A MUM is planning to organise a petition to protest over cuts in the amount of time her son spends at a special needs centre.

Until recently, the Phoenix Centre, based at South Ockendon's Culver Centre, in Daiglen Drive, ran classes five days a week from 9am to 2.30pm.

Now the classes have been split into two age groups, with children aged five to eight, attending from 8.15am to 12.30pm and those aged nine to 11 going along between 12.30pm and 4.30pm.

Single mum Elena Norman's seven-year-old son, Ray, has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder.

She is unhappy the hours have been cut because it affects her work and she fears it will also hinder her son's education.

Mrs Norman, 44, of Broxburn Drive, South Ockendon, said: "It's disgusting. Why should my son's education suffer?

"I don't think four hours a day is enough.

"Nursery children get more hours and this is not only going to affect their education, but also hit parents who have work commitments."

"The Government wants lone parents to go back to work, but how can they when pathetic decisions like this are made."

However, centre manager Lindsay Roberts-Egan, says she stands by the new schedule.

Splitting the class reduced the number of pupils in each and gave teachers more one-to-one time with the children, she explained.

She added: "Pupil referral units are meant as places where students who have either been excluded from formal education or have behavioural problems can work towards getting back into mainstream education.

"I must make it absolutely clear, every single pupil at the Phoenix will continue to receive the statutory amount of education a child of their age is expected to receive, if not more."

Parents who wish to discuss the new schedule can call her on 01708 853781.