A Suffolk MP has written to the county council asking the authority to review the case of a nine-year-old autistic boy who has not been in school for two years.
Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, MP for Suffolk Coastal, also raised concerns about wider failings in the system of support for Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) children after writing in relation to Felixstowe boy Harry Biggs.
Earlier this week, Harry's mother Sophie Hughes told this newspaper the council had not arranged a school place for Harry since he was diagnosed with autism, severe anxiety and sensory and communication difficulties in November.
READ MORE: Mum hoped council "would do everything" for Harry Biggs
She also said the council had not completed an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) on time, which describes Harry's needs.
The council had arranged a place for Harry at SET Felix Primary School in Maidstone Road, Felixstowe, but Sophie said she had received no further contact from the council to make the necessary arrangements for Harry to attend.
Jenny said: "I’m deeply concerned by the ongoing struggle that Harry’s family are experiencing in accessing the support he both needs and deserves.
"No young person should be denied the opportunity to access education in a safe and supportive environment that meets their needs, but sadly that is the reality for Harry and his family – and many others here in Suffolk.
READ MORE: Ipswich's Bridge School opens up second school in Felixstowe
"I have written to Suffolk County Council and asked them to review this case as a matter of urgency and to express my concern about the failings of the wider system.
"I know that Harry's story is sadly not unique, so I am urging any other families affected by a similar issue in Suffolk Coastal to get in touch with me and my office."
Earlier this week, a county council spokesperson said: “Improving how we deliver SEND services in Suffolk remains our biggest focus.
READ MORE: Suffolk SEND parents ‘let down’ and fighting for education
“Following multi-million-pound investment, we continue to strengthen our internal teams, strengthen our working practices and strengthen our partnerships with health colleagues and education settings.
“We recognise we have a way to go, especially with timeliness of issuing EHCP plans, but our results are showing steady improvement.
"Last month, we finalised the highest number of plans.
“The challenges within SEND services are not a Suffolk-specific problem. It’s a national problem and deserves the urgent attention of the Government.
“We continue to lobby the new Government on the need for widescale reform and investment.”
READ MORE: Suffolk council set to receive nearly £11m for SEND
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