Staffing shortages and employee sicknesses have been creating severe difficulties in the operation of Salisbury Academy for Inspirational Learning (SAIL), a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school recently opened on Wilton Road.

SAIL opened last year to pupils with varying levels of need and support. However, staffing difficulties have led to most students being unable to attend school every day of the week, with groups of students being rotated according to a rota.

A letter sent to parents and carers of SAIL students on Thursday, February 22 and seen by the Journal detailed the rota for which days of the week specific groups of pupils would attend school for the week of Monday, February 26 to Friday, March 1.

A later, similar letter, was distributed on Wednesday, February 28, with an attendance rota for the week of Monday, March 4 to Friday, March 8.

The situation has left many parents concerned about their children’s education, as SAIL has been unable to provide a full-time schedule.

Francesca Mahoney, whose child attends SAIL, said: “I think it’s a big worry for parents. We all want our children to get the best education possible, and then obviously some parents work, so not being in causes strain on those parents.

“On a whole, the school is amazing. They just need the staff —be it temporary or permanent staff —or those who can cover sickness when needed so no one is missing out on education. But on a whole as a school, when they are in I can’t fault them.”

A spokesperson for Reach South Academy Trust, which runs SAIL, said the school is facing staffing difficulties affecting schools across the country, with SEND schools particularly vulnerable.

The spokesperson said: “We have taken a number of steps to manage this, including seconding teachers from other schools in our trust, and have also recruited suitably qualified staff from reputable agencies. We have also arranged for Reach South staff to be in school to provide additional support and capacity. 

“We take our responsibility for keeping children safe extremely seriously and despite these actions, we have had to take the difficult decision to move to a reduced in-school timetable for some classes.”

Wiltshire Councillor Laura Mayes, cabinet member for education and skills, said the council is working with Reach South Academy Trust on the issues.

Cllr Mayes said: “Wiltshire Council is working with the academy trust and the Department for Education around staffing capacity and timetabling at the newly opened school.”