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Seaford 'short changed yet again'
ADULT education provision at Seaford Head Community College will cease this year after it was found the centre there was not financially viable.
Seaford MP Norman Baker said the town had been 'short-changed' and one user of the adult education centre at Arundel Road, pictured right, expressed her dismay at the news.
The college has delivered courses to hundreds of adults in the local community under a franchise agreement with Sussex Downs, including courses for people with learning disabilities. Following a review by East Sussex County Council (ESCC) of the demand for adult education and the costs of the service, it has been decided the current model cannot continue. It was proposed that the centre would close and last week ESCC confirmed that adult education provision would cease at the beginning of April this year, with courses being taught for those with learning disabilities running until July.
A spokesman for ESCC said, "Following a Governors meeting at the college towards the end of last year, and in consultation with East Sussex County Council, it has been decided with deep regret to cease the adult education provision in Seaford from 1 April 2010.
"The Governors acknowledge that the latest financial information makes it clear that the adult education centre is not financially viable.
"This decision has been taken following an extensive consultation on the issue with staff and unions.
"Following discussions between the county council and the Governors, adult education for the students with Learning Disabilities will continue until the end of their current courses in July 2010.
"This will allow them to complete any qualifications where applicable.
"In any case where we are providing or commissioning support in adult learning education for adults with learning disabilities, the county council will continue to work closely with the people concerned and their families and the relevant college to ensure the best possible outcomes for them."
Mr Baker said, "It's very sad indeed that this is going and I question if it is really necessary. How can it be that other towns with a smaller population can sustain such facilities including a sixth form facility and Seaford apparently can't?
"Seaford has been short-changed yet again."
Vivienne Lloyd, a Seaford resident and user of the adult education centre, said it was a disgrace particularly that the classes for people with learning disabilities would close and added, "The many classes offered helped to keep retired people mentally and socially active and in the long run a cheaper option for the NHS.
"As a student at SHCC there was a disabled class opposite and it was a delight to hear them laughing, singing, playing instruments and doing crafts which really stimulated them and which they so obviously enjoyed."
In 2008 the fate of the college's sixth form was announced after principal Lynton Golds broke the news in October 2007 that provision for sixth formers was set to close from September 2009.
Letters were sent to parents informing them of the decision which said the sixth form, as it stands, would close from September 2009 but the college would continue to offer the specialised post 16 sports packages.
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Weather for Eastbourne
Thursday 23 February 2012
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