Dad fears for son's future if school closes

A WHITLEY Bay family has been left reeling over the possibility of the closure of Monkseaton Middle School.

- AUSTEN SHAKESPEARE Local Democracy Reporter [e-mail]

Father-of-two Mark Bowie has said the school helps children who may otherwise have “slipped through the gaps”.

Residents, teachers, parents and pupils across North Tyneside have been left shocked and dismayed over the potential closure of Monkseaton Middle School and the separate possible merging of six primary and first schools.

North Tyneside Council launched its first consultation on the proposals on Thursday, blaming declining birth rates (300 fewer births recorded year on year since 2018/19) and the associated financial impacts on school budgets.

According to the council's consultation, while Monkseaton Middle School is not predicted to have a financial deficit in the coming years, anticipated empty spaces will pose a “significant financial risk”.

Mr Bowie, 39, told how the possibility of closure could affect his 11-year-old son Teddy, who has recently been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He highlighted the “outstanding” work the school does with kids with special needs.