School to prioritize children with autism

A specialized school currently catering to children with moderate learning difficulties (MLD) and autism plans to shift its focus entirely to supporting children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). This change follows an Ofsted inspection that identified gaps in Torbay's provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

If approved by the Department for Education, starting from September 2026, all new students at Combe Pafford School in Torquay will need to have an ASC diagnosis. Current pupils will remain at the school, while future students with MLD will be supported in mainstream schools.

A joint statement from Combe Pafford School, Torbay Local Authority, and the Special Partnership Trust emphasized that the number of children diagnosed with ASC in Torbay has risen significantly, reflecting national trends. The statement explained that the school is well-positioned to manage this shift, with nearly half of its current students already having an autism diagnosis.

"There has not been a dedicated special school for autism in Torbay until now," the statement added, noting that the change is intended to better meet the needs of children who have struggled in larger mainstream settings.

Some parents expressed concern that children with MLD who are not currently at Combe Pafford may miss out on specialized support. One parent, Tania, shared her experience: her daughter Georgie, diagnosed with MLD, did not thrive in mainstream school and would not qualify for Combe Pafford under the new criteria.

Another parent, Michelle Wheeler, who had MLD herself, said she worries about the challenges her son and others may face in mainstream schools. She praised the progress her son has made since attending Combe Pafford and stressed the importance of continued specialized support.

The school, local authority, and Special Partnership Trust affirmed their commitment to creating a cohesive, inclusive SEND system across Torbay. They noted that this plan would involve capital investment to enhance facilities and that SEND experts would support both the schools transition and the inclusion of MLD children in mainstream settings.

The Department for Education will review consultation feedback and evidence before making a final decision early next year.

Analysis: Shifting Focus to Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) at Combe Pafford School

The decision to pivot Combe Pafford School’s focus to children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) raises important considerations for both the affected students and the broader educational landscape in Torbay. While the move is rooted in the rising demand for autism-specific educational provision, it also highlights gaps in services for children with Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), a group that has traditionally been supported by the school.

As Ofsted identified shortcomings in Torbay’s provision for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), this strategic shift comes as a response to those findings. The school’s plan to focus solely on ASC is driven by the increased number of children diagnosed with autism in the region, which mirrors national trends. Nearly half of the current students at Combe Pafford School already have an ASC diagnosis, positioning the school well to manage this transition.

However, the concerns from some parents are valid. Families of children with MLD are anxious about the future, especially those whose children, like Tania’s daughter Georgie, have not thrived in mainstream schools but now find themselves excluded from a specialized setting. With no dedicated provision for MLD in Torbay, these children may face significant challenges in accessing the support they need.

While the shift may indeed meet the growing demand for autism-specific education, the lack of support for children with MLD could lead to a widening gap in SEND provision across Torbay. The collaboration between the school, the local authority, and the Special Partnership Trust is critical in ensuring that these students are not overlooked. It will be essential to provide adequate resources and support to integrate MLD children into mainstream schools without compromising their educational experience.

The final decision on the school’s future direction will come after the Department for Education reviews the consultation feedback. This transition period will be crucial in determining whether the plans can be effectively implemented without leaving behind those with different educational needs.

Sources:

• School set to refocus on children with autism

Author: Ava Mitchell
Ava Mitchell is a journalist covering culture, art, and literature. She is known for her creative approach and ability to produce in-depth features and interviews.