Mum's fight goes on to get her twin girls into specialist school

SHE HAS ALREADY WAITED FOUR YEARS - BUT NOW FACES LENGTHY APPEAL DELAY

- By OLIVER PRIDMORE

A MUM has been left "absolutely livid" as the fight to get her twin daughters a proper education continues despite being told it was over just months ago.

Samantha Grafton has already spent four years trying to get her girls into a specialist school that caters for their autism and ADHD.

Serious incidents of bullying are among the issues that have affected the seven-year-old girls at their current school.

Ms Grafton, who lives in Ashfield, is also concerned about their development in mainstream education, fearing they will enter secondary school not knowing much more than a two-year-old.

Nottinghamshire County Council told the 33-year-old mum in August that, after initially refusing to give out an education, health and care plan (EHCP) for her daughters, Maya and Esmee, the authority had decided one would be issued.

An EHCP is crucial for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It describes the support they need up to the age of 25. Parents and carers can request that a particular school or college be named in this plan, while EHCPs should also specify the alternative education provision a child needs to receive if they cannot go back to school.