Parents and residents are growing increasingly frustrated with delays in plans for a new SEND school in Surrey, impacting local families and children.
Dorking: The plans for a new SEND school on Punchbowl Lane are stuck in limbo. Parents and locals are feeling the heat as delays keep piling up. It’s frustrating for everyone involved.
This new school is meant to help with the growing need for SEND places in Surrey. But, it’s been hit with a bunch of setbacks. The Mole Valley District Council is still waiting on key info from the Department of Education.
Originally, they thought they’d have everything sorted by February 2025. But now, that timeline is pushed back even further. They were hoping to get the needed details by the end of October 2024, but a recent meeting didn’t provide any clear answers.
Councillor Margaret Cooksey, who’s in charge of planning, said they’re committed to moving forward. But she admitted that the delays are due to the incomplete info from the DfE. It’s all about when they get that info.
Chris Coghlan, the local MP, is also feeling let down. He pointed out that many kids in Mole Valley who need special placements are being sent outside the area. “We need this school to help our kids,” he said.
The new Betchworth Vale Academy could provide 180 much-needed spots for local kids. But with these delays, many children might miss out on another year of local education.
Coghlan mentioned that the main issue is the DfE not meeting deadlines for a new planning application. Until that’s sorted, the project can’t move forward. He’s even reached out to the Minister for Early Education for some answers.
Jacqueline Callaghan, a local resident, shared her thoughts. She’s okay with the school but worries about traffic on Punchbowl Lane. It’s already busy, especially in the mornings.
A parent of a SEND child opened up about the struggles families face. “We’ve been fighting for two decades for enough schools for our kids,” they said. Many families are dealing with long commutes or worse, their kids being stuck in the wrong schools.
Coghlan understands these worries but believes the school is essential. “With everyone’s cooperation, I think we can work through any remaining issues,” he said.
Residents are encouraged to stay involved and share their thoughts during the public consultation phase. For now, the future of Betchworth Vale Academy hangs in the balance, leaving many families in need of support.
