Moving schools could be ‘catastrophic’ for boy after support is axed
A 13-year-old with behavioural problems could be uprooted from a school he loves with “catastrophic” consequences, after his family were forced to move out of the borough due to financial pressures.
Reuben Campbell has emotional, social and behavioural problems and has 25 hours support at Valentines High School, Cranbrook Road, Gants Hill, where he has been for three years.
His support could be stopped after both Redbridge and Newham Council refused to fund his one-to-one support at the school since the family moved from Langley Crescent, Wanstead, after Reuben’s father lost his job.
The “only option” was to move in with his aunt in Albert Road, North Woolwich.
His mother, Angela, believes moving schools could be “catastrophic” to his education, especially as he approaches his GCSEs.
You may also want to watch:
She said: “Since Year 4 he was on the verge of being excluded on three or four occasions.
“When he first moved to Valentines his behaviour got worse, however, what was amazing about the school was that they were patient with him and now Reuben really trusts his teachers and is progressing well.”
Most Read
- 1 Man dies after fall near Hainault station
- 2 Driver dies after Ilford shopfront crash
- 3 Met Office issues yellow warning for heavy showers in London
- 4 Driver in critical condition after Ilford shop crash
- 5 Fireaway pizza branch to open in South Woodford
- 6 Man rushed to hospital after being robbed and stabbed in Ilford
- 7 Teenager charged over Sven Badzak death in Kilburn
- 8 Hospital left dying 103-year-old veteran without food, inquest hears
- 9 Jailed: ‘Opportunistic predator’ who kidnapped and raped woman
- 10 Covid cases drop at Queen’s and King George hospitals
The family moved as rent prices in Redbridge were too high. Mrs Campbell added: “It took a long time for my son to settle into his school.
“He’s made good progress and made a lot of friends which were the main problems before. For him to be uprooted and transfer to another school would be catastrophic.”
Newham Council have found a place for Reuben at The Royal Docks Community School, Custom House, but his family believe this would “disrupt” everything he has managed to achieve while at Valentines High.
Newham Council added: “We have very carefully reviewed Reuben’s case and are clear that a place in a Newham school will be suitable to meet his needs. Many children have to move schools and we believe Reuben would not be unduly affected.” A tribunal will be held on April 29.
