The 31-year-old is now taking the local authority to a tribunal in a bid to overturn the decision, saying her child is being unfairly denied the education she is entitled to.
Samantha, from Parkhead, claims she has been left with no option but to keep her daughter at home and attempt to school her for the next year as she fights to access proper support.
Niamh has been left without a specialist school placement (Image: Supplied) She said: “I’m utterly disgusted and appalled at the way Niamh has been treated. The council has agreed that mainstream education is not suitable for her needs, yet the new term has started and Niamh still has nowhere to go.
“Keeping her back from school won’t do her any good whatsoever. This means she is missing out on her right to a proper education through no fault of her own. The council has a legal duty to provide the specialist support she requires – and I’m determined to fight tooth and nail to make sure she gets it.
“Leaving a vulnerable child without a suitable placement is unacceptable. I am calling on the council to act swiftly so that Niamh doesn’t slip further behind.”
Samantha told how she applied for an additional support needs (ASN) placement in February but was horrified when education chiefs said that Niamh should instead attend mainstream St Michael’s Primary in the east end of the city.
It took supporting evidence from the youngster’s paediatrician, health visitor and nursery before the local authority accepted that the school wasn’t suitable for her specialist requirements.
Samantha and Niamh (Image: Supplied) Samantha, who is a full-time carer for her terminally ill mum, said: “We’ve literally had to fight to get the council to agree that St Michael’s wasn’t a suitable option for Niamh.
“Due to her complex condition, she has to wear nappies and requires one-on-one care which the school and staff, despite being absolutely fantastic, simply can’t provide. There’s just no way my daughter would be able to sit through a normal lesson, she would try to leave the classroom and because she can’t talk, needs specialist teachers who understand exactly what she’s going through.
“Niamh has been through nursery, she won’t benefit from going there back for another year. My only option currently is to keep her at home and do my best to school her.
“I’m not sure how in this day and age, when we are meant to be aware of children’s needs and requirements, how this is being allowed to happen. Having enough capacity for placements at ASN schools for kids with complex needs is vital. Simply trying to push Niamh into mainstream education is not an acceptable option and that is backed by her medical reports.
(Image: Supplied) “It’s heartbreaking knowing that my daughter is being denied her right to a fulfilling education because of budgets. The council needs to focus on what is needed across the city and make sure it doesn’t fail youngsters like my daughter.”
The frustrated mum turned to Govan Law Centre, which advised that she should take the council to a tribunal to try and force a change of tact. A hearing is now scheduled for October 20, but meanwhile Niamh is in limbo.
Samantha added: “I shouldn’t have to take this kind of drastic action, but if I don’t, I fear Niamh will just be left behind. It’s so cruel and has caused so much stress for our family.
(Image: Supplied)
“It is a very upsetting and frustrating situation, but I’m determined to win this fight for my daughter. The council needs to take a long hard look at its approach and the devastating impact this is having on people.
“We feel badly let down by the system, and I fully intend to take this all the way. I won’t hesitate to take further legal steps against the council if that’s what I need to do.”
A local authority spokesperson said they will continue to work with the family to find a solution.
They added: “We know that the ASN tribunal appeals can cause anxiety for parents and their children as the legal process progresses.
“We are sorry that the family feel that the options for Niamh to defer a year, continue to attend nursery until the decision, or attend a mainstream primary with support, are not deemed suitable.
“In the meantime, education officers will continue to work with them to find a temporary solution.”