‘GABE HASN’T BEEN TO SCHOOL FOR 15 WEEKS’
Gofundme page set up to pay to hire a lawyer to help family
A 14-YEAR-OLD boy has had no education for 15 weeks as all statefunded special schools that can cater for his complex needs are full.
Now Gabe Lothian’s family are so desperate for help that friends have set up a Gofundme page to go towards hiring a lawyer.
The teenager, who was born prematurely at 23 weeks, has autism, epilepsy, learning difficulties and medical needs. He also needs to be tube-fed and has reduced mobility.
He previously attended a special school in Oxfordshire.
But when his dad, who is in the Army, got a new posting in the North West, they managed to secure military accommodation in Stafford.
Gabe’s mum, Kira Lothian, said: “We wanted to be closer to family and my parents live in Kidsgrove.
“We moved on July 7 and Gabe has had no education since then. He’s regressing because he’s not learning and is not able to be with other people.
“My son is desperate to know why he can’t go to school. He thinks it’s because nobody wants him.
“I know this is an issue across the country. There are lots of children with disabilities who can’t be put into a school because they don’t have a place.”
Gabe, who has an education, health and care plan (EHCP), was supposed to have his files transferred to Staffordshire County Council as soon as they moved.
But a delay meant it didn’t happen until July 19 – just before the school summer holidays – and that left too little time to consult on arrangements before the new term.
Kira found two special schools that would have been ideal. But both Walton Hall Academy, in Eccleshall, and Saxon Hill Academy, in Lichfield, were full.
The local authority is now working with the family to try to resolve the situation.
But if Gabe can’t be found a suitable place, it will involve the county council having to fork out for a costly placement at an independent school.
Forty-six-year-old Kira said: “Unfortunately, we are now having to look at residential schools.
“We asked for a tutor for Gabe in the meantime. Staffordshire said it would need to go out to tender and could take six weeks or so.”
Although Gabe’s EHCP is up-todate, the family say they haven’t been told if it has been ‘adopted’ by the county council yet. The document outlines the support he should receive to meet his needs.
Kira is now planning to instruct a lawyer to take the matter to court if they can’t find a school.
Although she works from home, she has to go on work-related trips regularly. “I’ve got to go away to Scotland. My 70-year-old, very disabled mum is looking after him for a couple of days,” she added.
Staffordshire has more than 6,300 children with an EHCP and 51 per cent of them attend specialist provision, which is higher than the national average.
Councillor Jonathan Price, the county council’s cabinet member for education, said: “Gabriell’s needs are complex and, because his application came during the summer holidays, places at the most appropriate local schools have already been filled.
“We are discussing his needs with other specialist providers to try and find a local solution and will provide alternative education provision as an interim measure if needed.”