Chorley, Lancashire, UK – Kristina and Ryan Hunt are facing an educational crisis after learning their son, Theo, a 10-year-old with autism, has been assigned to Nugent House, a school the family says is not appropriate for his needs. Despite a two-year effort to secure a suitable specialist placement, the decision by Lancashire County Council has left them frustrated and fearing for Theo’s wellbeing.
Theo, diagnosed with autism in 2022, attends Adlington St Paul’s Primary School, though he has been unable to integrate into the standard classroom environment. For years, he has been learning one-on-one with a teaching assistant in a separate room due to the challenges of being in a larger classroom setting.
Theo’s mother, Kristina Hunt, explained that she and St Paul’s Headteacher, Mrs. Burger, had been advocating for Theo to receive a more suitable education in a specialised environment. Reports from educational psychologists and the Inclusion Team were submitted, detailing Theo’s struggles. However, the Local Authority (LA) initially deemed his current placement at St Paul’s sufficient in March 2023.
“We have been working tirelessly to get him into the right school,” Mrs. Hunt shared, explaining that, after challenging the LA’s initial decision, they finally acknowledged in November 2023 that Theo needed specialist provision.
After consulting with a range of schools in the Lancashire area only two schools offered Theo a place: Nugent House in Billinge, Wigan, and Birtenshaw School in Bromley Cross, Bolton. Theo’s parents had a clear preference.
“To be blunt, we hated Nugent House and we loved Birtenshaw,” Kristina stated. “Nugent House caters to children with behavioural and emotional difficulties, many of whom have experienced trauma, and it just doesn’t align with Theo’s needs. He comes from a stable and supportive family.”
The Hunts were particularly impressed by Birtenshaw, which specialises in autism support. Kristina described the school as having “amazing facilities and dedicated teaching staff,” believing it to be a place where Theo could truly thrive. Yet, despite voicing their strong preference, they were informed that the County Moderation Panel had selected Nugent House.
According to Kristina, her son’s caseworker, Miranda Chestnutt, initially assured her that Nugent House was no longer being considered after the family raised objections. The news came as a shock, especially since Theo’s placement will transition away from St Paul’s after the October half term, effectively leaving him without a school if the family rejects Nugent House.
Kristina reached out to SEND Team Manager Craig Gaskin for clarification. “When I asked if the panel had even visited Nugent House, or knew how many autistic children it supported, he couldn’t answer,” she said. “It felt like my son’s needs weren’t fully considered, and we’re now left to pick up the pieces.”
Theo’s case underscores the ongoing struggle many families face within the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system. Financial considerations were raised in Kristina’s discussions with the LA; she was told there is a £40,000-per-year cost difference between Birtenshaw and Nugent House, with Birtenshaw being the more expensive option.
While the family acknowledges the budgetary constraints of the LA, Kristina insists the decision shouldn’t solely rest on cost. “This isn’t just about numbers - it’s about my son’s mental health, his education, and life skills for his future,” she said. “We’ve been forced into an impossible situation.”
Kristina is currently gathering evidence to present at a tribunal and is seeking someone within the LA to review her findings. “I’m at the end of my tether,” she said, expressing deep frustration. “A panel who has never met Theo is making decisions about his future. This entire situation is a drain on resources and is impacting our whole family’s wellbeing.”
As it stands, the LA's decision remains, Theo will be expected to start at Nugent House after October half term despite the protests from Theo’s parents. Therefore, they have made the decision to keep Theo at home until his case goes to a tribunal - a prospect Kristina says will have a “detrimental effect” on his self-esteem and mental health, however she believes sending Theo to the wrong provision will be much worse.
Theo's Dad, Ryan adds “The crazy thing is, the LA are steaming ahead and making plans for Theo to start at Nugent House, this is such a waste of resources and they have already made a significant payment to Nugent House for Theo’s place despite them knowing Theo will not be attending, again such a waste of money”
The Hunts’ story serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of parent voices in educational decisions, and the broader challenges faced by families navigating the SEND system.
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