Drumbeat Outreach Service

"We have been contacted by people who are concerned about an internal restructure planned at Drumbeat School and Outreach Service and a petition which is circulating on social media. Drumbeat provides specialist autism spectrum disorder services at its three schools across the borough and via outreach services which are valued by parents, students, and indeed the council alike.  

"We appreciate parents’ concerns about the restructure and at what is contained in the petition, although there seems to be some misunderstanding relating to the Council’s funding of the service."

"The Council contributes to the funding of Drumbeat’s Outreach Service - this is one of the different funding streams. The Council has not reduced this funding for the service as we appreciate the good and essential work they do supporting many families in the borough. In fact, the Council has been proactive in helping Drumbeat secure additional grants."

"The Council has been in dialogue with the school since we became aware of the school’s restructuring plans. Drumbeat have now informed us that they have paused the restructure and we are continuing to talk to them about next steps."

Cllr Edison Huynh, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People