Funding for residential services at CWAC schools secured until 2026

Jennifer Emerson launched a petition earlier this year after it was reported that Cheshire West and Chester Council was planning to withdraw funding for residential services at special schools.

Her son, 15-year-old George Emerson-Cela, uses the residential provision at Greenbank School in Hartford, where he is given the chance to earn real-life experiences.

Mid Cheshire MP Andrew Cooper has now confirmed that funding for the services has been extended until August 2026.

Jennifer, 43, said: “I’m delighted to hear that the funding for the residential provisions for Greenbank School, Cloughwood Academy and Hebden Green School are secure until August 2026.

“I’m proud of SEND families across Cheshire standing together to fight for continued funding, however, we really shouldn’t have to do this.

“These residential provisions are a lifeline to so many families supporting young people with additional needs to be as independent as possible and providing invaluable respite to carers.”

She added: “I hope the local authority continues to recognise their importance in our community and fund them beyond August 2026.

“By that time my son will have left the residential provision but I will continue to support the campaign for long term funding for future generations.

“I want to thank the staff at Greenbank residential who make it a very special place where teenagers with additional needs can thrive.”

George began using the residential services at Greenbank in September 2023 (Image: Supplied)

George, who has autism, previously had huge anxiety around going to school, he struggled to make friends and depended on his family for most of his care.

In September 2023 he began using the residential services at Greenbank.

This involves spending nights living in a flat with his peers where they would learn skills such as cooking and shopping.

Jennifer says the service has been ‘life-changing’.

That is why when plans to withdraw funding came to light, she launched a petition which would go on to be signed nearly 2,000 times.

Jennifer launched a petition which was signed nearly 2,000 times (Image: Supplied)

Last week, Mid Cheshire’s MP confirmed funding had been secured for the next two years.

Mr Cooper said: “I am pleased to confirm that grant funding for residential SEND services at Greenbank School in Hartford, Cloughwood Academy and Hebden Green in Winsford, has been renewed through to August 2026.

“I have campaigned long and hard for this funding to be continued, dating back to before I was elected as an MP earlier this year.

“The benefit this provision provides in positive outcomes for children as they move into adulthood, and the support it provides for families by keeping children out of the care system, far outweighs the costs.”

He added: “My thanks also go to Jennifer Emerson who has worked incredibly hard to give this issue the attention it deserves.

“I hope this news brings peace of mind to many parents and thank Cheshire West and Chester Council for listening to the views of those parents and myself in choosing to continue the funding.

“Although this is a great outcome for now, the campaign continues.

“We need to secure this funding on a long-term basis, and I will continue to push for this to happen.”