Support offered to families after Leweston School near Sherborne closes
The council is offering help with school places
Families affected by the closure of Leweston School near Sherborne are being offered support by Dorset Council.
Leweston School announced on Monday (26 October) that it would not reopen after the October half-term break.
The council said it is working urgently to help those affected by what it described as the sudden closure.
The closure affects pupils from nursery age through to sixth form.
The council said it became aware of the closure late on Monday afternoon, at the same time as families, staff and the wider community.
Lewston School previously said in a statement that every pupil had been offered a place at another school from Monday 2nd November.
It said teams have since been working with schools, education partners and childcare providers to understand the impact and help families access support.
Help finding a school place
The council said it understands the news will be causing "uncertainty and concern" for children, parents, carers and staff and "minimising disruption" to children's education is its immediate priority.
Families who need help finding a school place, or who have questions about education provision in Dorset, can contact the council's Admissions Team at [email protected] .
The council said the team is ready to provide advice and support on the options available.
Nursery and early years
The council said it is also supporting families whose children attended Leweston's nursery and early years provision.
It said its Family Information Service is the first point of contact for families looking for childcare and early education options.
The council's early years team has been working with local nurseries and childcare providers to identify available places and it is also supporting children who need alternative arrangements.
Families who need help with nursery or childcare arrangements can contact the Family Information Service at [email protected]
Paul Dempsey, Dorset Council's Executive Director for Children's Services, said:
"We know this news has come as a significant shock for many children, young people, families and staff connected to Leweston School."
"Our immediate focus is on supporting those affected and helping families understand the options available to them. Teams across the council are working closely with schools, early years providers and other partners to help children continue their education and childcare arrangements with as little disruption as possible."
"We appreciate that parents and carers will have questions about school places, nursery provision and what happens next. We encourage anyone who needs support to get in touch with our teams, who are working hard to assist families during what is understandably a very difficult and uncertain time."