A union is “deeply concerned” that vulnerable pupils will soon be moved from a special needs school.

The National Education Union said Labour has U-turned on its manifesto pledge to keep schools open with Homewood College in Brighton being the latest at risk.

A consultation was launched about stopping admissions to the school and finding alternative educational placements for those currently studying there.

The school caters for children with special educational and mental health needs but was rated inadequate by Ofsted in 2021 and has been in special measures ever since. The city council said it has failed to improve so plans to move pupils to other schools are also being considered.

The NEU said it is “unacceptable” that teachers “are in the dark with regards to their job security”.

It also has “grave concerns” about Brighton and Hove City Council’s ability to provide the levels of care needed for the vulnerable young people at the 37-pupil school.

Nick Childs, NEU senior regional officer, said: “This latest announcement comes in quick succession following the recently announced plans to close two community primary schools within the city. Homewood College will be joining St Bartholomew’s Church of England Primary School in central Brighton, and St Peter’s Community Primary and Nursery School in Portslade, as a de facto school closure.

"The Labour council promised in their manifesto to ‘keep schools open’ yet within less than a year they are closing three schools. This is unacceptable.

 “NEU members who work at Homewood College are in the dark with regards to their job security and whether their specialist expertise will be required going forward. This is unacceptable.

"The NEU has grave concerns about the local authority’s ability to provide the desperately needed levels of care for these vulnerable young people and their families from September onwards. These proposals need to be postponed until the alternative provision is finalised for each and every Homewood College pupil.”

Councillor Jacob Taylor, co-chairman of the council’s children, families and schools committee,  said: “We’re committed to being an inclusive place for children to learn and be educated. We have a fantastic family of schools in the city who share this commitment.

 “Homewood College became subject to an academy order following an inadequate Ofsted inspection outcome in December 2021. Since then, we’ve liaised closely with governors and school leaders and provided a high level of support.

 “However, the Department for Education has been unable to identify an academy sponsor to take on the running of the school. This has seriously impacted on the school’s ability to make improvements.

 “The consultation we’re carrying out with parents, carers and school staff is about proposals to stop admissions to the school and find alternative educational placements for the pupils.

 “The council does not have the power to close a school that is subject to an academy order.

“We are in discussion with the government’s Regional Office for Education about the future of the school. Our aim is to improve the educational offer to current pupils for the remainder of their schooling.

 “Children with social, emotional and mental health needs are some of the city’s most vulnerable and they deserve the very best educational opportunities.

 “We will continue to work with partners, including other schools in the city, to identify alternative provision for these young people.”