“A School for Every Child”
It’s time to give Scarborough’s coastal communities the School they Need
“A School for Every Child” is our call for change – because too many neurodivergent children in Scarborough are still without the right education close to home. Whether that means a place in mainstream school with appropriate support or support in a tailored educational facility, It’s time to give them the education they need – and with your support, we can make it happen.
Why the right time is NOW!
With the government’s SEND reforms currently under review, there is a renewed focus on strengthening local services and provision. This gives us a vital opportunity to press North Yorkshire Council for improved, locally accessible education and support for our children and families.
The BBC’s recent Panorama investigation revealed that despite the alarming rise in Autism and ADHD diagnoses among children in Scarborough and Whitby, there are still no local special schools offering full-time education for neurodivergent children without complex learning needs. Instead, all suitable provision is concentrated in the more affluent central areas of North Yorkshire. Despite high levels of deprivation and the significant challenges families face in Scarborough, the town has been consistently overlooked – leaving children and young people without the education they deserve close to home.
This is a crucial moment to make our voices heard and lobby our Local Authority before the window of opportunity to shape future provision closes.
IT’S AN OPPORTUNITY THAT WE CANNOT AFFORD TO MISS.
How will a new education facility be commissioned?
Specialist, additional provision facilities are are often funded privately or through partnerships with schools or government bodies. Premises are often secured by charities, through private purchase or leased from the local council on a peppercorn rent basis, where the facility serves the public good and meets a clearly identified local need. If enough public support is shown, North Yorkshire Council may agree to support us in the development of our village in a variety of ways.
Partnering for Change
We are currently in partnership discussions with Oasis Trust. Oasis is a national multi-academy trust and one of the largest in the UK, running more than 50 primary and secondary schools as well as developing community facilities and village models across the country. They have a strong reputation for creating inclusive, resilient communities where every child can thrive, and they are also in conversations with the government about shaping the vision for new ‘Young Futures Hubs’ via their community village model. Because our values and aims align so closely, we are exploring a partnership to help establish and operate Havenswood Village. Their proven experience, along with strong relationships with local authorities and the Department for Education, makes them an ideal and highly credible partner for this project.
How YOU Can Help Our Campaign
Make your voice heard -urge North Yorkshire Council to commission a educational facility for our children. Tell us your stories, sign our petition, email your local councillor, tell your friends and spread the Havenswood story on social media!
SIGN OUR PETITION
EMAIL YOUR LOCAL COUNCILLOR OR MP
SEND US YOUR STORIES