Mum Michelle Haines, of East Bergholt, near Ipswich, criticises local authorities over education and housing support for son Kenny

A Suffolk mum has slammed local authorities after her son lost more than two years of education – and claimed the ‘system is broken’.

Michelle Haines, 46, of East Bergholt, has said Suffolk County Council had done little to help her son find a new school, with her son’s needs rendering her unable to work.

Kenny, eight, who has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), was excluded from school in May after a year of struggles, including suspensions and violent behaviour.

A total of eight schools were suggested as alternatives, all of which he was rejected from as they could not meet his needs, she said.

She feared the effects of him being behind about two years on education, on top of fallout from the Covid-19 lockdowns.

Suffolk County Council and Babergh District Council declined to comment on individual cases.

Michelle said: “Until you have to make use of the system, you are oblivious to how bad it is. There are so many parents in the same situation.

“It’s about time everyone in Suffolk was aware of how terrible it is. The system is broken.

“I’ve made countless calls, emails and I’ve not heard anything. And I know it’s not the front-line workers’ fault. They’re underpaid and understaffed and need more money.

“Most of all I want the authorities to listen to parents.”

The mother-of-three said her main issues were around the lack of support.

“No one from social services has come to see me or my son to discuss how we can be helped,” said Michelle.

“My gripe with the authority is social care – anything SEND related as we can’t access it. We’ve been told there’s no staff, that his case wasn’t urgent enough, he’s safe and not neglected.

“I now have to do everything by myself and, as a mum, this isn’t easy.”

Kenny is currently awaiting an education tribunal to secure a new school place, which is set for January.

Michelle has called for change to the schooling system and support for SEND in particular, alongside an overhaul of Suffolk County Council’s ‘local offer’ scheme, which is what the authority uses to offer schools for children.

She also highlighted the plight of parents facing years-long waiting lists for social housing, which she feels affected her son’s development.

Michelle – who moved to East Bergholt in 2022 to be closer to family – has criticised Babergh District Council’s Gateway to Home scheme, fearing it could be years before she finds suitable social housing for her family.

Meanwhile, she is also unable to guarantee private rent as her fight for Kenny has left her unable to work.