Scots council backs down over decision to cut summer school for kids with complex needs

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Parent anger has forced a council to back down over a decision to cut a summer school for kids with complex needs. Last week the Sunday Mail revealed that two weeks of vital holiday activities at Isobel Mair in Newton Mearns, near Glasgow, had been axed.

East Renfrewshire Council traditionally extends the year into July for 150 pupils to give parents much needed respite. But the number of kids being offered places has been reduced to just 37 to save £62,000.Last week, members of the Isobel Mair Parent Council had crisis meetings with councillors and council bosses over the cuts.Parents demanded the longer school year be reinstated and the savings found from elsewhere.Councillors said they’d ­consider their request and see what alternatives could be ­provided.Parent council co-chair Tracey Campbell said: “We were angry the decision was taken without any consultation with parents. “The councillors were shocked such a big decision had been taken to withdrawn services just to save £62,000 and that the situation needed urgent action.” Parents also asked why a £200,000 underspend from the budget was used to fund a £1.9million running track at Mearns Castle High and not used to offset cuts at Isobel Mair.But the council said the cash was committed to the project and couldn’t be reallocated.Tracey said: “The officials agreed they would look at other council budgets to see if money for Isobel Mair could be found.“We were told the extended school year could be redesigned.”The council said: “Following positive discussions with the parent council, we are confident a range of options can be provided to parents next week.”But Nicola Kerr, 52, whose son Christie has Down’s syndrome and autism, wasn’t hopeful.She said: “This is