Jan 20, 2022, Lowestoft Journal: Mum 'ecstatic' as SEND placement finally found for son with complex needs https://www.lowestoftjournal.co.uk/news/education/mum-ecstatic-send-placement-found-for-son-lowestoft-8633930
SE England
A mum has described how she is 'ecstatic' as a SEND school placement has finally been found for her son after eight rejections.
Kerry-Ann Why, 45, lives in Lowestoft with her son James, 10, whose mental health deteriorated after being stuck at home since July 2021.
The family moved to Lowestoft in March 2020 and James was originally educated at Attic@TheLanding until July 2021 when the provider closed.
There was no promise from Suffolk County Council originally that SEND provision would be provided to James, despite him having complex needs including autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder and learning difficulties.
But now a school place has been found at Acorn Park School in Banham, Norfolk with the final agreement due from Suffolk County Council early next week.
"This is the perfect setting for James, is a long-term placement and meets his complex needs.
"However, like many families, we've had nothing but issues with SEND provision in Suffolk.
"We've had to fight for this every step of the way."
According to the National Autistic Society's school report published in 2021, across the UK, three quarters of parents said their child's school place did not meet their child's needs, doubling since the previous education report was published in 2017.
Suffolk County Council admitted to letting children with special educational needs down after an independent report into its services published in September 2021.
"Our only worry now is the council may not agree to the placement but if that is the case, we will fight….
