I’ve been forced to homeschool my son because there’s no space for him in classrooms near us
A MUM has been forced to homeschool her son because there's no space for him in classrooms near them.
Kian Allport, 11, was a victim of alleged bullying at his local secondary school in Guisborough, North Yorkshire - prompting mum Emma Jennings to pull him out.
But Emma quickly became stuck when she realised there were no waiting lists at any schools nearby.
Their only option was a one-and-a-half hour public transport journey to Huntcliff school in Saltburn, which she says is too far away.
Emma doesn't want to send Kian back to Laurence Jackson over his issues with the other kids, leaving her having to homeschool him.
She told "He had some trouble with other kids in the school three times, so I took him out and said I’d wait for a transfer.
"I was then told there are no waiting lists for any secondary school and I had to just keep applying as much as I wanted to see if I can get him a place."
She is now worried that her son is "missing out" on vital secondary education and socialising.
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The mum has urged the council to consider building more schools to keep up with the area's growing population.
A spokesman for Redcar and Cleveland Council said: "Every one of our children deserve the best possible education and the council works with all schools in the borough, neighbouring authorities and the Government to ensure that enough places are available borough wide.
"However, although there are enough places available borough-wide, some popular schools may be oversubscribed, especially in years where more children than is typical are entering a school year.
"In the main schools run their own admissions policies, but parents and guardians trying to switch schools mid-year should contact the council’s admissions team.
"If needed the school choice adviser will offer independent and impartial advice and guidance on the process of admissions and appeals as a new school is found.”
"The council will continue to work with neighbouring authorities, especially Middlesbrough Council as many pupils from both boroughs cross ‘borders’ to school, to ensure there are enough places available and to help with planning.
"There is no need for a new school in Redcar and Cleveland at this time.
"However, the situation is continually assessed and the authority will continue to advise schools and offer guidance on the potential need for expansion in the coming years."
