Two public meetings in, and serious concerns continue to grow.
The first meeting, at Braes, parents and staff were left with more questions than answers. What was said in the room did not align with the consultation paper. Contradictions in the proposal were openly acknowledged, leaving families uncertain about what is actually being proposed. The version presented in person looked very different from what was documented officially. The frustration and pain in the room were clear — these are real families, staff, and children who will live with the consequences of decisions made in confusion.
At the second meeting in Denny, the situation only deepened. Instead of reissuing the consultation to correct errors, we were told that “statements of corrections” would be sent out — effectively rewriting paperwork after publication. That is no way to run a process that requires public trust. And while parents, carers and staff turned up expecting answers, Education Director Jon Reid — the most senior officer responsible — did not attend.
Concerns about staff voice were also brought into sharp focus. We were told the Participate+ survey is anonymous, which provides reassure to parents completing. But we were also told that teachers and Support for Learning Assistants (SfLAs) are expected to use this same route to give feedback. There are no plans to consult or engage with this group separately. Worse still, many teachers and SfLAs we have spoken to were unaware of the consultation altogether, or are nervous to share their views for fear of reprisal. This points to a culture where staff do not feel psychologically safe to speak openly. When those who know our children best feel silenced, something is fundamentally wrong.
Another growing concern is that many mainstream parents are either unaware of this consultation or do not yet realise how directly it will impact their own children. This is not just about those in Enhanced Provision — changes of this scale will affect every classroom, every teacher, and every pupil across Falkirk. It is vital that mainstream families understand what is at stake and add their voices, because their support will be crucial in holding the Council to account.
Beyond the consultation itself, wider issues must also be recognised. A review of the December 2024 Council meeting recording and the Financial Strategy documents makes it clear that “efficiencies” are driving these proposals. While the language used speaks about outcomes, the underlying reality suggests cost-cutting at the expense of children with additional needs. This raises an urgent question: are these plans truly about improving provision, or simply about saving money?
Trust in this process has been undermined. Contradictions, corrections after publication, and absent leadership make it impossible to view this as a transparent, fair consultation.
We are grateful to everyone who has stood with us so far, especially those within schools and education who cannot speak out publicly but whose solidarity strengthens our resolve.
Please share this petition and raise awareness. Please express your opinion through the consultation survey. And please join our Facebook community to get more actively involved in the discussion.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we will be heard.