‘HE’S HAD NO LIFE AT ALL’
Mum in despair because son hasn’t been able to go to school since March
A MUM has criticised a council because her son who has learning difficulties has not been to school since March.
Jack Savage, nine, used to attend Beacon Hill School in Wallsend but his mother says he has not been able to go back since the first lockdown as the school could not meet his needs.
North Tyneside Council then looked for other schools in the borough but none was able to accommodate him.
Discussions followed about arranging a tutor to come to the family’s home in Wallsend. However, a lack of space at the property meant this was not the best solution.
As a result, Jack, who is severely autistic and has the rare Cornelia de Lange syndrome – a developmental disorder – has remained at home in Wallsend for months.
His mum Rebecca Napier now hopes the council will be able to find him a place at a residential school where he can continue with his education and his needs can be met. Rebecca, who also has three daughters, said: “Basically since lockdown, Jack has not been able to go back to school.
“He has had no life at all.
“He needs specialist teaching and specialist equipment but no school has been able to meet his needs. “He just looks out of the window because he’s got nothing else to do.
“He is so frustrated. It’s heartbreaking.
“He already has severe learning difficulties. He’s not had an education since March – how much behind is he now going to be?
“The council said they would arrange for a tutor to teach him at our home.
“But our house is not big enough for Jack to be tutored here, there is no space.
“I have told the council that in the long term a residential school would be the best thing for Jack but that hasn’t happened so far.
“They are taking far too long to find a space and in the meantime my son is going without an education.
“Jack should be in a school, be able to socialise with other kids and have a school environment – not be stuck at home all day. What sort of life is that for a child? All I want is for my boy to have the things he needs so he can have some quality of life.
“But I’m getting nowhere at the moment.”
North Tyneside Council says it is trying to support the family.
Jacqui Old, director of children’s and adult services, said: “We can’t comment on individual cases, but the council strives to ensure all children and young people in North Tyneside receive a high-quality education.
“We understand how difficult the coronavirus pandemic has been for children and the impact on their education and well-being, especially those with additional and complex needs, and we continue to support them.”
He just looks out of the window because he’s got nothing else to do. It’s heartbreaking Rebecca Napier