A DESPERATE mum is pleading for help after being told her three-year-old daughter had not been allocated a place at either a special needs or mainstream school.
Brace Dennis has been diagnosed with autism and her mum, Eden, has been told her needs are not severe enough for a special educational needs school – but too severe for mainstream education.
Eden, who lives with her three daughters in Windermere Road, is now pleading for help from Southend Council to ensure Brace is able to start her education in September alongside other children her age.
Initially, Eden applied for Brace to attend St Christopher’s School, in Leigh, Kingsdown School, in Thundersley, as well as several mainstream schools.
Brace was born prematurely and has autism, meaning she needs special assistance and care for her schooling. But Eden, 28, says her concerns have been dismissed.
“We applied for St Christopher’s and Kingsdown but they were full. We looked for mainstream schools in the area but they said they couldn’t support her needs, so now she has no placement.
“For the moment, the council are trying to look at schools that are nowhere near our catchment.
“I have two other kids as well. If my car broke down, I wouldn’t be able to get any of them to school, so it really isn’t an option.
Eden says that the council have not resolved the situation, suggesting that Brace be home-schooled or held back for a year until a place becomes available, ignoring her mother’s concerns.
“They are aware I am really upset with the decision. I understand my child and she will not thrive in a normal school. They have been rude, they always try and shut me down when I say it’s not in my child’s best interests.
“They have not offered any guidance at all. It’s only when they phone me I can get my questions in.”
Southend Council stating it does not comment on individual cases when contacted by the Echo around Brace’s situation.
Eden is desperate to secure a place for Brace, not only for her daughter’s future but for her own wellbeing as she has been unable to work while taking care of her. Eden said:
“We have had to fight for everything for her.
“I am Brace’s full-time carer. What I am hoping in September is to go back to work for my own mental health.
“If she doesn’t get the support she needs now, she won’t be able to get a job in the future.”
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