Kent Special School for Autistic Children Faces Potential Closure Next Year

A specialized residential school located in Kent, which caters to autistic children facing complex needs, faces potential closure by next summer, citing a “challenging financial landscape” as the reason. Wandsworth Council, the authority responsible for operating Bradstow School in Broadstairs, stated that it has been “forced to look at other options.” The school experienced a period of restrictions last year subsequent to an Ofsted inspection that identified “serious and widespread concerns in relation to the care.” Wandsworth Council communicated to parents via a letter that the proposed closure “not a reflection of the quality of current leadership.” Children from fifteen different local authorities are enrolled at the school, with Wandsworth Council confirming it has four children attending. Kent County Council (KCC) represents the primary user, accounting for 13 of the school’s 33 pupils. Wandsworth Council indicated that it had collaborated with KCC since November 2021 to investigate a potential transfer of the service, but KCC recently opted against proceeding. Bradstow School operates with an annual budget of approximately £12 million, financed by all local authorities that send children to the institution. Among the 33 children, 27 reside at the school, while six attend as day pupils. Wandsworth Council stated: “The unwillingness of councils to pay the levels of fees needed to maintain the quality of financial viability of the school forced Wandsworth Council to look at other options.” A period of consultation is scheduled to commence in January 2025, with the proposed closure set for August. Wandsworth Council affirmed its commitment to supporting families throughout the consultation phase and outlined plans for a “smooth transition” for every child should the closure be confirmed. In October 2023, Bradstow was subjected to restrictions subsequent to an Ofsted inspection, which prohibited the admission of any new children into its residential facility. The inspection identified “significant concerns” pertaining to inadequate management oversight in the areas of behaviour management and the application of physical interventions. KCC informed parents in June via a letter that it held “ongoing concerns” regarding “avoidable mistakes” having occurred within the residential setting. The BBC documented an account from a mother who stated that her non-verbal autistic son received incorrect medication dosages and ran away on several occasions. Leanne Manser expressed her apprehension to BBC South East concerning the welfare of other children in residential care at the facility. She further stated that her son was given notice because Bradstow indicated it was unable to meet her child’s care requirements. While an Ofsted report from June 2023 assessed the school as outstanding, a subsequent inspection of its residential care in October of the same year determined that improvements were necessary. At that juncture, Wandsworth Council recognized the necessity for “sustained improvement” at the school and affirmed that the safeguarding and wellbeing of children constituted its “top priority.” Ana Popovici, executive director of children’s services at Wandsworth Council, stated in a letter to parents reviewed by the BBC that the authority “acknowledged Bradstow has experienced challenges” but maintained that the proposal “not a reflection of the quality of current leadership, education and care” offered by the school. Councillor Kate Stock, cabinet member for children at Wandsworth Council, commented: “The upcoming consultation process is crucial, and we are committed to gathering feedback from all stakeholders to make the best possible decision for the children and families served by Bradstow.” A KCC spokesperson declared: “We are working to find alternative educational provision for the pupils currently attending Bradstow School.” The council further indicated that students would receive individualized plans to mitigate disruption.