Save Furness School

Devastatingly, Furness School now faces closure. We cannot deny that in recent years Furness has endured problems, however we have remained strong and positive, tackling each problem as a team with a common goal. Often the struggles have been as a result of governments constant indecisiveness regarding the requirments for special education provisions.

To be blunt, very few people are willing to support the type of students that we open our doors to. It is this lack of understanding and knowledge that is leading to more and more students being forced into units attached to mainstream schools. Consequently students are slipping through the net. We work tirelessly with those that many disregard and we love what we do.

There is a defecit over Furness, however it is fair to say that no avenues have been explored to solve this issue. There are many people with viable ideas and solutions to save Furness and yet these are not being listened to. Despite these suggestions being made for some time, they have fallen upon deaf ears and now the defecit has been allowed to increase to an 'apparently' irrecoverable amount. Avenues to recover the defecit have NOT been explored and we refuse to accept that the school could face closure without every effort being made and our suggestions being heard. WE ARE WORTH THE FIGHT.

It is no secret that the UK is crying out for ASD and BESD placements. All you have to do is read the news. Many suggest provisions being available alongside mainstream education are the way to go, however, we can tell you from experience that for most pupils this merely makes them feel more like outsiders and leads to isolation and truancy. Children with special needs often just need a place to feel safe and understood. It is only once these foundations are laid, that there is any chance of progress both educationally and socially.

We provide support and understanding, allowing students to leave education in the knowledge that somebody believes in them and that they too are valued members of society.

There is a reason we are fighting. Furness has been home to many generations - both staff and students. The varied nature of our pupils circumstances over the years often means that Furness remains home long after they leave. Students continue to revisit Furness as it will always be home. For our current students this is under threat. Parents have become friends, students will always be family and Furness will always be home for anyone that needs it.