A unique autism support provision in Surrey is at risk of closing after 40 years – with no alternative available.

The Howard Partnership Trust is consulting on the closure of Linden Bridge School’s residential provision, a unique service that has supported autistic children and their families for over 40 years.

This is not a full-time boarding school. Pupils stay for short, structured periods (typically two nights per week) within the school environment. This model helps children develop independence, emotional regulation, and essential life skills in a setting they know and trust.

My son attends this unique specialist ASD residential provision and it has been instrumental in supporting his development with independence and life skills. Families also rely on this provision. It provides essential, structured support that helps children build independence while enabling families to sustain care at home.

Closing this facility would leave many without suitable alternatives to turn to. In fact, there is no equivalent provision anywhere in Surrey and 
removing it will leave a significant gap in local SEND support.

The proposed closure is being driven by funding pressures, alongside a plan to increase the number of pupil places at the school. However, this creates a false choice between increasing capacity and maintaining appropriate provision.

The impact of such a closure cannot be overstated—it would be devastating not only to the current students who depend on these services but also to future generations that will need them.

Closing it risks:

• Increased family stress
• Breakdown in placements
• Greater long-term costs to the system

We are calling on Surrey County Council and The Howard Partnership Trust to:

• Reconsider the proposal to close the residential provision
• Work together to identify sustainable funding solutions
• Protect this unique and vital service for current and future pupils

This provision works. Losing it would be a step backwards for SEND support in Surrey.

Please sign and share.