Funding for pupils who attend Northease Manor School has been secured

East Sussex County Council have been in negotiations over the summer with Northease Manor, alongside Brighton and Hove and West Sussex councils, in relation to their request for a significant uplift to their fees from September 2023 onwards.

It is welcome news that the three local authorities have now reached agreement with the school for fees for the 2023/24, 2024/25 and 2025/26 academic years.

Lewes MP Maria Caulfield said: “This is welcome news and ends the uncertainty for children and their families and I am grateful to East Sussex County Council for their hard work under a tight fiscal environment. The funding offer that has now been agreed will provide the school with the resources they need to sustain their provision and with financial stability for the next three academic years.”

The school had previously sent a letter out to parents stating that it was in danger of closing from September 2023 due to a lack of funding.

The threat of closure became a reality after East Sussex County Council had refused to agree to an increase in fees following a meeting on August 4.

An East Sussex County Council spokesperson said: “We can confirm that, in conjunction West Sussex County Council and Brighton and Hove City Council, we have reached an agreement with Northease Manor School regarding the proposed fee increases at the school. We look forward to our continued partnership with the school.”

Councillor Sarah Osborne, who is the local County Councillor for the school, says: "Parents, children and staff will be so relieved that the school can stay open but it's so sad that they had to go through months of worry before an agreement was reached.

"Sadly there is a national shortage of places at schools for children with SEN and huge waiting lists for assessments. This is great news, but much bigger investment and reform is needed to the system to ensure that all our children receive the right support to get a great education."

Northease Manor provides education for young people with Special Educational Needs and has a very good reputation for supporting local children and those from outside East Sussex. It is crucial that the school is supported, and it is great news for parents

The agreement with Northease Manor will enable all parties to give assurance to children, and their families.