A family have told of their 'soul-defeating' struggle to find a school place for their autistic five-year-old son, as a "lifeline" service for children with disabilities is also set to close.

After months of seeking a suitable school for their youngest son Max, Lee and Nicola Tomlinson found a 'seemingly perfect' option for him, but have been told it cannot be considered, due to cost.

To add to the family's woes, the long established Bassetlaw Children’s Learning Disability Service, that has provided ‘invaluable care and advice’ to them for years, is to be closed by the NHS Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board, with effect from March 31.

"This is another frustration for families like us, and will impact lives," added Lee. "These children are already struggling in a world that's not built for them. We need more support for children like Max, not less. This service has helped us and other families we know immensely."

Max Tomlinson, who is currently a pupil at Sparken Hill Academy, Worksop.

placeholder image — Max Tomlinson, who is currently a pupil at Sparken Hill Academy, Worksop.

The family who lived in Worksop have just moved to Woodsetts, and are now under Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.

Max has had an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) for almost 12 months, and has attended Sparken Hill Academy in Worksop for 18 months.

East Midlands ambulance worker Lee, 35, said: "We cannot fault Sparken Hill, they have been wonderful with Max. His needs are fully met there but they are unable to cater for him long term."

Max, who was diagnosed with autism and further health-related issues at the age of three, is non-verbal, explained Lee, and has Pica - an aversion to some foods, while wanting to eat inedible substances.

The Tomlinson family, with Max centre, and his two older brothers at either side.

He will be six years old in June, but has been assessed by educational psychologists as having an actual age of 15 months.

As many schools previously put forward for Max either did not have the right provision or a space for him, Lee and Nicola, 36, searched themselves and discovered Sutherland House in Braithwell, that has availability, and caters for pupils to post-16.

The couple felt they could see Max thriving there, but have been told by Rotherham Council that the placement would cost too much.

"Rotherham Council is refusing to send Max's ECUP to the school, or to consult with it," said Lee. "So now we have to wait to see what their recommendation is for Max."

"If we disagree with what is recommended then our only option is to go to tribunal and that has a 50-week waiting list just to get to that stage".

He described Max as an independent, happy little boy who is emotional, and exploratory but with no awareness of danger.

Rotherham Council’s executive director for Children and Young People’s services, Nicola Curley, said: “While we do not comment on individual cases, our processes ensure that all applications for specialist education provisions are carefully considered in-line with our statutory duties.

"Decisions made take into account a child’s needs along with the suitability of potential placements and the efficient use of public resources.

“We work closely with parents, carers, schools, and professions to identify appropriate education that can meet each child’s unique needs.

"Where a placement request cannot be agreed, suitable alternative options will always be considered with the family to ensure that each child has the right support provided.”

The Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board has issued the following statement:

'Families will be supported to access alternative services following a decision to cease the Bassetlaw Children’s Learning Disability Service on 31 March 2026.

'The service, which is provided by Nottinghamshire Healthcare Trust, supports children and young people with moderate to severe learning disabilities.

'It offers behavioural, sleep, continence, and social support over a time-limited period.

'This limited range of services was accessed by a very small number of young people: just 49 accepted referrals between April 2023 and December 2024 which is much less than one a week.

'A broader range of alternative services to meet these needs are now available for families from other providers and we have created a directory of these on the Nottinghamshire Healthcare Trust website.

'Bassetlaw is the only area with this service, so the changes will make this broader offer available for all areas of Nottinghamshire.

'All those families who are currently in the service will continue to receive support and will be helped to transition to alternative services before the service ends on 31 March 2026'.