AN asbestos-hit Oxford school could be closed for good after it was branded ‘unsafe.’

Northfield School in Blackbird Leys, which caters for 71 students with special educational needs, is facing being shut down by Oxfordshire County Council.

Parents have spoken of their fear for their children’s future amid a lack of suitable alternative places in the city.

The school has been plagued with maintenance problems and was forced to switch to a temporary timetable after the Easter break.

A special meeting of the county council’s cabinet has been called for June 4 and options for the future of the school will be published today, with closure likely.

A notice published on the council’s website said the cabinet will be asked to approve a consultation to close the school but spokesman Paul Smith said other options will also be considered.

One parent, who asked not to be named, said she understood Avon Park school in Rugby was being considered as a possible location to send some of the pupils.

The woman, whose son has autism, said she had researched this school, which has been rated inadequate by Ofsted, and was now desperately searching for a more local option.

Another parent Deanne Cox, 47, has two sons at the school in Year 8 and Year 10.

She said: “The council have told me that nothing has been decided yet but most of the parents are preparing for closure now.

“I am really worried for my kids.

“How are they going to get a job with no qualifications?

“There are very few other options for children with these types of conditions.”

Mrs Cox’s younger son, who has autism, has been attending classes at the Hill End centre in Farmoor but the change of environment and having to interact with children he didn’t know led to poor behaviour and he was suspended for four days.

She added: “The last couple of months have been a nightmare.

“I work full time and they can’t be left at home alone so have had to work out other arrangements.

“At Northfield the staff are specially trained and if he had been there this wouldn’t have happened.”

Mum Nicki Longton said she was still in the dark about what was happening but called for the situation to be resolved quickly so alternative arrangements could be organised.

Her son, who is in Year 9, was only attending classes three days a week and has been spending his time off playing computer games in his bedroom.

She said: “It’s an uncertain time for everyone and we just want to know what is going to happen in the future.”

Oxfordshire County Council said the school was not a fit learning environment after asbestos was found in a roof.

Other problems identified included repair and maintenance issues, concerns about the layout and the size and shape of classrooms and areas being vulnerable to further damage.