• THE letter (Taxpayers already prop up many private schools, June 7) misses the point, regarding transfer of pupils with special needs to private schools.

The council has it within its jurisdiction to pay for children to go to specialist private schools in exceptional circumstances. In the case cited, it appears the parents are only asking for the sum it would otherwise cost to send their child to Acland Burghley.

Nobody should be making a judgment on the transfer unless they know the child, and it appears those that do know the child (other parents at the same school) believe the transfer inappropriate.

That’s not to say they are right, of course, but they are perfectly right to speak out if they believe the child’s welfare is at stake.

Autism exists on a wide spectrum. If the child struggles socially and were to be overwhelmed and over-stressed in a large comprehensive, this could have dire consequences and could lead to far bigger problems and greater expense in the future.

The child’s educational needs will also not be met if they do not feel at ease, and that’s a right every child should have, and every parent too.

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