June 7, 2020, North Essex News: Leigh boy with special needs left in limbo as school withdraws offer https://www.clactonandfrintongazette.co.uk/news/north_essex_news/18502020.leigh-boy-special-needs-left-limbo-school-withdraws-offer/ THE mum of a child with special educational needs says she has been left in limbo after the school he was due to transfer to in September withdrew its offer. The parents of Harley Castell, who attends Hadleigh Junior School and lives in Leigh, received a letter from Southend Council in February detailing how his special educational needs plan would be transferred to The King John School, in Thundersley, from September. But to the horror of Harley’s mum, Kate Charles, she has now received a phone call from Hadleigh Junior School to say they had been informed by the King John School that he does not now have a place at the school. Harley is classed as having special educational needs because he has speech and language difficulties…. Harley’s parents have made several attempts to contact the council on the matter but say they are yet to receive a response. Mum Kate added: “After several phone calls and emails to numerous places including Southend’s educational needs team, his key worker and both schools, there is no further information on our son’s future. … “Even if they were open I would need the council to agree the setting and pass across the relevant paperwork specific to my son’s educational healthcare plan.” Kate has been in touch with Sir David Amess MP and is considering having to home school Harley….
