North Devon MP Nick Harvey is urging Ministers to intervene to save Barnstaple’s Heddon College from closure.
The pilot unit is facing closure after funding from Devon County Council runs out at the end of August. The college provides vocational and social skills training to young people with complex learning difficulties and disabilities and has been praised by local schools, parents and students alike.
Nick was able to raise the issue at the Department of Education with Children and Families Minister, Sarah Teather at a meeting about education issues in North Devon. Nick is urging the Department to take over funding for the college, and believes that it could prove a useful model for the rest of the country.
Nick said: “Heddon has an excellent attendance rate and provides opportunities for those who might otherwise not be in any form of education, employment or training. I believe that the government should step in to ensure that the college can continue. Not only does Heddon provide an excellent service for local students, it is the sort of scheme that should be encouraged elsewhere in the country.
“The Minister was receptive to the points that I raised and she assured me that education officials in Westminster will contact Heddon College and look closely at the excellent opportunities provided.
Nick to raised concerns about how the proposed replacement for EMA will affect students at Petroc as well as the impact locally with the withdrawal of funding for extended services for schools.
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