(UK) Essex: 4yo with non-verbal autism, PICA denied special school place
A BOY with complex needs has been "forced" into mainstream education despite needing specialist support, his mum said.
Freddie Law, 4, from Rochford, has non-verbal autism and PICA, a condition that causes people to eat non-edible items.
He will have to leave his familiar pre-school when he turns five in December which will throw his life into "chaos".
His mum, Natalie Law, said the mainstream placement was unsuitable and unfair to both Freddie and the school because he would struggle to cope.
She said the problem arose after Essex County Council "failed" to secure Freddie a place at a specialist school.
The council said it was committed to supporting children with SEND and improving its system amid a "challenging" national picture. . . .
"We proposed a support package including speech and occupational therapy, with the possibility of giving Freddie a specialist placement, but they have refused it.
"He has been allocated to a local school which is not suitable for him because of the extensive care he needs. . . .
Freddie will have to leave his pre-school as their insurance will no longer cover him after his fifth birthday.
His mum said council delays in securing an Education, Health and Care Plan meant applications to specialist schools missed the deadline, leaving Freddie without a place.
She said: "We are still in limbo. . . .
The family has complained formally to the council and started tribunal proceedings, but the hearing is not expected until 2028.
Essex County Council said it was improving its SEND system in response to national pressure on specialist places.
A council spokesman said: "We cannot comment on individual cases, but we are committed to working with schools and families to secure suitable placements for children.
"Pressure on the SEND system is a national challenge, and improving our local system remains our priority.
"We are introducing new opportunities without compromising the quality of our service."
Comments