Boy asked to travel more than 20 miles for SEN school place

The mother of a teenager with severe learning difficulties says uncertainty over what school he will go to in September is having a detrimental impact on his mental and physical health.

Leanne McCrotter says she has been fighting for full-time place for her son Brody after a breakdown in relations with his former school.

The 14 year-old, who is autism and has additional complex needs, was a pupil at Parkview Special School in Lisburn, but his hours were reduced to part-time in February.

In a statement, the Education Authority (EA) said it has had "extensive contact" with Brody's family and an alternative school placement has been secured.

Leanne told BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan Show the school is in Downpatrick, which is more than 20 miles away from their west Belfast home.

"The EA said the principal said there may be a space and the EA are going to offer a full-time teacher and classroom assistant for Brody," she said.

"I'm going to look at the school. I've never heard of the school before and it's quite a bit away from where I live."

Last month the chief executive of the EA said a shortfall of SEN places for September constituted a crisis.

In a letter to principals, seen by the BBC, Mr Pengelly said he estimated 164 children will not have a place in school in September.

The EA told the programme that about 50 children were still affected.

However, added it "may be possible to reduce this to zero by the start of the school year" but it acknowledged that accommodating the remaining pupils could require some of them to travel longer distances to school.

Leanne says Brody was diagnosed with severe learning difficulties and autism at the age of three.

She said his condition meant he was "socially excluded from everything" and school was the "only thing he has".

He was a pupil at Parkview Special school for 12 years. But relations broke down after his mum said he was placed on reduced days last year.

"In September, Brody hit out at staff. I'm not condoning what happened. It's a very hard job and a vocation but other children in the class have all done similar things," said Leanne.

She added: "He was on two days a week one week and a three day week the next."

Leanne says the change in Brody's routine led to a big change in his behaviour.

"He injured himself so badly we had to call the paramedics.

"Me and my other son had to lock ourselves in a room because he was attacking us. He doesn't mean it. He's the most loveable child."

She added: "His wee mind is tormented. I need to keep Brody safe."

In a statement, Parkview Special School described Brody as "cherished member of our school community for over 12 years".

It added: "We have worked diligently with his family, EA, Health and Social Care Trust's Intensive Support Service, Educational Psychology and social services throughout this time to continue to find the best solutions to properly support Brody, whilst also assuring the safety of pupils and staff.

"Every available resource has been utilised in an effort to appropriately meet Brody's needs, including working with external agencies to produce positive behaviour plans, sensory diets and curriculum and the introduction of weekly EA- funded therapeutic support.

"The safety and wellbeing of our pupils and our staff is our highest priority and this has been central to all decision making throughout this process."

Leanne said another special school, Camphill School, Glencraig, was identified which could have met Brody's needs but he missed out on a place.

"I went to look at the school, which was brilliant," she said.

"I put it down as first choice. Two other children were in for it and he missed out on a place.

"He still thinks he's going to Glencraig. I don't know how to break it to him because of the aggression."

Leanne says she's worried Brody's behaviour will continue to deteriorate and called on the Education Authority to provide more assurances about the school place in Downpatrick.

A spokesperson for the EA said: "Specialist placements are tailored to appropriately meet the individual needs of each child. We know that a child's needs can evolve and develop, which in some cases may result in a placement becoming unsuitable and unsustainable.

"We understand that this can be a distressing time for families, and we remain committed to working with parents, schools and partner agencies to identify an alternative, appropriate provision that will best meet the needs of the child.