A five-year-old boy in Reading has been left without a school place after independent Trinity Christian School in London Road closed on 25 March. Reading Borough Council has so far been unable to find a suitable placement.
Joaquim Chau was in reception. His mum, Jackie Chau, says:
"My son, who has Autism (ASD) with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHP), is currently 'Missing in Education' following the closure of Trinity Christian School in March."
She says the council was told in December 2025 that the school would close, but "Despite having over three months to prepare, the council has failed to secure a school placement for my son. In stark contrast, his non-disabled peers from the same school have already been settled into new placements."
"This is a clear and direct case of disability discrimination," she added.
Mrs Chau also criticised a council-issued plan: "The council issued a 'Final' EHCP that is legally inadequate-it leaves Section I (the school placement) completely blank, naming only a 'school type'. This is a dereliction of duty." The final EHCP was issued on Monday, April 20.
She said the lack of routine has hit Joaquim's mental health and pleaded: "I hope no other SEND child in Reading is treated as an 'acceptable loss' by the system."
Mrs Chau has blamed the school's financial squeeze after VAT was applied to private education; Trinity had moved premises in 2024 before closing.
A council spokesperson said: "We are actively working with families impacted by the closure of Trinity School to find a suitable place for their child."
They added: "In this instance, we have identified what the local authority deems as appropriate alternative school places, and we are in the process of visits to schools with this family."
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
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