July 3, 2023, BBC News: Rotherham autism respite centre closure devastating, say parents https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-66088352.amp
N. England
Parents of children with complex needs have said they are "devastated" over the closure of an autism school's respite centre in South Yorkshire.
Natalie Williams, whose son uses the residential services based at Robert Ogden School, near Rotherham, said the announcement came "out of the blue".
She said it was shutting without any prior consultation or warning notice, which she described as "disgraceful".
The National Autistic Society, which runs it, said it was "deeply sorry".
A spokesperson said financial pressures had resulted in the closure of Thurnscoe House, which is in the grounds of Robert Ogden School, and that of nearby children's home, Clayton Croft, which it had put up for sale.
Natalie Williams said a petition was being organised to "see if we can overturn their decision" Ms Williams said her son Harrison, who is "non-verbal with additional needs", had been using the Thurnscoe House facility for the past two years - once a week during term time and for two nights a week during school holidays….
"Respite is the most important thing, not just to the children [but] to their parents as well. "For a charity like National Autistic Society just to pull this from us with only a few weeks' notice I think it's disgraceful.
Another parent, Pete Scott-Thompson, whose 16-year-old son, Eddie, attends the centre, said the closure would have "a massive impact" on children and their families. "There isn't any in the country that will provide what Eddie needs. There is no other provisions like that one," he said.
"He lives very much in the moment and he doesn't like change. He likes routine and structure. So I don't know what's gonna happen."
The residential service is based at Robert Ogden School, which will continue to remain open for pupils…
Caroline Stevens, chief executive of the National Autistic Society, said the charity had to make "tough decisions" not to incur further financial losses.
She said: "Whilst we deeply regret the distress caused, the notice period for our placements and consultation with our staff start at the same time, as this enables staff to be in place to maintain the safety and quality of care that the children deserve during the transition….
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