Paralympic Champion Ben Fox Advocates for Disability Education Amid School Unit Closure

Paralympic medalist Ben Fox expresses his shock and sadness over the closure of a disability unit at his former school, highlighting its impact on inclusive education.

Paralympian Ben Fox's Advocacy for Disability Education

Ben Fox, a celebrated Paralympian and silver medalist in wheelchair basketball, has voiced his dismay over the closure of the Special Resource Provision (SRP) at Westlea Primary School in Swindon. Fox, who was born with Vater Syndrome, credits the SRP for fostering his early acceptance of his disability and shaping his successful sports career.

The Impact of SRP on Inclusive Education

The SRP at Westlea Primary School has been a cornerstone for inclusive education for over two decades, assisting students with disabilities to integrate into mainstream schooling. The unit provided essential support, including specialized staff trained to assist with daily needs such as eating and using the toilet, ensuring that students could enjoy a normal school life alongside their peers.

Fox's Journey from SRP to Paralympic Success

Fox, who attended Westlea Primary from 1999 to 2006, represented Great Britain in the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. He also had the honor of carrying the Olympic Torch for the London 2012 Games. Reflecting on his time at the SRP, Fox said, "It allowed me to just be a student who needed extra help to do certain things. I wasn't this special child."

The Broader Implications of SRP Closure

The decision to close the SRP has sparked concerns among parents and advocates for disability education. Fox believes the closure is a step backward, stating, "This is probably a decision that has been made by someone who has never experienced this in their life. Someone who doesn't value how important they (SRPs) are."

Continued Support for Students with Disabilities

Despite the closure, Westlea Primary School's co-headteachers, Ria Chitroda and Alex Moore, have assured that the school will continue to support students with disabilities. They emphasized that the closure does not mean the end of inclusive practices, stating, "We still have the space. We still have the hoists, we still have the toilets that are accessible."

Community Reactions and Future Prospects

The closure of the SRP at Robert Le Kyng Primary School in Old Town has also drawn criticism. Alex Moulding, whose son Oscar has a rare form of muscular dystrophy, expressed her dismay, saying, "Having the unit made us feel less isolated - we were part of a gang and that was vital."

Swindon Borough Council has acknowledged the shift in preferences towards mainstream schools and assured that they will continue to develop appropriate provisions for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Conclusion

The closure of the SRPs at Westlea and Robert Le Kyng Primary Schools marks a significant change in the landscape of disability education in Swindon. As the community grapples with this transition, the legacy of these units and their impact on students like Ben Fox and Oscar Moulding remains a testament to the importance of inclusive education.

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