Penhurst to close?
The charity Action for Children
yesterday announced plans to close its Penhurst School in Chipping Norton. Operational
Director of Children’s Services Barbara Street said the charity had
“reluctantly made the extremely difficult decision” to propose the closure of
the school. She said: “We do understand that many people will be anxious about
this news, but despite our best efforts the number of children and young people
at Penhurst is decreasing as there is a falling demand for providing this kind
of care. “As a result, the service is proving unsustainable and is losing
income. “We
remain absolutely committed to meeting the needs of the children and young
people at the school and their families. “If the decision is taken to close Penhurst,
we would work with a number of other organisations to ensure that all the
children and young people at the school continue to receive high-quality care.”
A final decision will be made by the charity in February, and the school is
currently consulting with staff and the community on the matter.