A MOTHER from Wokingham whose 19-year-old son has profound learning difficulties is calling on Wokingham Borough Council to do more to help others like him make the transition into further education.
Ribina Shahin, who lives in Earley, was disappointed to find the only educational unit that could provide the level of support her son Shiraz Al-Mustafa needs was in Newbury.
Ribina said: “Shiraz has spent many happy years at a local special needs school, Addington School, in Woodley, but unfortunately now he is 19 he has to move on.
“He has been put on an advanced health and care plan which entitles him to support until he is 25. He enjoys learning and I want him to carry on learning skills that will help him in later life, as well as giving him a chance to meet new people.
“I don’t ask for much help, I have refused respite care for Shiraz as I prefer to care for him myself, and I don’t like to spend council money when it is something that I can do myself.
“But his education is so important, like any mother I just want the best for my son.”
Shiraz has profound learning difficulties, leaving him with a mental age of around four or five. His mother has launched a petition online calling for Wokingham Borough Council to do more to support young adults like him with the transition from school into adult life.
Ribina said: “I am not bashing the council at all, I think they have an excellent system in place at Addington and it is just a shame that it doesn’t extend further.
“I have spoken to many other people who find themselves in a similar situation, but they have just never thought to go to the council about it. I am standing up for all of those people and for future children coming into the system who may not have anywhere to go.
“I have had fantastic support from a local charity, INSAAN, which helps families with children facing disabilities in the Reading area.
“So far I have had around 50 signatures but I am hoping to get 1,500 so WBC have to discuss the issue.”
Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, executive member for children’s services, stressed that local provisions for special educational needs are the result of colleges decisions and not that of WBC. She said: “The council has spoken with Ribina Shahin and officers will be meeting with her next month to discuss her concerns. Wokingham Borough Council seeks to find further education places for students.
“Colleges are funded by the Skills Funding Agency. The agency makes independent decisions about meeting local needs based on financial viability while bearing in mind public sector austerity. We would like more local places for students, and have been in discussion with colleges about it.
“In the new year, a review of further education provision, established by the government as part of a national move, will start in the Thames Valley area. We will be submitting evidence of Wokingham Borough’s needs for education and training, including those with special educational needs.”
To read and sign the petition visit http://bit.ly/1P7wmDP.
