The Parks, Rutland's only state funded specialist school, is set to close.

Parents and teachers of The Parks School, which is a sister school of Oakham C of E located on Burley Road, have spoken out about the 'devastating' decision to close the school.

Many have shared their stories on social media, highlighting how vital the school is to the progress and success of their children.

A group of parents have set up a change.org petition to 'Save the Parks School.'

The petition reads: "The Parks School is Rutland's only state funded specialist setting. They take children up to 7 years old. In their last Ofsted, they achieved Outstanding, a rating that is very difficult to get. Rutland County council want to close the Parks school because they say it's no longer needed.

"We, as parents and carers, say differently. The Parks have seen hundreds of children through their doors and have given those children a head start in their academic life, something that would be almost impossible to do in a mainstream school. The Parks don't just support children, they support the whole family, at a time that is confusing and frightening for the whole family. They are a vital part of our community and we won't let them go."

Sign the petition here.

Meanwhile, Rutland Council have said: "Working with the Rutland Schools' Forum, Rutland County Council is reviewing how children with special educational needs (SEN) can best be supported in an Early Years environment. This is being done with a view to maximising resources across Rutland's Early Years sector, so that settings like nurseries and childminders have everything they need to help children with special educational needs and disabilities to thrive. 

 "When Rutland County Council's Cabinet meets in November, it will be asked to endorse an engagement programme with the county's Early Years sector and parents, asking how we can further develop support for very young children with emerging needs, as well as their families. This will be a long process and is not specific to The Parks Special School. It will involve the whole of Rutland's Early Years sector.

 "This lengthy engagement process will lead to proposals around future Early Years SEN provision in Rutland. However, nothing has been decided yet. Any proposals that could result in a change to local services would require formal consultation with parents and families."

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