Families across Kent are "heart-broken" after it was announced an "outstanding" special needs school may close and force some children to learn in mainstream schools.
Furness School, in Rowhill Road, Hextable, is attended by 31 pupils - from as far wide as Tunbridge Wells, Folkestone, Hawkhurst and Snodland - all of whom suffer from serious behavioural and emotional problems.
Pending a consultation by Kent County Council and the school's interim executive board, the school will be shut down by the end of August.
The council says it should close because it is not popular with parents and has a substantial budget deficit from which it may be "impossible to recover".
However parents, who believe the consultation is a "formality", have been left shocked by the announcement, which was made last Tuesday (February 3).
They say alternative options suggested by Kent County Council include mainstream secondary schools with special units - which they say will be inadequate for their children's needs - or schools that are out of the county.
Emma Porter's son Josh, 12, has been at the Furness School since September last year.
The 35-year-old, from Tunbridge Wells, told News Shopper: "It is just so heart-breaking for them.
"None of them want to leave. They have no idea where they are going to go.
"Kent County Council don't understand that they need to be at a small school, they wouldn't cope in a bigger school.
"They have just been in absolute tears."
Josh, who suffers from autism, asperger syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has changed schools four times and was the beginning to progress academically for the first time in two years after joining Furness.
Emma Porter with son Josh
The mother-of three added: "I am very angry with Kent. They treat all of them as if they are the same.
"At Furness they know all the children individually.
"Our children won't cope in a mainstream school with provision - it is not an option.
"If our kids didn't manage in mainstream schools previously, how are they going to cope now?"
Brandon Sinnott, from Folkestone, has been at the school since September 2013.
Mum Jacqueline Sinnott, 35, said: "The work they have done with my son has been outstanding.
"When I found out I was like 'hell no'.
"I am angry and scared because I don't know where he is going to be in six months time.
"All the work Furness has put in with him, all the effort, is that all going to be undone?"
Kevin Shovelton, director of education planning and access at Kent County Council, said: "A decision to close any school is a very difficult one and is only considered when all other alternatives have been considered.
"Furness Special School currently has only 31 pupils out of a possible 60 and is not a popular choice with parents.
"Therefore it is with regret Kent County Council and the interim executive board have decided to launch a consultation on a proposal to close the school by the end of August 2015.
"The school also has a substantial budget deficit from which it may be impossible to recover.
"We are very aware that pupils with special needs may need extra help in changing to another school so we are working with each individual family to make sure their child’s needs are met."
An online petition to save the Furness School can be found at savefurnessschool.co.uk, while a Facebook group has also been set up at facebook.com/savefurness
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