Leighton-Linslade family 'lost and distressed' as councils stop farm centre placements for youngsters with special needs

Until recently, young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or mental health conditions could visit Animal Antiks, based at North Marston – which it is understood also offers animal care, English, and Maths courses.

But families say they have been left in limbo after Central Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire councils decided to change farm centres, with some students having to abandon courses mid-studies.

Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) says that it has had to "pause placements" following a routine monitoring visit – and needs to carry out "further checks".

And Buckinghamshire Council says it has taken the decision to stop using Animal Antiks due to "contractual matters" – adding that the decision wasn't "taken lightly".

Ashley Peters, 21, of Leighton-Linslade, claimed: "A few years ago, my brother-in-law could not function due to severe contamination OCD and autism.

"Then his mother found Animal Antiks.

"Through the two-plus years he's been there, he's been able to overcome that fear mostly. He's had the best support, received a proper education, and can now even clear out the pigs."

Ashley claims alternative placements "simply cannot match up with how brilliant Animal Antiks is" – and claims that families have not had "any clear communication" surrounding the investigation.

She added: "Families were told that there was no option of return, when realistically – provided relevant changes are made – that should be the end goal."

Carl Jackson, Buckinghamshire Council’s cabinet member for education and children’s services, said: “I can confirm that Buckinghamshire Council has taken the decision to stop using Animal Antiks as one of our support providers for children with additional needs. This is due to contractual matters.

"I want to state that this decision was not taken lightly and has been made in the best interests of the children and young people we support.

"We have been in contact with all affected families and are working closely with them to ensure that suitable alternative provision is identified and that children and young people continue to receive the support they need.”

A CBC spokeswoman said: “We understand how important this provision has been to the children and young people attending, and how upsetting this decision will be for them and their families.

“The safety and wellbeing of children and young people must always come first. Following a recent routine monitoring visit, we need to carry out some further checks. While these are ongoing, we have decided to pause placements with the provider as a precaution.

“We have already identified alternative placements for the young people affected and are working with families to support their transition and minimise disruption to their education.”

A student, who wished to remain anonymous, told the LBO yesterday (October 27): "I was waiting for a placement for over four weeks. They [the councils] are chasing the cheapest one. They don't really care about our needs and how we feel."

Meanwhile, Ashley claims that her brother-in-law's new placement – confirmed yesterday – has been made without consulting the family – and that there are concerns his EHCP has been changed.

She also says that another parent has recieved an identical email, despite previously stating that they did not consent to their child attending the new placement.

She claimed: "The alternative placements are far more classroom focused – which simply does not suit most of these children and young people.

"I know of a few that outright refuse to go to any other setting due to how drastic the change is.

"These are not typical children and young adults, these people are incredibly prone to extreme distress which can be detrimental to their entire lives – and should not be expected to simply move on."

The LBO has reached out to Animal Antiks for a comment, but it has not responded.

Its website states: “Animal Antiks Charity exists to create opportunities for people who may need a little extra support, using the power of animals, outdoor environments and real human connection.

"Through inclusive experiences and community-focused programmes, we help build confidence, wellbeing and brighter futures.”