On the 19th of September 2024, Hackney Council announced that our school, Oldhill faces closure in August 2025,

This petition highlights the school's importance to the community, its celebration of diversity, its maintenance of accessible education, and the specific harm the merger would cause to SEN students, especially in supporting these vulnerable students.

We strongly oppose the proposed closure/merger of Oldhill Primary School with Harrington Hill Primary. This merger involves relocating students to a school without an established Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision. Oldhill Primary is a cornerstone of our community and serves as a vital resource for many children, especially those with SEN. The reasons for our opposition are as follows:

1. SEN Provision at Oldhill Primary 

Oldhill Primary School has one of the highest numbers of children with special educational needs (SEN) in a mainstream primary school in the borough of Hackney. The school's dedicated staff and tailored resources provide a nurturing and inclusive environment that meets the diverse needs of these children. Oldhill Primary has a dedicated SEN provision, offering specialised resources, trained staff, and tailored support to children with special educational needs. Both the closure of the school and the proposed merger with Harrington Hill Primary, which does not have an equivalent SEN provision, would severely disrupt the education and well-being of these vulnerable children. Moving them to a school without the necessary infrastructure or expertise will likely compromise their development and emotional support.

2. Loss of Tailored Care  

The SEN provision at Oldhill is more than just a department—it’s a lifeline for the children and their families. The staff has built strong, trusting relationships with the children, understanding their unique needs and challenges. Uprooting these children from a familiar environment that supports their growth would create unnecessary anxiety and could lead to a regression in their educational progress.

3. Impact on Ethnically Diverse and Inclusive Community  

Oldhill Primary is known for its ethnically diverse student body and commitment to inclusivity. This diversity enhances the school’s culture, teaching all students the values of respect and empathy. Merging with a school that may not reflect the same level of diversity risks diluting the rich, multicultural environment that Oldhill fosters.

4. Disruption to Community and Accessibility

Oldhill Primary is deeply rooted in Stamford Hill, and its accessible location makes it a convenient option for local families, particularly those with SEN children who rely on its proximity and specialised services. Relocating students to a different school not only breaks these community ties but also creates logistical challenges for families who depend on Oldhill’s central location for daily access.

Closing and merging Oldhill Primary with Harrington Hill Primary would significantly undermine the quality of education and support for all the children of Oldhill Primary, particularly those with SEN and their families. We urge Hackney Council to reconsider this proposal and explore alternative options that maintain the integrity of Oldhill Primary School and its vital SEN provision.

Please join us in protecting the future of our children and the strength of our community. Please sign this petition to protect Oldhill Primary School and ensure its SEN students continue to receive the care and education they deserve.