Parents in the north-east have launched a last-ditch appeal to prevent dyslexia support units in Aberdeenshire from closing.
The bases at Kellands Primary in Inverurie and Crimond School, near Fraserburgh, are the only two of their kind in the north-east, and have been helping youngsters overcome their learning difficulties for the last 26 years.
But Aberdeenshire Council wants to close the units to roll out a new model of enhanced provision that would allow pupils with dyslexia to be taught in their own schools.
Now a petition against the proposals has been launched by concerned parents, and already has nearly 300 signatures.
One Fraserburgh mum, who sent her son to Crimond for dyslexia support, said the proposals could disadvantage youngsters.
Margaret Ritchie said yesterday: “The Crimond dyslexia unit did wonders for my son and I’m so proud at what he has achieved.
“It would be a shame if they closed it as it can help others to achieve their goals in life.”
Last month, councillors in Inverurie heard the move to close the units would end the “postcode lottery”
But Graham Ellis, whose son attends the Inverurie unit, said at the time: “It’s not practical, it’s not achievable and it’s not giving our children the support they need.”
The petition calls for both schools to retain their specialist units, and says the closures “will be a huge mistake that will be detrimental to the education of many children.”
Vincent Docherty, the council’s head of secondary education and additional support, acknowledged the campaign.
He said: “Aberdeenshire Council aims to ensure that all schools are autism and dyslexia friendly and will provide consistency of support through a nine-area model in addition to specialist software and training that all staff can access and use.
“The consultation on Crimond and Kellands learning units follows an extensive review of enhanced provision over two years and engagement with parents, pupils and staff. It also links to work undertaken by the service to modernise the school estate.
“We work to address the needs of every child and young person in Aberdeenshire and will continue to do so to ensure they receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place.”
The education, learning and leisure committee will have the final say on the proposals on May 28.