Sudden school closure leaves SEND child without place
BBCThe mother of a child with special educational needs and disabilities who was attending a private school when it closed suddenly has said she is struggling to find a new place.
Scarlett, who has ADHD, autism and dyslexia, has been out of education for nearly two weeks since Leweston School, in Dorset, shut down during half term.
Her mother, Camille, said several schools had been unable to accommodate the 15-year'old's needs, leaving the family at their "wits' end".
Dorset Council, which provides Scarlett with a fully funded place, said it was "working closely" with families affected by the school's closure. A school spokesman said it "deeply regrets" the displacement of pupils at short notice.
Camille said her daughter had not been accepted into the two schools recommended to pupils, while nearby state schools said they were all full.
"Scarlett had taken time to build friendships at Leweston, where she had a full-time teaching assistant and benefited from smaller class sizes," she said.
"We literally have nowhere to go for her, it's devastating for Scarlett."
Facing changes to her school routine, including wearing a different uniform, was "difficult for a child with autism", Camille said.
"That's what we're trying to put into place at going to a different school is the uniform is a big thing for her, she kind of has to get used to that before she starts wearing it."
"I will probably wear it around the house a bit," Scarlett said.
Camille also attended Leweston more than 30 years ago, and described it as a nurturing environment that had become a big part of their family.
Scarlett said she was disappointed by the closure and missed her friends and teachers.
"It's taken Scarlett, and I think she'll agree with me, quite a while to actually form those relationships," Camille said.
"She started in prep and found it quite, you know, socially challenging in parts, obviously, going through the school.
"But she, over the past couple of years, she has formed the most amazing friendships with children there that have just been so supportive, supported of her needs, really looked out for her."
Hugh Dickinson, CEO of Concept Education which took over the school in December, said: "We deeply regret the displacement of our pupils at such short notice and the practical difficulties this has caused.
"Our hope is that everyone can be found a suitable place, and a transition team funded by Inspired Learning Group has been set up to assist with this process."
Camille said Dorset Council had been supportive and was trying to find a place, but no school had yet come forward with an offer.
She said her priority was finding somewhere Scarlett would be happy.
"I haven't even been given the opportunity to go in for an interview with Scarlett," she said, so schools could "actually get to know her personality".
Paul Dempsey, Dorset Council's executive director of children's services, said: "We are aware of a small number of children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) affected by the situation at Leweston School.
"We are in contact with the families concerned and are working closely with them to identify and secure appropriate education provision that meets each child's individual needs."