Special schools to be merged in Southend (From Southend Standard)

Special schools to be merged in Southend

12:30pm Wednesday 6th February 2013 in Echo News

TWO troubled schools will be merged together after a year of discontent.

Bosses at Southend Council are drawing up plans to bring Priory School, in Burr Hill Chase, Southend, and the Renown, in Constable Way, Shoebury, together under a single banner.

Both schools have been thrown into turmoil over the last few months after their headteachers were suspended.

Elizabeth Baines, the former head of the Priory, was subsequently sacked for gross misconduct in November last year, while Rosemary Harron, who is in charge of the Renown, remains on gardening leave.

In a confidential report, seen by the Echo, council chiefs said changes needed to be made to improve both schools.

The report said: “There is a compelling need for change to improve outcomes for children and to raise standards.

“It is proposed to create a new college - an umbrella organisation that will bring together a range of provision to meet the needs of children with social, emotional and behavioural needs.”

Jane Theadom, the council's head of school support and preventative services, said: "There is a proposal out for consultation to develop Southend’s provision for pupils with behavioural, social and emotional difficulties.

“This proposal is at an extremely early stage, and we are currently consulting people about it. Responses from the consultation will be taken into consideration in developing the plan in future, in more detail.”