The Staffordshire county council have no idea of the benefits of overnight stays at special needs schools, the children don't just play they learn skills which help later on in life, they teach independence, confidence , fine and motor skills to these children, they teach how to form friendships and bonds with other children and adults, they learn personal skills, it gives families breathing space so they can have time together on their own and know their child is safe and learning skills, i know this because my daughter went to residential one night a week and the difference it made was massive she grew strength, confidence, independence, she was so happy, the staff are part of their life and families life help bring the best out of them and for this to end would be devastating especially at my daughter's old school and others, which were and are huge part of her and other children's development and parents and carers lives would be disastrous.