An independent review has been launched into a controversial decision to axe two specialist dyslexia units in the north-east.
Aberdeenshire Council’s education committee agreed to close both bases at Kellands School in Inverurie and Crimond School near Fraserburgh in August.
The decision caused uproar among parents of children with severe dyslexia, who said they had witnessed “huge” improvements in their youngsters’ reading and learning abilities since they started attending.
However, the local authority argued that mainstream schools are striving to be dyslexia-friendly, and with further training, pupils could get the support they need without leaving their peers.
In the wake of the decision, the Scottish Government has now referred the decision to the School Closure Review Panels, an independent body which was set up in March.
This is just the second closure the body has been called in to decide on since it was launched.
Last night, Inverurie man Graham Ellis – whose son attended the Kellands dyslexia unit – urged the panel to take a “long, hard look” at the council’s decision.
He said: “It’s not that we were against improving the dyslexia provision at large schools, it’s just we don’t believe the plans fit with smaller, rural schools.
“The plan the council has is great for pupils with mild dyslexia but not for those at the severe end of the spectrum.”
The centres, which are due to shut in December, are the only two of their kind in the north-east and have been in place for 26 years.
Mr Ellis added: “We found that, while they did everything they could at the school, it wasn’t until children attended the dedicated support programme that they really began to improve.”
The panel does not have the power to change the council’s decision – its role is to ensure the decision has been taken in line with the law.
It is expected the panel will reach a decision by mid-December.
Aberdeenshire Council said last night it would cooperate fully with the inquiry.
Craig Clement, head of resources and performance, said: “We have received notification that the proposal to close dyslexia units at Crimond and Kellands primary schools has been referred to the convener of the School Closure Review Panels.
“We will work closely with the panel to provide information for the review as required.”