Nelson Park ‘abuse’ probe: Staff ‘cleared’

By John Van Klaveren
AN INVESTIGATION has cleared Nelson Park special school of mistreating students, according to parents.
They said a letter from Education Department regional director Grant Rau this week also warned them to keep the contents confidential.
The department announced last month it would investigate allegations school staff used excessive force on students.
Parents and teachers had alleged students were forced to participate in boot camp-style punishments.
The letter came as a department spokesperson revealed to the Independent that a review into special school provision in the region was almost complete.
“The review is designed to help the department determine its approach to special school education in the medium to long-term in the Geelong area,” the spokesperson said.
Corio ward councillor Kylie Fisher welcomed the review but questioned why it lacked consultation with regional stakeholders.
“Growth on the Bellarine and at Waurn Ponds and Grovedale will mean there is a need for another school,” Cr Fisher said.
“It would be great to see the outcomes of the review and for them to be made public.
“It would also be great for there to be an opportunity for community input. So far nothing has come through council or its disability advisory committee.”
Meanwhile, parents have rejected Hendy St as the best site for the school’s senior campus.
The Independent reported last week that the school would be forced to vacate the campus by April.
Parent Julie Senko said her son was due to attend Hendy St next year.
“Many parents are unhappy with Hendy St, only the leadership team at Nelson Park seems to be pushing (for it),” she said.
“The travel time from Waurn Ponds or Grovedale is an hour, and it’s another half an hour to Hendy St. Our kids are on the bus three hours every day.”
Parent Rebecca Earney said a second campus should be in the southern suburbs.
“It is a huge concern putting our students into that urban environment, with regard to crime and drug use,” she said.