Residents hit out at plan to situate SEBN school next to primary

CONCERNED neighbours and parents of St Blane’s Primary reacted angrily this week during a public meeting over a proposed behavioural school.

Plans have been drawn up to build a unit for secondary-age children with social, emotional and behavioural needs (SEBN) on land adjacent to the Blantyre primary school – also in a residential area of the town.

The South Lanarkshire Council proposals involve the closure of two current SEBN facilities – Kittoch School in East Kilbride and Lanark’s Ridgepark House – and placing youngsters at the new Blantyre unit.

However, feelings ran high at the meeting on Tuesday night, with a strong voice of opposition from residents and parents’ groups.

One parent slammed the move, stating that Fernslea Avenue had already been dubbed “Blantyre’s H Block.”

Another said that Blantyre had become the council’s “dumping ground.”

Trevor Baxter, inclusion manager at the council’s education resources, told the audience of around 70 people that the site was chosen after a number of other areas were considered.

He stated planners’ belief that the new centre – which would have between 30 and 40 pupils from across the county – would provide better facilities for pupils with SEBN and improve opportunities for early intervention.

Pupils would make the final move to the school in early 2013 if the plans went ahead, said Mr Baxter.

Parents and residents raised concerns over a potential rise in anti-social behaviour in the Fernslea Avenue area, and the negative impact the SEBN pupils could have on primary children in the school “through the fence”.

One parent told officials that many felt it was entirely inappropriate that her children would potentially be exposed to bad language and violence from vulnerable older children.

Others asked whether plannershad considered St Blane’s pupilsas stakeholders during the informal consultation process.

Head of inclusion at education resources, Andrea Bachelor, told parents that, while the primary pupils were not strictly affected by the proposals, the council had considered them.

However, she added that the council’s main concern were the children with SEBN directly affected by the plan.

Former Kittoch School head teacher Angela Stoner added that the unit’s pupils would not be allowed out unsupervised, and that it was unlikely anti-social behaviour would increase as a result.

Blantyre councillor Bert Thomson also voiced opposition to the proposals, stating that a more suitable site could be found.

He added that increased traffic in the area would be dangerous, especially for the primary pupils. This assertion was supported by many in the audience.

Ms Bachelor stated that, as educationalists, they couldn’t comment on what measures would be needed in terms of road traffic. However, she added that planners would consult with the council’s road experts.

While some concerns were heard from those who didn’t live in the town, much of the dialogue from the audience was on the potential negative impacts the development would have.

The meeting came after an initial consultation exercise with the head teachers, primary and secondary behaviour support staff, staff at the schools and NHS and social work staff.

Another aspect of the plan was the continuation of the area base for secondary-aged pupils with SEBN at Hamilton Grammar, but under the management of the head teacher of the new facility in Blantyre.

Similar proposals have been made for Lesmahagow High School, as well as St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School in East Kilbride and Cathkin High School.

The consultation period is to continue until November 30.

A decision on the plans will be made by the council’s planning committee in March next year.