I take issue with Dr Neville Brown’s choice of words (Letters, 24 September). In the correspondence to date I have not suggested that Maple Hayes is “hijacking resources unnecessarily and unscrupulously” nor have I written about the school in an abusively disparaging manner (ie, I have not “vilified” him or the school). In fact, in my letter (22 September) I said “it may also be true that Maple Hayes Hall provides a good environment in which it is possible to help children and young people with their development”. I have not quarrelled with the Ofsted judgment of the school as outstanding. I am sorry that Dr Brown has perhaps misunderstood what I have been trying to say in defence of local authority resources and the education of all children.
Simon Gibbs
Professor of inclusive educational psychology and philosophy, Newcastle University
