A MOTHER from York has spoken of her frustration after her son was excluded from school and claimed she was given no assistance in finding him an alternative place to learn.

Zoe Palmer’s son, Leon, was excluded from Haxby Road Primary School in November.

Zoe, 31, of Bell Farm Avenue, said six-year-old Leon had been diagnosed with ADHD, which meant he was not being taught with other pupils at Haxby Road when he was excluded.

She said: “He has learning difficulties and can’t handle or concentrate with large numbers of children in the classroom. The school was working with me but it’s got to the point where he’s been excluded and I’m left with a six-year-old at home.”

Zoe claimed she had been left to find Leon a place at another school after receiving no help from the local authority.

She said: “He can’t help it if he’s got a few problems, but schools should be trying to help more than they are. I just got left with a child that was excluded and had to sort it out myself rather than the council helping me.”

Leon has since been given a place at council-run Danesgate pupil referral unit, and is now back in a school environment.

Mark Ellis, head of school services, City of York Council, said: “Specialist staff at the council’s Danesgate facility for children with behavioural, social and emotional difficulties have been working with Leon and the team at Haxby Road School for some time.

“Following his five-day exclusion, we agreed with Leon’s mum that he would benefit from some more dedicated support at Danesgate.

“He will remain at the specialist facility until he, his mum and the Danesgate team feel that he’s ready to move back into mainstream education.”