Mum pleads for decent school

South London Press

Mum pleads for decent school

Jun 25 2004

A MUM made an appeal to council bosses for a decent school for 70 vulnerable children.

Gill Manvell told Lambeth's executive committee about The Michael Tippett School which has pupils with severe learning difficulties and in some cases physical disabilities.

She described how the school's building is too small and was branded unfit by Ofsted inspectors.

Michael Tippett opened in Oakden Street, Kennington, in 2001 after a shake-up of special schools. Parents were told the school would get a new building in West Norwood but plans were shelved because of lack of funds. That site is earmarked for a new secondary.

When the school building became overcrowded, older students were moved four miles away.

It has been proposed to move the school to a building in North Lambeth. Another suggestion has been to move older pupils to Kennington.

Ms Manvell said: "They can't disappear - they are straightforward and very loving human beings who are an example to us all.

"Don't find a box to hide them in."

A council spokeswoman said: "The pupils represent one of the most vulnerable groups within the borough and the council is acutely aware of its duty to them."

She said two bids for Government cash had been declined but the council was awaiting the outcome of a third.

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