A contractor behind a £12 million scheme to build two special schools in Bradford has gone into administration.

Bradford Council said it would work with partners to make sure building work on High Park Special School in Heaton and Oastler’s School in East Bowling is completed as planned after Northern Ireland-based contractor Patton called in administrators, blaming “extremely challenging trading conditions”.

The firm, which has been operating for around 100 years and employs 320 staff, will continue to trade while administrator Tom Keenan, of Keenan CF, explores its future, including the possible sale of all or parts of the company.

Cindy Peek, Bradford Council’s deputy director of children’s services, said: “We are aware of the situation and are working closely with our partners to ensure that this does not affect the completion of these schools.”

The two schools, which are believed to be close to being finished, received planning permission last December and are due to open in September 2013.

On Patton’s website, it describes how the new High Park Primary School, for children with severe and complex communication needs, will involve the construction of purpose-built facilities and consolidate two existing campuses at Low Moor and Idle.

It says the Oastler’s School project will include the construction of a new two-storey school, covered playground and parking areas.

The schools, which will be funded by Bradford Council, will form the final piece of the district’s reogranisation of special educational needs provision.

Neil Patton, chairman of the building firm, said directors had looked at “every possible option” to avoid administration, but blamed a downturn in the building sector, pressure on margins and the impact on cashflow.

“The financial position facing the business was such that administration was the last remaining option available to the directors,” he said.