We are a grassroots group of parents and staff formed to try to 'Save the PRS' service in North Yorkshire. In September 2018 we returned to our Ofsted Outstanding school to find that North Yorkshire County Council were planning a massive cut to our funding. In effect we are losing well over half our budget, having already been cut to the bone. The seven high quality schools and social support hubs for the most vulnerable children and families in our county will close and there is no reasonable plan in place to support these pupils in school; there is neither the resource nor, frankly the skills to deal with the massively complex issues that these pupils present.

As we listen to the worsening news about the issues of knife crime and ever increasing anti-social problems among young people we ask where is the logic!? We know there are funding issues for local authorities, but essential youth support should be a priority! These pupils will end up on the scrap heap, excluded then 'off rolled'; a prey to all the ills of drugs, violence and general exploitation from which we successfully endeavour to protect them. We are the local specialists. The LA cannot replicate a service of our quality overnight addressing the complex support needs of these pupils and their families.

We have fought one hell of a campaign and received massive support from parents, media, past pupils and professionals. Everyone, essentially can see the lunacy of the situation and the clearly predictable outcomes for our pupils and communities. We are not giving up. We know that the challenge has to be maintained, that no 'real' consultation was held and that the Council's decision is flawed.

We ask you please to support us and particularly us parents in the practical tasks of taking this action. We are part of a national momentum to put support services for the neediest young people at the forefront of the national agenda. Please support us in achieving what is right.

Thank you

Natalie