Boy without school for 18 months (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Boy without school for 18 months

11:11am Tuesday 27th May 2008 in

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A teenager who suffers from behavioural disorders and learning difficulties is "becoming a recluse" because he has not had a school place for 18 months.

In the past seven years Jordan Silvester, 14, has been diagnosed with autism, anxiety disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression and dyslexic tendencies.

His mother Leanne Silvester is concerned for his welfare because Hertfordshire County Council has not been able to find him a suitable school since November 2006.

The family moved to Harpenden in August 2005 and Jordon began at Roundwood Park School, in Roundwood Park, but after psychiatric tests it was agreed that the school was not suitable for him and he stopped attending.

Ms Silvester, a single mother who also has a two-year-old son, said: "Jordan has missed out on very important school years that should have provided him with a way to develop his potential.

"Instead, I am deeply worried he has reverted to being a recluse. He very rarely leaves the house and he has extreme anxiety in public situations."

His mother requested a special educational needs statement, a legal document in which the local education authority sets out what support a child needs, and names an appropriate school.

Ms Silvester received the statement earlier this month, but is angry that it does not name a school for Jordan, contains out-of-date medical reports and factual errors.

She said: "This statement is an embarrassment not only to me and my son but to those who issued it.

"If it the council thinks this will be taken lightly it is mistaken. I am aware of my son's rights and what he is entitled to and I will not stop until he receives it."

Jordan attended a trial period at a school for children with special needs in January, but did not receive a place.

He was offered the chance to attend a boarding school, but Ms Silvester refused because of his dependence on her care.

He now receives four-and-a-half hours of tutoring a week at a council educational support centre.

A council spokeswoman said: "A detailed assessment of his needs has been carried out and a proposed statement has been issued. We arranged for a trial placement in a special school but unfortunately this was found not to be suitable.

"We are continuing to work with Ms Silvester to find an appropriate long-term placement."

Christine Burke, senior development manager for the Foundation for People with Learning Difficulties, said the case reflected a trend, saying many families feel mainstream schools are unable to address their child's needs.

"We need to equip and support schools to offer the relevant support for young people to have a meaningful and purposeful education," she said.

"The LEA needs to be thinking about the position of the child and how they can meet their obligation to that child and their education.

"If a child with special educational needs does get good support, they can thrive."

Ms Silvester, who moved her family to Borehamwood last year, added: "All we ever wanted was an appropriate school which will understand Jordan and to have trained teachers to help children like him learn to live their lives successfully and interact with people.

"Yet, all we have received are empty promises and Jordan's anxieties have been exacerbated instead of helped so much so that I am worried the damage will be very difficult to rectify. "