A mother feels the council has let her four-year-old child with special educational needs down as he cannot secure a school place.

Bobbie Everton, who lives in Coldean, Brighton, is the mother of four-year-old Finley, who has complex needs and requires constant one-to-one support, including with eating. 

Bobbie, 29, has criticised Brighton and Hove City Council after her son is still without a place. He is due to start school in September.

An education, health and care plan (EHCP) for him was submitted to the council in December 2023 which was approved.

However, the council deemed Finley, who turned four in March, fit for mainstream school. Bobbie said it is not suitable for his complex needs.

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To date, three mainstream schools have declined Finley, with one giving a conditional offer if it can secure additional funding from the council to take him on.

Bobbie said: “I have begged for special educational needs (SEN) schools but I was told by the council that he doesn’t meet the criteria.

“He has additional needs and complex medical needs. Mainstream schools cannot meet these and keep him safe.

“No one knows what is going on or what is happening next, they have completely let this little boy down.”

While Finley waits for a suitable school place he is being supported at Jump Start Nursery in Moulsecoomb. 

Bobbie said: “They have been amazing with him, we wouldn’t be where we are without them. 

“They have even taught him how to sign which we were initially told wasn’t possible.”

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: “We do not comment on individual children’s circumstances, but as a local authority we take our responsibility to children and their education incredibly seriously.

“Our experienced Special Educational Needs team works with children and their families to find suitable school places and, where required, provide additional support to help children thrive during their school years and beyond.

“If parents are unhappy with a decision made regarding their child’s schooling, they have a right to mediation and to appeal through the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal.

“We would not comment further other than to say we continue to work with this family to address the concerns they have raised and to identify an appropriate school place ahead of September.”