Teenager asked to travel more than 20 miles to SEN school location

A teenager with severe learning disabilities has been asked to travel more than 20 miles for a school place, his mother claims.

Leanne McCrotter claims she has been struggling to get Brody a full-time place after relations between him and his former school broke down.

The 14-year-old, who has autism and also has other complex needs, was attending Lisburn's Parkview Special School, but his attendance hours were reduced to part-time in February.

The Education Authority (EA) said in a statement that they have had "extensive contact" with Brody's family and have made alternative school provision.

Leanne told BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan Show that the school is situated in Downpatrick, more than 20 miles from where they reside in west Belfast.

"The EA said that the principal said that there may be a place and the EA are going to send a full-time teacher and classroom assistant to Brody," she told them.

"I'm going to the school. I've never even heard of the school and it's a distance from my home."

Secondary Heads Association boss Mr Pengelly wrote to principals, said the BBC, putting the number of children with no September school place at 164.

The EA said that approximately 50 children remained affected.

Leanne explained that Brody had been diagnosed with autism and severe learning disabilities at the age of three.

She told how his illness meant that he was sent "socially excluded from everything" and school was the only thing he had.

He attended Parkview Special school for 12 years. Things went wrong, though, after his mum informed him that he had been given half days the previous year.

"Brody swore at staff in September. I'm not apologising for what was done. It's an immensely difficult job and a vocation but other children in the class have all done the same," said Leanne.

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

Leanne describes how when Brody's pattern of attendance was altered, Brody's behaviour completely altered.

"He hurt 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 said: "His wee mind is troubled. I need to guard Brody."

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

It continued: "We have collaborated with his family, EA, Health and Social Care Trust's Intensive Support Service, Educational Psychology and social services during this time to continue to search for the most appropriate solutions to address Brody's needs, maintaining pupil and staff safety.".

"All available provisions have been utilized in an attempt to effectively address Brody's needs, for example, involving outside agencies to complete positive behaviour plans, sensory diets and curriculum and provision of therapeutic support on a weekly basis EA-funded.

"The wellbeing and safety of our staff and our children is always paramount and that has been at the forefront of all decisions during this process."

Leanne described a further specialist school, Camphill School, Glencraig, which was deemed potentially suitable for Brody but had been refused a place.

"I went down and it was absolutely lovely," she described.

"I have given first preference. There were two other lads in for it and he was refused a place."

"He is still adamant he is going to Glencraig. I don't know how to inform him because of the aggression."

Leanne agreed she worried Brody's conduct would deteriorate and requested the Education Authority to provide additional assurances concerning the Downpatrick school placement.

An EA spokesman stated: "Specialist placements are intended to be specific to address the individual needs of each child. We are aware a child's needs can emerge and evolve, which in some instances can see a placement no longer suitable and sustainable.".

"We are aware that this will be a worrying time for parents and are presently working with parents, schools and our partner agencies to attempt to find an alternative, appropriate provision which will be in the best interest of the child.".