Thousands support autistic boy in bid for special school place

Jacob Graves, aged eight, is currently a pupil at a mainstream school in the village of Perton where he lives.

But he has found it increasingly difficult to cope with the noise of the classroom and to be around other children for prolonged periods.

It prompted his mother, Joanne Suman, 36, to try to find Jacob a place at a special school better equipped to meet his needs.

She was pleased to learn Tettenhall Wood School, just one-and-a-half miles from their home, was Wolverhampton’s designated special school for children with autism.

But she has since been told by Wolverhampton council there are no places available for Jacob.

Miss Suman said other special schools in Staffordshire, the local authority under which the family fall, would involve a long journey that would cause Jacob severe anxiety.

To secure a place for him at Tettenhall Wood, Miss Suman launched an online petition and also placed paper copies in shops and businesses across Perton and Codsall, which has been signed by more than 2,000, with more than 1,200 of those pledging their support online.

Speaking to the Express and Star, she said: “Jacob has a lot of sensory issues and can’t cope with the noise of the classroom.

“He can be around his peers for so long and then she can’t cope.

“I had a look around several special schools and I said I felt Tettenhall Wood best specialises in autism and that they have the facilities and therapies there that he needs.

“Staffordshire council asked Wolverhampton council but came back and said they had refused the place.

“I feel it is important and the government needs to look at special education schools and obviously invest in creating more schools for these children.

"These children become adults and their health, mental health and well-being suffers and they carry it through the rest of their lives, it just doesn’t go away at 18 or 21 years old.”

Alex Jones, Wolverhampton council’s service director for school standards, said: “Unfortunately, Tettenhall Wood School is currently full and oversubscribed and therefore, regrettably, a place could not be offered to this child at this time.”

One year ago the mother of five-year-old Tobie Williams, also of Perton, found herself in the same situation as Jacob’s family. It was not until November Tobie was offered a place at Tettenhall Wood.

His mother, Charlotte Orlowski, has given her support to Miss Graves. She said: “I understand the school is full but they need to offer Jacob a viable alternative.

“General special schools are very different to those with an autism speciality. There really needs to be another option in South Staffordshire.”

County Councillor Mark Sutton, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Staffordshire County Council said: “As the nearest Staffordshire special school is over capacity, we are working with the family to ensure there is suitable provision for their child.

"We are in the process of securing a place in an alternative special school, and are supporting the family in their efforts to get the best education possible for their child. We hope to secure an appropriate placement as early as possible.”