Re-Location of Elmfield D S, NOT for money !

The future of Elmfield School for Deaf Children.  (Response by:  Rev Canon Gill Behenna Chair of Governors Elmfield School for Deaf Children.)

I would like to correct the statement that Elmfield is seeking co-location in order to save money.  We are seeking co-location because it will offer wider opportunities to deaf children afforded by access to mainstream activities and curriculum whilst retaining the excellent support of specialist staff within Elmfield school for deaf children. This is not a cost-cutting exercise!

It is true that we are concerned that co-location should be explored as quickly as possible now that the decision to keep Elmfield open has been made.  As a school we are doing all we can to work with officers from the Local Authority to find a suitable co-location for Elmfield and we are confident that we can make progress on this.   Councillor Alistair Watson's comments were a timely reminder that exploration of co-location should happen as quickly as possible and I am sure the Officers and Council Members have taken note of this. 

But it is also important to find the right site for co-location.   We are all working to secure the best possible education for Deaf children and once a decision has been made, it may take time to sort out the practicalities of co-location.

Elmfield School for Deaf Children is moving forward and we are confident in the future.  We have just put in place the process for appointing a permanent Headteacher and we look forward to developing the school and continuing to offer excellent education for Deaf children in Bristol and the surrounding authorities.

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