Parents Hope To Work With Local Authority To Help Shape Services

An under-threat respite centre for children with disabilities is to remain open – prompting celebration among families.

Worcestershire County Council had held a consultation into possible plans to cease overnight care at The Ludlow Road centre in Kidderminster as part of a review of its budget and special educational needs services in the county.

Following the announcement last year that the centre could close, families of those who would be affected instructed specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate their concerns.

After written submissions by Irwin Mitchell and hearing from parents, the county council’s cabinet voted to keep the centre open at a meeting last week.

The local authority agreed to work with parents of children who rely on the centre to ‘co-design’ services.

Expert Opinion

Ludlow Road provides vital care for some of the most vulnerable people in society and plans to stop overnight care would have had a devastating impact on families who rely on this vital community service.

“We had always argued on behalf of families that the county council needed to work with parents to decide how best to operate Ludlow Road so we welcome the council’s decision.

“Our clients are delighted at the decision and hope that they can now work with the county council to find a solution that suits all parties.

“The families now call on the county council to honour its commitment by fully engaging in meaningful discussions so that Ludlow Road can continue providing the high quality care that families desperately rely on, avoiding the need for any potential future legal action.” Steven Baylis - Senior Associate

Campaigner, Tracey Rochelle, said: “We’ve been fighting Worcestershire County Council for the past six months and it’s been exhausting and horribly stressful for everyone involved .

“We just hope that the council will keep its promise to include us in its plans so we can look at ways to produce a service that is suitable for everyone who needs it now and in the future.

“We are grateful to Irwin Mitchell for the help and support it has provided.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling special educational needs cases.