Home / Education / Autistic Girl's School Fight Sparks Fear
Autistic Girl's School Fight Sparks Fear
1 Jun
Summary
- Parents fear for daughter's future as specialist school is denied.
- Child with autism, ADHD, and anxiety offered mainstream school.
- Council facing complaints over SEND placement delays.
Parents in Swindon are expressing deep fear and distress over their 11-year-old daughter's educational future. The child, who has autism, ADHD, and severe anxiety, has an education, health and care plan (EHCP), yet was offered a place at a mainstream secondary school for September 2026.
The family sought specialist placement based on expert advice, but their application was unsuccessful without a clear explanation. This situation highlights broader challenges in securing adequate support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England, where the number of EHCPs has more than doubled in a decade.
Swindon Borough Council acknowledged the family's concerns and stated they are working to increase specialist provision within local schools. However, advocates note that the demand for specialist places has surged, outstripping the growth in available spaces, leaving many families facing similar struggles.
The family has lodged a formal complaint with the council. Advocates emphasize that placements must be based on a child's specific needs, and that mainstream schooling is no longer sufficient for an increasing number of children.
