“Saxon Hill School in Lichfield, which has recently had an excellent report from Ofsted, has had issues finding funding for sleep overs for its severely disabled students” says Michael Fabricant.  “So I have been in correspondence with Government Ministers over this and raised the matter in the House of Commons.”  Here’s what was said in Parliament:-

Michael Fabricant: “Saxon Hill Academy in Lichfield, like many other schools that look after severely disabled children, has a programme of sleepovers for the children. That benefits the children, and it is great for the parents because it gives them respite, but the school is now having to discontinue it because of local funding issues. Is there anything the Government can do centrally to help Saxon Hill and similar schools?”

Nadhim Zahawi, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education: “Saxon Hill does a tremendous job, and respite is incredibly important. Part of the reason we have increased the funding, with £250 million over the next two years, is that we are very much cognisant of the fact that there are funding pressures on local authorities’ higher needs budgets.”

Michael adds:  “I will continue to work with the headteacher and her staff to try and find a way to continue this valuable service for students and for their parents and carers.”

Michael raises the issue of Saxon Hill School in Parliament