Concerns raised over new specialist school in Melksham

A parent has criticised Melksham House School for what they say is a lack of support for their nine-year-old son, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The child joined the specialist school, based in the Grade II listed Melksham House, when it opened in September last year. The parent said they were told by staff that the school “cannot cope” with his needs.

The parent said, “Our son started at Melksham House when it opened last September. It was such a relief for us, we made it into a happy thing, we spun it positively to him, we paid for the school uniform.

“My son has ADHD; it shocked me to think that they couldn’t cater for someone like my child, who in my opinion, is a normal child,” they said. “Melksham needs a school like that, but they don’t seem to want to cater for the children in there.”

The parent said the child is currently on a reduced timetable, attending only from 9am to 12pm. They said they were told their son requires one-to-one support and questioned why this could not be provided at the school and are now seeking a different school.

Melksham House School is based in the Melksham House building next to the Community Campus and provides tailored education for children aged four to 16 with complex social, emotional, mental health or medical needs.

A spokesperson from Brunel Academies Trust, which runs the school, said, “We provide education for children and young people from the age of four to 16 years with complex, social, emotional and or mental health or medical needs and have robust safeguarding measures in place so our pupils enjoy being at school and learning. We always want the best for our pupils and while we wouldn’t discuss individual cases, we will work with parents to determine the best option for their child which meets their needs. If any parent has any concerns, we’d want them to come and talk to us so we can address any issues and move forward.”

Pictured: Melksham House School