PARENTS with youngsters at a York special school are angry that it will be closing early for the summer term.

A father from Badger Hill whose son goes to Applefields School said many parents will struggle to pay for child care for their children when the school closes three days early on July 20.

The school has been operating on two sites in Burnholme and Acomb and in September will move into a new building on Bad Bargain Lane, Burnholme.

The school says the three days are needed to help transport equipment from Acomb to Burnholme. But the parent, who does not want to be named, said with care costs at around £10 an hour an extra three days would make a difference for a lot of families.

"We are quite fortunate that we can take time off at that time, but that's not the case for everyone. It's going to leave people out of pocket and cause problems.

"It seems the first priority is removals rather than the kids' education."

Head teacher George Gilmore said the decision to close the school early from July 20 to July 22 was not taken lightly, but it was impossible to get all the equipment moved during the summer holidays.

He said: "The majority of parents have been supportive and understanding and we are very grateful for that. The governors consider that an early closure is unavoidable in order to provide time for the substantial amount of equipment, furniture, curriculum resources and materials to be transferred between sites.

"I would also imagine that many staff will be in school as usual during the summer break to continue their preparations for the new school year."

Updated: 10:34 Thursday, May 19, 2005