SPECIAL-NEEDS pupils in Wokingham have missed out on weeks of education after their school unexpectedly failed to reopen after the summer holidays.

Southfield School in Gipsy Lane has been closed since the start of the academic year – just months after it was placed in special measures by education watchdog Ofsted.

Parents have reported receiving a letter a week before school was due to start informing them of the closure and have been posted envelopes with homework for their children to complete in lieu of class time.

Pupils are expected to return in phases from the start of next week. Older students’ college courses began as normal this month and younger children are attending a nearby school.

Principal Dominic Geraghty, the deputy principal and three other members of staff are currently suspended over concerns over pupil safety which emerged back in March.

Interim deputy principal Chris Wonfor had only been in post for six days at the time of the latest inspection back in July, which stamped the school ‘inadequate’.

Inspectors found leaders and managers were not taking effective action towards the removal of special measures and though the local authority’s statement of action is fit for purpose, the post-Ofsted action plan is not fit for purpose.

Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, executive member for children’s services, explained a ‘multi-academy trust has expressed enthusiasm for the school’.

It is expected to convert to academy status by December.

Cllr Haitham Taylor said: “We’ve been working with the Department for Education to secure a firm foundation for the school’s future.

“To help make the rapid changes needed, we’ve appointed an experienced interim headteacher to work with school staff and professional partners.

“It’s been a particularly difficult time for all involved. We’ve worked with Ofsted since concerns were raised, and have started to enact the plans needed to address these.

“Unfortunately there are no quick wins, so we must balance the needs of students and their families, whilst planning future uninterrupted good quality education.

“We’re working hard to ensure Southfield has a sound footing for a smooth transition to academy status – all of which is part of its improvement being led by its dedicated staff and experienced interim leaders appointed by the local authority.”