A CHILDREN'S charity has closed a residential school amid claims it could not meet the needs of pupils.

More than 100 members of staff at Crowthorn School, Edgworth, have been told they are to be made redundant.

And 47 children, aged from seven to 16, with emotional, behavioural and moderate learning difficulties will be found alterative schools.

The move follows a decision made by NCH Action for Children which put forward a recommendation for closure to the Department for Education and Employment -- now the Department for Education and Skills.

Mary Robinson, North-west director of children's services for the NCH, said: "Following a period of consultation, NCH has concluded that the complex and multiple needs of the pupils at Crowthorn can no longer be fully met by the school.

"We firmly believe this difficult decision represents the best interests of the children."

The school will close by July 2002.

It was the first project to have ever been undertaken by NCH, which has been welcoming pupils through its doors since 1869.

Mrs Robinson said: "NCH is working closely with pupils, their families and local authorities to ensure than alternative educational provision is found to best meet the children's needs.

"We understand that this is a very difficult time and NCH is committed to providing as much support as possible throughout this period of change."

Two factors in the decision were the location of the school and the shortage of teaching staff.

Michael Fahy, acting headteacher, said: "News of the closure did not come as a shock to me because I was part of the recommendation process.

"We consulted with parents and local education authorities and we told staff and pupils about the closure.

"But what we are now focusing on is moving pupils to new schools.

"We are trying to work out the best possible transition for the pupils and to that end we're tying to be as positive as we can." A CHILDREN'S charity has closed a residential school amid claims it could not meet the needs of pupils.

More than 100 members of staff at Crowthorn School, Edgworth, have been told they are to be made redundant.

And 47 children, aged from seven to 16, with emotional, behavioural and moderate learning difficulties will be found alterative schools.

The move follows a decision made by NCH Action for Children which put forward a recommendation for closure to the Department for Education and Employment -- now the Department for Education and Skills.

Mary Robinson, North-west director of children's services for the NCH, said: "Following a period of consultation, NCH has concluded that the complex and multiple needs of the pupils at Crowthorn can no longer be fully met by the school.

"We firmly believe this difficult decision represents the best interests of the children."

The school will close by July 2002.

It was the first project to have ever been undertaken by NCH, which has been welcoming pupils through its doors since 1869.

Mrs Robinson said: "NCH is working closely with pupils, their families and local authorities to ensure than alternative educational provision is found to best meet the children's needs.

"We understand that this is a very difficult time and NCH is committed to providing as much support as possible throughout this period of change."

Two factors in the decision were the location of the school and the shortage of teaching staff.

Michael Fahy, acting headteacher, said: "News of the closure did not come as a shock to me because I was part of the recommendation process.

"We consulted with parents and local education authorities and we told staff and pupils about the closure.

"But what we are now focusing on is moving pupils to new schools.

"We are trying to work out the best possible transition for the pupils and to that end we're tying to be as positive as we can."

q The school was once home to actress Shirley Anne Field, who was transferred there to escape the London Blitz when she was five.

Her brother, Guy Broomfield, also spent time at the school. He was later murdered at his American home.

The 65-year-old star made her name in 'Alfie' FORMER PUPIL: Actress Shirley Ann Field