This contradicts a government report on July 8, which states the following: "40,000 children or seven per cent are starting primary school in England each year with significant difficulties with speech and or language.

"Without the help they need these children will do worse at school, could develop emotional and behavioural problems and may descend into criminality."

Ministers accepted the points raised and announced a £40m package for the training of early years staff. And a further £12m will be spent on implementation.

All this seems to mean nothing to Rutland County Council. I know the council's response will be that this class, Poppies, (which my son attends) only has three or four children, yet it would have more children if more parents knew about this vital part of Parks School.

It would only take one or two of the wonderful staff to attend play groups etc around Rutland and they would soon find more children that would benefit from Poppies.

Experts argue that with early intervention and the right support most communication problems can be overcome.

I think people believe the council is only moving the school because it wants the land but to do this at the expense of children is insulting not only to my child but to future children who may need the expert help of Parks School.

The council should remember that the teachers in Poppies have over 50 years of collective experience and all this will be lost if Poppies closes.

If Rutland County Council can find the money for showers in its offices then it can find the money not only to keep Poppies but to improve it.

S Dean
by email