‘Alarm bells were going off’: parents tell of ordeal at Send school closed down after abuse allegations
Summary
Parents Annette and Kevin Maxwell sent their son Jonah, who has severe autism, to a special residential school in Bristol called St Christopher’s. After the school was taken over by a private company, Aurora Group, Jonah’s care worsened, and the school was closed in 2019 following allegations of child abuse. The Maxwells want stronger laws to hold private special needs schools accountable for the care they provide.Key Facts
- Jonah Maxwell has severe autism, epilepsy, and behavioral problems and needs constant care.
- The family sent Jonah to St Christopher’s, a residential school for children with special needs (SEND).
- In 2016, ownership of St Christopher’s changed to the Aurora Group, a private company running many SEND schools.
- After the change, Jonah’s care declined, including worse food and fewer nursing staff.
- The school was closed in 2019 after allegations of child cruelty and poor care.
- Police investigated for two years but did not press criminal charges.
- Parents reported incidents like rough handling of Jonah and waking him hourly at night.
- The school was legally classified as a school, not a care facility, limiting legal action against the company.
- The Maxwells settled a civil case with Aurora for £18,600 without the company admitting fault.
- They urge stronger laws to make private SEND schools more accountable and transparent.
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