More reassurance over CLS programmes closure

Further reassurances have been made after concerns were raised about the closure of some Community Learning Skills (CLS) programmes.

CLS teaches GCSEs and job skills to people with special education, mental or physical needs, and aids learning English as a second language at venues around the area.

As recently reported, the CLS programmes were designated for closure when Labour controlled North East Lincolnshire Council – yet now the party is in opposition, they offered “false hope” to petitioners by suggesting it’s possible the decision can be reversed.

Last week, a Labour motion suggesting the programmes could remain open was defeated, and branded “shameful”.

The service has been rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted and has a £500,000 overspend, among other failings.

At this Thursday’s full council meeting, the first of the new Conservative administration, Councillor John Fenty responded to a question about the issue from Mr Appleton, a father affected by the changes.

Mr Appleton, speaking from the public gallery at Grimsby Town Hall, said: “During last week’s debate on the motion to revisit the decision to close down the CLS, Councillor Fenty categorically assured all persons present that there ‘is a list of 20 Education providers operating in this area, any number of which will able to provide the Special Needs Education that these Learners require’.

“After the meeting Councillor Fenty assured me personally, ‘I promise you that I will do everything in my power to ensure that your (my) daughter has access to the right course/s, so that she can continue her Special Needs Further Education’.

“Therefore, Councillor Fenty, I implore you to impart this information to me at your earliest convenience, if you would be so kind?”

Councillor Fenty, deputy leader and portfolio holder for regeneration, skills and housing, replied: “Thank you for the question Mr Appleton. All in the chamber understand the distress caused, due to the uncertainly of having to identify an alternative and suitable placement for continued education.

“As stated, both privately to Mr Appleton and publicly, I have commissioned a piece of work. This maps all users of the service and I am contented that there are few remaining placements to secure, which are in hand.

“It was arranged for a meet with officers, which I understand has now taken place. Notwithstanding that, I have forwarded on to Mr Appleton the latest and comprehensive list of good or better education providers.

Councillor Lia Nici, Scartho ward, asked: “Following the last Labour cabinet’s decision to close the Community Learning Service, did any members of the Labour Group or the two Liberal Democrat councillors for the ward in which the service is located, Councillors Beasant and Rudd, make any attempt to call-in the decision?”

Councillor Fenty replied: “Members will know my feelings of disgust that Labour should seek political gain by giving learners and their families false hope to reverse closure of the service – a service they chose to close after four years of successive failure and branded an inadequate provider – is a disgrace.

“Shame on them for heaping further anguish on learners, and their families. It is a fact, that after years of scrutiny, of throwing money at the service, that the decision by the then Labour Cabinet to close the service was accepted.

“Further, it is a fact that not one councillor, including Councillors Beasant and Rudd, made any attempt to call-in the decision.

“To be suggesting concerns at this stage, I would advocate, is deeply shameful.”

Every current learner with the CLS is being sent information about support available to them throughout North East Lincolnshire as they make their choice about their next move.