(UK) Poole: Autistic 13yo boy no school place for 2 years

Sept 9, 2025, Daily Echo: Boy out of school 'due to lack of appropriate SEND provision' 

https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/25450584.boy-school-due-lack-appropriate-send-provision 

S. coast

A MOTHER from Poole says her son with special educational needs has not been in school for two years.

Charlotte Ujvari says due to the council not finding an appropriate SEND provision for her son he has not had access to education since 2023.  

Harley Ujvari, 13, struggles with low functioning autism meaning he has limited speech and understanding.

Harley attended Harbour School in Dorset for only a few mornings in 2023 before the school told Charlotte they were unable to meet his needs.

Since than Harley has been between alternative provisions which provide support for SEN children.

This has left Harley isolated at home making him frustrated and more anxious.

Charlotte said: “Provisions have contacted me multiple times to change times and dates when they are supposed to be with Harley at the last minute which has added to both of our stress.”

Charlotte says she has tried contacting the council multiple times since April 2023.

After Harley's annual review, the council told Charlotte they would start looking for a placement for Harley ready for September 2025.

No placement has been provided, and the funding has instead been given to Harbour School who have already said they would be unable to support Harley. . . .

Currently Harley's alternative provision costs £55,000 a year but if he was placed in a school with one-to-one support, it would only cost £38,000 a year.

Charlotte said “I don’t understand why other children who have the same needs as Harley are being given placements, when he isn’t being given anything. . . .

Dan Butt, headteacher at Harbour School Dorset, said: “It would be inappropriate for us to comment on individual cases. . .

 “Cases are often complicated and sensitive but we act in the best interests of our students at all times. To discuss what provision is best for every child, and to plan steps towards the best possible outcomes, six-weekly reviews are held in addition to an annual review that the appropriate local authority attends as a key partner.

“We understand how difficult it can be for our parents and families and are always happy to speak with them.”

Lisa Linscott, BCP Council’s director of education and skills, said: “We know that our communication with Ms Ujvari could have been better in the early part of the summer.

"We have consulted with schools on her behalf and are in regular contact with her family; supporting with their education needs and helping them through our complaints process to understand these concerns in more detail and ensure their experience helps improve services going forward. . . .