The council responsible for special needs education has been criticised after the temporary closure of the SEMH Resource Base at Kennet Valley Primary School in Calcot.
The Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Resource Base opened in September 2024 to support pupils who struggle in mainstream settings. It supports 12 pupils but was temporarily closed last month because of staffing challenges.
Parents Jason Cocks and Joanna Zywica say their 10-year-old son Harry was left without consistent education for weeks.
Pushing for answers, Raj Singh, the chair of Reading West and Mid Berkshire Conservative Association, said: "It is deeply concerning to hear that children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) have experienced significant disruption to their education since the unit opened in September 2024.
"Parents have reported reduced provision, uncertainty about when full-time education will resume, and a lack of clear communication about how the service will operate going forward.
"Many of the children attending the unit have complex additional needs and rely heavily on routine, structure and stability.
"Reports that pupils are currently receiving only a limited number of hours per day of provision, alongside the uncertainty caused by staffing challenges and the temporary closure earlier this year, are understandably causing distress for families and affecting the wellbeing of the children involved.
"Given that all pupils attending the provision have EHCPs, it is essential that the support outlined in those plans is delivered and that families have confidence that the funding allocated for these children is being used appropriately to provide the specialist support required."
Cllr Singh (Conservative, Kentwood) asked what action is being taken to provide the pupils with full-time education, how they are being taught in the meantime and how parents are being updated. Those questions were addressed to Jeff Brooks (Liberal Democrats, Thatcham West), West Berkshire council's leader.
A council spokesperson said the school and council are working to strengthen provision after disruption earlier in the term, and added: "Our priority is ensuring that every child in the Resource Base receives safe, consistent support and a positive, purposeful learning experience."
The spokesperson said Annual Reviews are being held for all pupils, temporary leadership arrangements have been put in place, and specialist professionals are being involved to develop structure, routines and the curriculum. The council also said it is strengthening communication with families, has created a dedicated section of the school website for Resource Base parents, and recently held a parent meeting with senior leaders and the Chair of Governors.
Regular review points and updates are now in place, and the school plans a programme of opportunities for parents to engage with the provision and wider school community, including coffee mornings and celebration events. The council said it recognises this has been an unsettling time for some families and remains committed to working with parents, staff and the Local Authority to ensure the Resource Base continues to develop and provide the support pupils need.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
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