(UK) N. Yorks: Mom fears for autistic son; 15 schools reject him
- The end of childhood
- May 20
- 3 min read
May 17, 2025, York Press: Whitley mother fears for autistic son after school closes
A North Yorkshire mother has said she fears her 14-year-old autistic son could miss out on an education after his school closes.
Janette Barratt-Hardaker, who lives in Whitley, near Selby, claimed more than 15 schools in North Yorkshire have said they are unable to meet special education needs (SEN) provision for her son, Alex.
She told The Press Alex is autistic and has pathological demand avoidance (PDA), meaning he struggles to carry out everyday demands.
Alex attends The Holy Family Catholic High School in Carlton, which is scheduled to shut its doors permanently from August 31.
The Press has approached the school and the Bishop Konstant Catholic Academy Trust to which the school belongs for comment and we will add it here when we hear back.
North Yorkshire Council’s assistant director for inclusion said the local authority has "dedicated staff supporting families affected by the school closure to identify suitable education provision for their children".
Selby's MP said the school's closure has been "been greatly exacerbated for those pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)".
Ms Barratt-Hardaker has left her job to support Alex through the school’s closure and worked with the school’s SEN team to find places for her son to attend school.
She said Alex requires small group and one on one daily support at school to ensure that he can engage in education properly.
'It’s getting desperate now'
According to Ms Barratt-Hardake, the only school place her son has been offered in the county is at the Forest Moor School, to the west of Harrogate, which would require him to take a 90-minute journey each way in a taxi.
Ms Barratt-Hardake said she is reluctant for her son to be home schooled as it could damage the safe space she has created for him at home.
She said: “So far, Alex has been refused all schools that he’s tried for on the grounds that they can’t meet need for him.
“In 10 years’ time, he won’t have a job and he’ll be persecuted because he won’t have been able to have an education either. I’m so scared for him in a world like this. . . .
Amanda Newbold, North Yorkshire Council’s assistant director for inclusion, said: “We understand this might be a worrying time for some pupils and parents from Holy Family School.
“We can confirm that we have dedicated staff supporting families affected by the school closure to identify suitable education provision for their children.
“We are working hard with schools, and neighbouring local authorities, to ensure that all children secure school places in readiness for September 2025.”
Keir Mather, MP for Selby, said “The situation which families are faced with as a result of the closure of Carlton Holy Family is terrible. The stress and uncertainty of the school closure has been greatly exacerbated for those pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
“SEND provision has been one of my main priorities since I was first elected, and I know that many people across our area struggle because of the clear lack of support and facilities available locally. The system is at total breaking point.
“I have been supporting several families currently without a school place for their child in September and I have been pushing for urgent action to be taken to ensure that the remaining pupils are able to access quality education where their needs will be met.”
Comments