AN autistic child has been left without a school place for more than a year after a dispute saw him pulled from a special school.

Annette Marshall, from Shoebury, removed her 14-year-old son, TJ, from Leigh’s St Christopher’s special school in June last year.

Talks took place with Southend Council in a bid to find the youngster a school but no place was found and he remained out of education throughout the 2019/20 school year.

Since the Echo became involved, the child has now been offered home schooling for three hours every day - but Miss Marshall is still far from impressed.

The 54-year-old said: “I feel like we have just been dumped and forgotten about. It’s just diabolical.

“My son now suffers from severe anxiety and he is not sleeping, because of what’s happened.

“I don’t know what to do anymore.

“He has a right to a proper education.”

Council bosses have insisted they are hopeful of finding a school place, as well as offering home tuition in English and maths three hours per day.

Miss Marshall admitted it is “better than nothing” but raised concerns as to why it has taken 16 months to organise.

She added: “I feel like I have to just back down and accept this offer when really, I want him in school. This isn’t good enough.

“Not to mention the fact that I am bringing strangers into his home, I don’t know how he will respond to or cope with that.

“These people need to gain his trust first.

“I have also been told that I am not allowed to be present for the duration, so while it is taking place in my kitchen I have to stay away for three hours.

“They also mentioned safeguarding and having to call the police should he become unmanageable.

“This is my house, and my son.”

Councillor Anne Jones, cabinet member for children and learning, said: “The council is liaising with the parent to find a suitable way forward for her child’s education.

"The pupil has an offer of education at an appropriate local special school however the parent has chosen not to send her child.

"We are exploring options of placements within other local special schools and are optimistic about bringing this matter to a satisfactory conclusion that is in the best interests of the child.”