Spalding parent who fought for local SEND school ‘ecstatic’ as Tulip Academy offers placement to autistic son
An ecstatic parent has finally won her battle to get a local school for her autistic son as education leaders recognise a ‘crisis’ in SEND provision.
Emma Smith, 42, from Spalding, had been feeling ‘frustrated and isolated’ trying to find a suitable secondary school placement for her ten-year-old son Riley who is currently in Year 6 at Gosberton House Academy, a specialist primary school mainly for children with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
Riley, who has an Education, Health and Care (EHCP) and a case worker at South Holland District Council, had been turned down for a local SEND placement in September 2026 at Tulip Academy, Spalding, but has since been offered a placement.
Mrs Smith said: “Riley is currently at Gosberton House Academy which is autistic only - it is brilliant and we can’t fault it.
“There should not be a fight for your children to have a good education and be close to home.
“I am ecstatic and it is a weight off my mind and shoulders that at least now we know he is going to a local school.”
Mrs Smith had previously been knocked back by four local special education secondary schools.
However, she had questioned how the schools could already be full for next year, adding: “When I spoke to his case worker they said all the schools have said they are full but how can they be full when it is not until 2026 when he will be going?
“It was very strange the way they said no and teachers have said it is unheard of, that they have never heard them say that before.”
Boston Endeavour Academy had confirmed it was at full capacity for 2026.
Riley had a transitional review back in May and Mrs Smith was told she may have to wait until January for a re-consultation.
She said: “Riley wouldn't be able to go to a mainstream school as he is non-verbal and behind his peers and needs one to one support.
“My main fight was to get somewhere local for him.
“I would say to other parents to keep on fighting even though you shouldn't have to.”
Mrs Riley had explained that home tutoring wouldn’t help Riley and travelling further afield would not have met his needs.
She said: "There are other parents who are probably going through the same thing.”
“I want to reach out to other parents and say don't give up hope.”
Leading SEND educationalists Paul and Deborah Seragusa run Tudor Lodge Therapeutic School in Whaplode for children with an EHCP aged seven to 16.
Mrs Seragusa said: “Unfortunately, the availability of SEND placements is a national problem and so many children are struggling to access the mainstream model for a variety of reasons and that is a big crisis.
“The waiting times for children and parents to find the correct setting can be long and add additional anxiety and pressure to children who are already finding it difficult to navigate their world.”
The couple opened the school less than a year ago and it was praised by Ofsted inspectors who rated them as outstanding.
The report, which was compiled after a visit in June, also states that pupils’ lives have been ‘transformed’ by attending the school.
Mr Seragusa said: “We meet so many parents and children and wish we could help them all, but unfortunately, we only have a limited number of spaces.
“It can be a very lonely time for children and their families.
“So, we really do try and offer support and advice even if we have no spaces available.”
The transition between primary school into secondary can also be ‘too much’ for both parents and youngsters.
Across the country is ‘ever-increasing’ demand for SEND support despite millions in investment.
Martin Smith, assistant director for education, said: “Over the last few years, the council has invested around £100m to create 500 additional special school places.
“We’re now working to create new SEND hubs in some mainstream schools, which will create more than 200 extra places.
“Despite this investment, ever-increasing demand for SEND support continues to put significant pressure on the system, meaning it can be difficult to get a place at a local special school.
“This situation is not something unique to Lincolnshire, and it’s recognised by the government that reform of the SEND system is needed at a national level if schools are going to cope with growing demand for support.”
James Wand, a parent who knows only too well the struggle with mainstream education for neurodivergent children.
He penned a book Autism and ADHD - A Father’s Perspective documenting his family’s journey in education and ‘battling’ the system.
Mr Wand said: “With all three of our children it is that feeling of isolation.
“You have to prove to them just what your child needs and emotionally and financially you are at the bottom.
“To expect a child to travel with strangers away from their trusted adults in taxis makes it difficult to then be educated.”
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