System is failing my autistic son, says mum fighting to get him a place at special school
COUNCIL SAYS HE SECONDARY
A MUM is fighting for her son’s future after he was told he may have to attend a mainstream secondary school.
Joseph Asher, 11, has severe autism and during his primary school years he has been getting extra funding for one to one learning.
His mum, Rachael, who is also his full-time carer, had been hoping to get him into the Birch Wood special school in their home town of Melton.
But Leicestershire County Council told her there was no space for Joseph at the school and that he could go to Long Field Academy instead.
She said: “He couldn’t cope in a mainstream secondary school with his developmental difficulties and physical problems, too.
“He has a bone growth condition which means he’s very short and he’s had his bones pinned more than five times.
“He’s been in hospital so many times and had so much suffering in his little life.
“I feel like the system is failing him.” She said the county council had not been helpful. “You call them and they put you through to another person and then another person. No one really listens.
“He’s really not had it easy over the years and now he doesn’t have a suitable secondary school place with the summer holidays already starting.
“I need to get him a place and then get the transport sorted as well.
“He’s very socially unaware and if he doesn’t have transport to school he’ll just end up wandering around the shops or something.
“Birch Wood is the only suitable place for him. I’ve spoken to them and they agree but they don’t seem to have much control over it.”
Rachael, who had Joseph when she was 17, had been hoping that when he started secondary school it would be a
chance for her to have time to get some qualifications herself.
She said: “I was hoping to study health and social care and I’ve got a place on a course.
“But while I’ve got a place, my son still hasn’t.”
A spokesperson for Leicestershire County Council said: “We are aware of the family’s concerns and we hope to confirm an appropriate school placement with them as soon as possible that is able to meet the needs set out in his plan.
“Our duty as a local authority is to work with schools to ensure that all children with special educational needs or a disability have a school place which meets their individual needs; whether that be in a mainstream school or a special school.
“We will be working closely with the family to achieve this.”
MAY HAVE TO GO TO MAINSTREAM