A FORMAL consultation period has begun over plans to merge the three special schools in Dunstable and Houghton Regis.
The Gazette revealed last month that Central Bedfordshire Council is proposing to create an Area Special School in south Bedfordshire by merging Glenwood, Hillcrest and Weatherfield schools, initially across all three existing sites.
And now the local authority is inviting any interested parties to have their say on the plans from now until March 25.
The merger proposal follows the model of a similar school already running successfully in Biggleswade. Ivel Valley Area Special School was created in September 2010 following the merger of Hitchmead and Sunnyside special schools.
The move aims to improve the local special school provision, with benefits including offering greater integrated support for children with complex needs and pooling the considerable expertise, experience and resources already present within the three schools.
Councillor Anita Lewis, responsible for children’s services, said: “The proposals reflect our education vision for Central Bedfordshire. Ivel Valley School has been a huge success already and we want to repeat this model in the south of Central Bedfordshire.
“We want this consultation to be as broad as possible and would encourage anybody with an interest to respond. Parents, staff, local community groups, other schools, local residents, professional associations, appropriate Members of Parliament and any other interested parties are all welcome and encouraged to participate and contribute to the process.
“No decision on special schooling in the south of Central Bedfordshire will be made until the views of everyone responding to this consultation have been taken into account.”
Three public meetings will be held next month for people to have their say and ask questions about the proposals.
On March 1 at 7pm and March 7 at 1.30pm, meetings will be held at Dunstable Fire Station in Brewers Hill Road.
On March 2 at 7pm a public meeting will be held at The Cedars Upper School, Leighton Buzzard.
The venues only hold a restricted number of people so call 0300 300 8304 or email customer.services@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk if you wish to attend.
You can also have your say by visiting www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or calling 0300 300 8304.
The deadline for all responses is noon on Friday, March 25.