CONCERNED parents of pupils at a special school in Chippenham for children with disabilities facing closure say the move would affect the wellbeing of their children.

Wiltshire Council announced last week around 220 extra places for children with special education needs are needed by 2026.

To create these extra places, it proposed three potential changes to St Nicholas’ in Chippenham, Larkrise in Trowbridge and Rowdeford School near Devizes.

The council said it could either create one large hub, keep two schools open, possibly on new sites, or continue running all three schools where they are.

Kim Nickols’ five-year-old daughter Luna started St Nicholas’ in September and said she would be gutted if it closed and it would cause a lot of disruption.

“If it is closed it would cause a lot of worry for a lot of people. I wouldn’t know what I would do,” she explained.

“I really don’t like the thought of them opening up one big school.

“The kids are very set in their ways and any new school will have teething problems.

“Luna has come on leaps and bounds since she started.

Parent Hannah Taylor said that the school doesn’t need to change at all, and it is the best place for her five-year-old son Dexter Goodship.

“When I found out he was autistic aged two, they told me they weren’t sure if he would speak.

“But since he started at St Nicholas’, every day he learns something new.

“I don’t know what I would do without them to support me.

“They are amazing, I couldn’t fault them at all.”

Headteacher of St Nicholas’ School Ros Way said that she welcomes the proposals, but the final decision must be right for the children.

She explained: “We welcome Wiltshire Council’s commitment to investing in special schools for the future. It has been a long time coming.

“We feel very strongly that there should be choice within the system and it is about providing the best for the child and their family, but it is very important they are part of the local community so everyone has a sense of belonging.”

Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children said: “It’s important we get this right for all our children and young people.

“This consultation puts the options on the table fairly so pupils can learn in great classrooms that meet their needs.”