No school places for 10 Send pupils in Medway

Marcia is is one of ten children in Medway who has been without education for three months

"It's hard for me not seeing any of my friends," 13-year-old Marcia says.

She is one of 10 children in Medway who have been without education since two secondary schools which provide education for pupils in Kent and Medway with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (Send) closed in July.

Since Cornfield and Belvue schools closed nearly three months ago, 14 of the 24 Medway families have been given alternative placements.

Medway Council said it was offering tuition to the remaining students and noted "a shortage of school places that are able to cater for young people with the most complex needs".

Marcia's grandmother and guardian, Ann, said the family has been "left in the dark" about possible Send school plans.

"There's been no meeting to discuss what is going to happen to our children," Ann said. "It's as if they're just a number and they're pushed to one side."

She said her granddaughter's ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder mean mainstream school is not an option.

Marcia has been offered 15 hours of tutoring a week, starting in October.

"It is sad she is being isolated," Ann said. "It's not right for any child."

Cleggan attended Cornfield School for two years

Cleggan, 12, has autism, dyslexia and sensory difficulties.

His mother, Danielle, fears months without school is disrupting his development.

"Cleggan is currently working at Year 2 level and he should be in Year 8," she said. "The gap within his learning is not being closed."

In a statement, a spokesperson from Medway Council said: "For the 10 remaining young people without a placement, the local authority is providing tuition to ensure there are no gaps in their learning, whilst continuing to seek alternative placements.

"We continue to prioritise these young people in placement consultations.

"It is recognised that both locally and nationally there is a shortage of school places that are able to cater for young people with the most complex needs."