With regard to the article "Headteacher's job fears fury" (The Argus, July 12), the newsletter issued by Oak Grove College in Durrington is highly misleading when it mentions a "financial crisis" the school is facing.

In the past three years, special schools on the south coast have received an average 50 per cent increase in funds per pupil (from £5,452 to £8,949).

The newsletter does not mention the school has considerable uncommitted reserves, nor that West Sussex County Council (WSCC) has offered the school advice and support, including the facility of a loan to address any financial concerns.

So there should be no need for staffing reductions this year.

I would like to stress WSCC has made no savings as a result of the reorganisation of special schools in this area. The way schools are funded is complicated but is always decided in consultation with headteachers, governing bodies and the independent Schools' Forum.

We have already taken steps to start a review of the funding arrangements and changes could be made in 2007/08.

But any changes can only lead to a redistribution of funds among schools and this would need to be shown as being fair to other special schools. Such changes are never about saving money, as WSCC is not allowed to take money out of the schools' budget to fund other priorities. We can promise any review will be fair and transparent to all concerned.

-Colin James, deputy director, Children and Young People's Services West Sussex County Council