A mum from the Nowton estate, in Bury St Edmunds, is fighting for a specialist school place for her autistic son

A mum from Bury St Edmunds has spoken of her ‘constant fight’ to get the right school provision for her severely autistic son.

Skye Wallace, 26, who lives on the Nowton estate, said Suffolk County Council was trying to place six-year-old Carter in schools unable to meet his complex needs.

The council said the SEND Local Area Partnership faced a ‘significant challenge’ in ensuring children and young people with special educational needs (SEND) were placed in the right setting.

Carter is non-verbal, wears nappies, drinks from a baby bottle and often uses a pushchair.

For six months Carter, who loves nature and technology, has received support from a tutor who visits him at home for two hours a day.

“He lives life in his own little bubble, he is so innocent and vulnerable,” said Skye, who was bullied at school for being autistic.

Skye moved with Carter from Saxmundham, hoping he could attend Riverwalk School, which currently does not have a place for him.

The four schools the council has suggested for Carter have specialist units attached to a mainstream school, which the council classes as specialist provision.

The schools have all told Skye they are not suitable for her son.

Skye, who cares for Carter 24/7, said the council did not realise the impact the ‘unacceptable’ situation had on her and other families.

“I’m already drained as it is, already tired and it’s just another pressure that is not needed,” said Skye.

A Suffolk County Council spokeswoman said it was working with schools and education settings to arrange suitable provision for the autumn term.

She said: “The SEND Local Area Partnership continues to invest in making sure we get this right, alongside widescale reform of the way we deliver SEND provision, and we await news of Government reform.”

Details of the Government’s SEND reform plan are expected to be announced in the autumn.