Autism School Overwhelmed: Demand Surges Past Capacity

The Cavendish School, established in September 2021, is grappling with significant overcrowding due to escalating demand for special educational needs and disabilities (Send) support. Originally constructed to house 80 students, the school currently has 129 pupils enrolled, a number that head teacher Steph Smith states is impacting the learning environment. Smith explained that the adaptations made to the building to accommodate the excess pupils are costly. The current student population is nearing a point where the school may inadvertently recreate the very sensory challenges its students are meant to escape.

Approximately 45 new applications are received each week, but the school's limited capacity means most of these hopeful students are turned away. This situation underscores the growing strain on the Send system. The school was designed to provide a specialized setting for autistic children who struggle in mainstream education but might not be suited for a traditional special school environment. However, the current enrollment numbers threaten the specialized, calm atmosphere crucial for these students' well-being.

The increasing pressure on schools like Cavendish raises critical questions about the sustainability of the current Send system and its financial implications for local councils. The challenge of balancing demand with adequate resources and maintaining an optimal therapeutic environment is becoming increasingly difficult, affecting both new applicants and the students already benefiting from the school's specialized approach.