We, the undersigned parents and carers, including parents of children with SEND as well as other parents and carers within the school community, are writing to raise our collective concern regarding the recent changes to support staff and interventions at Hillyfield Academy.

These changes have been implemented without prior consultation or clear communication with parents. As a result, many children have experienced sudden disruption to the support and interventions they rely on during the school day.

The impact of these changes extends beyond children with SEND. While pupils with additional needs rely heavily on consistent staffing and structured support to access education safely and effectively, the removal and reassignment of support staff also affects the wider classroom environment and the learning experience of all pupils.

Support staff play a vital role in assisting teachers, delivering targeted interventions, supporting behaviour, and helping pupils engage in learning. When staffing arrangements change without clear planning or communication, the effect is felt across the whole school community.

Our concerns include, but are not limited to:

-The removal or reduction of dedicated 1:1 support and the reassignment of familiar support staff, disrupting trusted relationships that many children rely on for stability, confidence, and access to learning

-A lack of clarity regarding how therapies, interventions, and specific support activities will continue under the new staffing arrangement 

-Insufficient communication with parents and staff regarding these changes

-Concerns that decisions relating to SEND support appear to have been made without the involvement or prior knowledge of the school’s SENCO. The SENCO plays a central role in coordinating provision for pupils with SEND and ensuring that their needs are appropriately supported. Decisions affecting SEND provision and interventions should therefore involve their professional input and oversight.

-Concerns that the recent staffing changes may result in support arrangements that contradict the provision specified within some pupils’ EHCPs. EHCPs are legally enforceable documents which set out the support a child must receive in order to access education. Any changes to staffing or support arrangements must ensure that the provision detailed within these plans continues to be delivered in full

-Increased safeguarding risks due to reduced staffing ratios: Many children at Hillyfield Academy require close supervision to ensure their safety during all aspects of the school day, including classroom activities, transitions, playtime, and outdoor periods. Sudden changes to support staff can create gaps in supervision, reduce staff familiarity with children’s individual needs, and increase the likelihood of accidents, unmonitored behaviour incidents, or other safety concerns. Vulnerable children may be at risk of harm if staffing levels are not sufficient to provide the support, observation, and immediate intervention they require. It is therefore essential that any changes to staffing arrangements fully account for these risks and provide assurance that all pupils remain safe at all times.

For many children, particularly those with additional needs, consistency and familiarity are essential. Sudden changes to staffing and support arrangements can have a significant impact on children’s emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and ability to engage in learning.

As parents and carers, we are deeply concerned that these changes may compromise the quality and consistency of support available to pupils. We therefore believe it is important that the school leadership, governing body, and academy trust provide clarity and oversight on this matter.

We request the school to provide clear and timely information on:

1. How children’s daily interventions and support activities will continue to be delivered. 

2. What measures are being implemented to minimise disruption to children’s learning, wellbeing and safety.

3. Assurance that the staffing changes will not negatively impact children’s access to essential interventions or compromise safeguarding.

By signing this petition, parents and carers are collectively asking the school to:

- Prioritises the continuity of interventions and support for all affected children.

- Provides transparent communication regarding staffing changes and their impact.

- Engages parents in decisions affecting children’s daily learning and care.

We urge the school and the relevant governing bodies to respond promptly and outline the steps being taken to ensure that all children continue to receive the support and interventions they require safely.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.