A local council has been cautioned that the potential closure of a primary school in East London could have a “disastrous” effect on children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Enrollment at Calverton Primary School in Newham is declining more rapidly than at other institutions, leading to a significant financial shortfall of £1.1 million, as funding is tied to student numbers.
Parents have expressed their worries regarding the school’s specialized resource center for SEND students, known as the Treehouse.
In light of feedback from a consultation about the school’s closure, Newham Council has indicated that it does not anticipate enough of an increase in student enrollment due to new housing projects in the vicinity.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, around 150 individuals voiced their opposition to the closure during the consultation.
A concerned parent stated, “The impact of this closure on not just the SEN students but on all attendees at Calverton will be deeply catastrophic. All the trust and confidence that has developed over the years will be taken away from them.”
They continued, “My child has SEN and has made significant progress since starting school. Her vocabulary and comprehension improve daily because of the strong relationship she has with her teachers. Moving to a new place would dramatically hinder her progress.”
Another parent, a single mother with two children, remarked that Calverton offers not just education but also “stability and support for families like mine.”
Staff members also voiced their concerns during a meeting with the council. A report from the gathering included a staff member questioning, “Have the influence and impact that teachers have on these children’s lives been taken into account? It’s not solely about finances and numbers.”
In response, the council explained that it cannot assign new students to the school since placements are determined by parental preferences.
The consultation report indicated that this situation would prevent the school from recovering its financial deficit, which is projected to increase by £600,000 annually.
“Regrettably, for Calverton Primary School, there is no viable solution that allows for a high-quality education given the current resources. This is why we must now examine the option of closure presented in this document.”
Councillors are set to review the report at a cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday. Should they decide to proceed with the closure, a formal notice of the proposal will be issued, initiating a four-week period for public comments.
The final decision will be made by cabinet members in December, and if approved, the school is slated to shut down in August 2026.
