Pupils at a school for youngsters with special educational needs have been left in “lurch”, say parents, after being told to stop going to classes due to “health and safety concerns”.

One parent says she fears for her son’s education after he finally settled in at VTC Independent School in St Michael's Road, Sittingbourne.

Mum-of-four Kiley Hollington-Coombs said her 14-year-old son, Riley, who has autism, was told by Medway Council not to go to school after the Easter holidays.

Medway Council, in a letter to parents, said it had decided to stop sending pupils there with “immediate effect” on Wednesday, April 10.

But VTC – Vocational Training Centre – says it is in “ongoing discussions with Medway Council to clarify and resolve their concerns”.

The school caters for up to 25 pupils from the ages of 12 to 18 who have behavioural, social, emotional and mental health difficulties.

It has classrooms, workshops – where it provides welding and fabrication classes – as well as communal areas fitted with kitchens.

It is on the same site as The Sittingbourne School’s Sixth Form Skill Centre and water treatment company Chemidose Ltd.

Kiley, who lives in Rainham, says she has “not been able to focus at work” because of the decision as she does not know when Riley, who is in Year 10, will finish his time at school.

The 36-year-old self-employed nail technician told KentOnline: “It’s a horrible situation to be told your child all of sudden cannot attend the school he is happy in.

“I have felt awful, I have cried quite a lot and it has made me stressed and anxious.

“He’s my child so I am worried about him, his thoughts and feelings, and his education and future. I don’t want him just sitting in his room.

“It’s also heartbreaking not to be able to give him an answer to questions he is having about school. It’s just unhealthy for all of us.

“There has been a lack of communication about what is going on so we have been left in the lurch. We don’t know if or when Riley can go back.

“He has struggled with mainstream school and missed a year because of it. But since attending here he has settled in and is doing well and we don’t want to send him to another school as it will unsettle him.

“Next year he’ll be working towards his GCSEs and equivalents so his place at the school affects so much in terms of his education.

“Luckily he has been able to work with his stepdad so he hasn’t been left on his home in the house – which would affect him mentally.

“But that can’t keep happening for long, he needs an education.”

Another parent - who did not wish to give her name - claimed she found out her son would not be going back to school from his taxi driver who informed her it was closed.

The 34-year-old then rang the school and was told Medway Council had decided to suspend the children’s placements.

She added: “We are in limbo. My son is not only missing out on his education but vital services, such as counselling, that the school has put in place for him to help him with life.

“I fought to get him a place at this school and this is where he needs to be. He only started in January and the rug has been pulled out from under him.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that our school remains a safe and conducive environment for learning…”

“There are no options for us but to sit here with our children out of school.”

The Gillingham resident says the school is “fantastic” for her son, who has ASD and ADHD, and she is concerned about his education if he is not able to return.

Interim head teacher at the school Anna Daly issued a statement addressing the authority's letter to parents.

She said: “I am committed to transparency and open communication. I would like to address the concerns raised by Medway Council regarding the safety and safeguarding issues at our school.

“The specific concerns highlighted were related to safeguarding processes and the temporary absence of a head teacher and designated safeguarding lead.

“These concerns have been promptly addressed with my appointment, and we are undertaking significant steps to ensure robust safeguarding measures are in place.

“A comprehensive review of all safeguarding measures is currently under way, with the engagement of external consultants.

“This decision affects our current Medway placements for the summer term, and we are in ongoing discussions with Medway to clarify and resolve their concerns.

“VTC remains open and continues to provide education to our current students. There are no closures or suspensions of any programmes or classes; all activities continue as scheduled.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that our school remains a safe and conducive environment for learning.

“Our immediate focus is on enhancing our safeguarding protocols and ensuring that our school meets the highest standards of safety and educational quality.

“We have arranged for the Medway pupils affected to receive alternative education…”

“We are preparing for a seamless transition to a new permanent head teacher later this year, alongside implementing a series of training programs and stringent monitoring procedures.

“We understand the importance of collaboration with the local authorities and are keen to resume normal operations with their full confidence and support.

“We appreciate the community’s understanding and patience as we work diligently to address these issues.

“Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our students, and we are committed to restoring trust and confidence in our educational services.”

A Medway Council spokesman said: “Medway Council regularly carries out reviews of the provisions it has commissioned to carry out services on its behalf.

“The council is committed to ensuring all young people have access to high-quality education, meeting individual needs.

“Consequently, we have arranged for the Medway pupils affected to receive alternative education.”

Kent County Council also places pupils with VTC Independent and has been approached for comment.