An Altona Meadows mother says her son, who has autism, will suffer after Western Autistic School cut its Tuesday arts program and increased Saturday social club term fees from $40 to $211.
Jasmine Locke’s son, William, 10, attends programs run by the Western Autistic School at its Niddrie and Laverton campuses.
“Parents have recently been informed that, due to funding, the Tuesday arts program is being cut completely,” Ms Locke said.
“On Saturdays, the school runs a social skills program for three different age groups. The parents have just been informed that there will be a fee increase, from $40 per term to $211 per term.
“At the end of the day, children like my son will not be able to attend Saturday Club and, with his arts program being cancelled, there is nothing left to support him within the community.
“William is so upset by these changes as it was his way of feeling like he could contribute and feel like he belonged to something outside of home.”
Parents have started a petition to keep the programs as they are.
Questions to be asked
Western suburbs Liberal MP Bernie Finn, whose son has autism, said he was shocked and would raise the matter in Parliament this week.
“I know, with my own son, those sorts of social programs are just so very, very important.
“They can make or break and without them those children’s future probably could be in jeopardy. It really is that important,” Mr Finn said.
Education Department spokesman Steve Tolley said funding decisions like this were a matter for schools and school councils.
“Any decisions made by the school or school council are not a result of any funding cuts,” he said.
Western Autistic School principal Mary Thomson said in recent years, the school had delivered some programs for students with autism who did not attend the school.
“These programs have been mainly funded by Western Autistic School, which has put a strain on the school’s finances,” she said.
“Our school council recently agreed to discontinue the arts programs, which have been operating for a small number of external students.
“The council is also asking families whose children attend the Saturday Club to meet the cost of operating the program.”
