Maines Call for a Genuine Dialogue With Parents Over SEN Plans

4.17.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 12th Mar 2004

Chris Maines is calling for a genuine consultation on Tory plans to 'reconfigurate' the coumcil's special education provision

"Bromley Council must take notice of the parents of children with special needs," says Liberal Democrat Councillor Chris Maines. The Council has embarked upon a "reconfiguration" of the special education provision within the Borough with the aim of saving £1.65 million. The Council Executive agreed last week to start consulting on their plans.

In a letter to the Director of Education, Cllr Maines has said, "The council must listen to the concerns of parents and their support groups and not embark on the process with a closed mind. If the consultation is genuine and meaningful, it might mean that the Council has to change some of the agreed conclusions but it will win the acceptance of parents . "

Cllr Chris Maines says "We know that consultation by Bromley Council is often a sham. Tory councillors boast that they take a decision and only hold a "token" consultation if the law forces them to."

"The Council have an opportunity to work with parents and teachers to ensure they provide an education that meets the needs of each child and working together they can achieve better value for money with targeted support." claimed Cllr Chris Maines.

"Bromley Council must ensure the reorganisation has educational benefits and is not purely financially driven," according to Cllr Maines who believes the Council could alienate all Bromley parents if the issue is mishandled.