Oxfordshire mum’s education battle for ‘genius’ son

“Henry’s a genius. He’s a member of Mensa. He taught himself to read aged 25 months.”

Kim from Oxfordshire says her son has huge potential – but failings have meant he has missed out on more than two years of education.

Eight-year-old Henry has multiple diagnoses, including autism and ADHD, which mean he cannot cope with a school environment.

Getting him an education has involved a tribunal and a case going to the High Court – with some resources still missing – and Oxfordshire County Council has said it is in ongoing discussions with Kim.

Kim initially took Henry out of school aged five because of the impact it was having on him.

Twenty one schools were consulted to see if they could meet his needs, but Kim said none of them were able to.

She believes that it would be unsafe for Henry, other children and teachers for him to be in a school setting.

“When Henry’s dysregulated… he will lash out and he’s not in control,” she said.

“And I don’t want him to be in a position where he hurts someone else accidentally and then it will be his fault – but it’s not his fault, it’s because of his diagnoses.”

Getting an Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) package agreed and funded has involved going to a tribunal and Kim taking legal action against the county council to secure a budget for resources.

But a year into the package, funding has not been given for basic resources like textbooks and science kits.

Kim says she is still having to spend significant amounts of time chasing those resources.

“It’s a full time job, it’s absolutely constant,” she says.

“The county council are purposely obstructive and just purposely difficult.

“And I’m just so tired, it’s just a constant, constant struggle.”

Since contacting the BBC, Kim has now received further paperwork from the county council to secure funding for the missing resources.

A council spokesperson said: “We are committed to providing the very best education, support and outcome for every child and young person, and we’re in ongoing discussions with this parent.”