The impending closure of Fosse Way House, an “outstanding” residential facility for vulnerable children with autism in Westfield, has ignited fierce criticism and claims of institutional discrimination. For over twenty years, Fosse Way House has provided vital residential support to students at Fosse Way School, enabling them to develop social skills and independence through a unique 24-hour curriculum. Despite receiving high praise from Ofsted, the facility is set to close at the end of the school year following Bath and North East Somerset Council’s assertion that no current children require residential placements.
According to a recent council report, this closure is not driven by financial constraints but by an absence of children with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) that specify the need for education beyond standard school hours. Laura Donnelley, head of special educational needs and disabilities for the council, confirmed that while spaces at Fosse Way House were offered to other local authorities, none accepted them. She stressed that the decision to close the facility lies with the Partnership Trust, which runs the service, due to lack of demand.
However, dissenting voices on the council’s children, adults, health and wellbeing scrutiny panel raised concerns. Kevin Burnett, representing the National Association of Head Teachers, revealed that both parents and professionals had identified a pressing need for 24-hour education, which the council allegedly disregarded. The Partnership Trust emphasized that the children’s complex needs require immersive learning environments that extend beyond the classroom.
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Councillor Lesley Mansell voiced strong opposition, likening the situation to a previous controversial closure. She criticized the council report for lacking transparency, data, or a cost-benefit analysis, arguing that the decision appears to be a post-hoc justification rather than evidence-driven strategy. Highlighting the facility’s track record of consecutive outstanding Ofsted ratings, she warned against discarding a critical resource. Mansell further questioned how EHCPs could suddenly omit the need for 24-hour care, especially given that disabilities generally do not improve with time. She formally recorded her objection and labeled the closure as institutional discrimination.
Although children currently benefiting from 24-hour provision will continue to do so until year-end, no formal council vote will take place, as the closure results from unmet EHCP requirements, not a direct council decision.
Emily Massey, CEO of the Partnership Trust, expressed deep regret over the closure, reaffirming the exceptional value of Fosse Way House. She praised the facility’s commitment to delivering life-changing support and acknowledged the dedication of staff past and present. Massey assured that the Trust is working diligently with affected families to ease their transition and is providing full support to staff as they determine their future paths.