at a time that is confusing and frightening for everyone. It is a vital part of our community and we won't let it go.

'Every child matters' at The Parks School. Image credit: Nub News.

This petition has so far reached over 2,500 signatures.

On top of this, a protest took place outside Oakham Library on the morning of Saturday 18 November.

The protest saw parents, guardians, staff and children rally in support of the local school.

Parents and children rallied in support of The Parks School over the weekend. Image credit: Nub News.

Rutland County Council are still accepting representations for the school.

Comments and representations can be made by emailing: [email protected] before consultation closes at midnight on Sunday 3 December 2023. 

The deadline was initially 30 November, but complaints from parents regarding the accessibility of the consultation has prompted the council to extend the deadline. 

Anyone without internet access can take part in the consultation by calling: 01572 722 577.