Apology after council lets down Lucas, 4

EDUCATION wrangle . . . dad Stephen and Lucas

OLDHAM Council has apologised for failing a four-year-old autistic boy and his family.

Stephen Jackson turned to the Chronicle in desperation feelng “let down and abandoned” by the system which left his son Lucas without proper schooling and crucial help.

Four weeks after starting Diggle Primary School, Stephen still awaits a “statement of educational needs” - which he was promised would be made by early September.

Without the statement Lucas - who was diagnosed with autism two years ago and struggles to communicate and interact - can’t receive the one-to-one help or speech therapy he needs.

The family and school have been left in no man’s land over Lucas’s education - and father-of-four Stephen, from Delph, says they have had no contact from the council to explain the delay.

Oldham Council cabinet member Councillor Amanda Chadderton said the council was at fault and was working to resolve the situation.

“We offer our sincere apologies to Lucas and his family,” said Councillor Chadderton. “Officers will be contacting Lucas’s family as soon as possible so we can sort out arrangements to secure the best outcome for him.”

The lack of funding means Diggle primary can offer Lucas only three days a week, without specialist help.

As Lucas’ mother Joanna is undergoing investigations for suspected multiple sclerosis, the funding was stretched to cover four days to help ease the burden.

Stephen (36) says the decision to send Lucas to a mainstream school — Diggle was their first choice — was a tough one and came solely on the reassurance of a statement that would address his issues.

“We were at the point of desperation but thanks to the Oldham Chronicle Lucas will get the help and support he so badly needs and requires,” said Stephen.

“But it doesn’t though take away the bitterness we have towards the council. Actions speak louder than words, so hopefully things will move quickly and we can stop worrying so much about this and turn our attentions to Joanna. This should never have happened.”