We, the concerned citizens of Chichester, adamantly oppose the proposed relocation of Jessie Younghusband School to Minerva Heights. The decision to relocate threatens the educational access and safety of our children and disregards the needs of our community. We demand an immediate halt to this ill-conceived plan for the following reasons:

Closure by Relocation: The proposed relocation effectively amounts to the closure of Jessie Younghusband School. Minerva Heights, with its imminent need for a 2-form entry school within 5 years, will absorb the current catchment, leaving no space for children of the current catchment. This will deprive the children of North Chichester of their catchment school, leaving families and the council without a viable solution.

Shortage of School Places: Council data reveals a significant shortage of school places in central Chichester, exacerbating the urgency of addressing this issue. Relocating Jessie Younghusband School will only exacerbate this shortage, leaving families and students in limbo.

Increased Car Usage: The relocation to Minerva Heights will result in a surge of car usage, directly contradicting the current environmentally friendly mode of transportation. With 86% of children currently walking to school, the proposed relocation will lead to a significant increase in car usage, exacerbating traffic congestion and pollution in the area.

Safety Concerns: The proposed route to the new school poses serious safety concerns for our children. Crossing St. Paul's Road and navigating the narrow, uneven path alongside fast-moving vehicles present imminent risks. The alternative route, Centurion Way, is poorly lit, prone to flooding, and unsuitable for young children. The council's dismissal of these safety concerns is alarming and unacceptable.

Lack of Infrastructure: The new school lacks adequate parking and drop-off provisions, further exacerbating traffic congestion and safety risks. The design overlooks the needs of the community and fails to provide essential infrastructure to support the influx of students and families.

The County Council's handling of the proposed changes has been deeply disappointing and concerning to our community. Despite clear and valid concerns raised by local residents, the council has repeatedly failed to listen or respond adequately. The language used in the consultation summary document has been dismissive and even dangerous, exacerbating divisions within our community. By suggesting that "doing nothing" is the only alternative option in the original proposal, the council has effectively, from the outset, created a situation whereby objecting to this proposal is perceived as preventing the expansion of provisions for pupils with SEND. 

Moreover, the council has failed to mention viable alternatives to address the critical shortage of SEND places in the county, such as the development of a new SEND school in Worthing/Tangmere and an additional £20 million to increase SEND spaces. Despite hundreds of objections from individuals who support the Save Jessie campaign, officials like Jacquie Russell have fixated on minor concerns like travel distance, disregarding the more substantial issues at hand. The effect of this is to further polarise our communities (by attempting to render our argument invalid), to deflect from the real issue- the council has not effectively planned for both SEND and mainstream school provisions. The council's failure in this area should not cost North Chichester their wonderful and thriving school community. 

Our campaign aims to push for a solution that:
1. Genuinely addresses the needs of the SEND community and the additional 300 school spaces required.
2. Provides Minerva Heights with the school that they require.
3. Ensures the preservation of JYS in its current location. 

We urge the County Council to reconsider its stance and engage in meaningful dialogue with the community to find a solution that works for all. 

Please send your objection to Gillian Keegan (gillian.keegan.mp@parliament.uk) and Jacquie Russell (jacquie.russell@westsussex.gov.uk).