WITHERSLACK GROUP

The proposed operator of the school, Witherslack Group, is an established provider of specialist education services across the UK based in Abu Dhabi. Last year, despite thousands of complaints from parents, the company posted a £45 million profit.

Reporting, including coverage in The i newspaper, has highlighted concerns and criticism relating to aspects of the organisation’s operations.

The Government has pledged to introduce a “last resort” profit cap for private providers  as part of its schools bill reforms.

Many high profile figures have previously raised legitimate questions that communities are entitled to consider when new developments are proposed.

Therefore, we are asking:

1.    What due diligence has been undertaken locally in light of national reporting?

2.    How will standards be monitored and enforced in this specific setting?

3.    What is the specialist level in leadership at the school?

4.    What dedicated team to Dacorum Borough Council have to monitor the school?

5.    What assurances can be provided to families and the wider community?

6.    At a national level, organisations such as Witherslack Group operate within a rapidly expanding independent special education sector, one that is increasingly funded by public money. 

It's so very important for the UK to have SEN provision, we're just challenging whether

Group are the people to provide this.