Towards the end of last year the council carried out a consultation about the local provision of educational services for learners with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties.

Two public meetings were held and approximately 40 people attended each one.  

Reponses were also received via focus groups and letters from young people, schools, parents and other stakeholders such as the Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust.

There was strong support for the proposals which include the co-location of Fox Wood and Green Lane Special Schools to the current Woolston High School site in 2013, making Grappenhall Hall co-educational and the development of further support services in the borough.

Ahead of that meeting Cllr Colin Froggatt, executive board member for children and young people’s services said: “The majority of responses we received during this process were overwhelmingly in favour of our plans, which we believe will provide greater flexibility in provision and greatly benefit our learners.”

A report detailing the results of the consultation and a series of recommendations will be considered at the next meeting of council’s executive board on Monday 13 February.