A BOY with special needs could be without a place at Ormiston Rivers Academy in Burnham-on Crouch in September because of a row over uniform.
Sean O'Mahoney, 11, from Eastern Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, has dyspraxia, ADHD, is on the autistic spectrum, and has sensory integration issues. Under medical advice he cannot wear a traditional school shirt.
But with less than two months until the start of the school year and Ormiston Rivers staff now on school holidays, Sean may be left without a place at a senior school in September.
His mother Carina O'Mahoney, said: "Sean can't wear the traditional school uniform, we have been told this by the medical profession.
"We offered a compromise, that Sean could wear a school polo shirt, but that doesn't seem to be agreeable.
"Ormiston Rivers seem to be ignoring all medical advice and believe that Sean is just being awkward and strong-willed. They seem to think they can understand Sean better than me and the doctors. It all seems really petty – why can't Sean just wear the polo shirt?"
Sensory integration may mean a person will over-respond to sensation and find clothing, physical contact, light, sound, food, or other sensory input to be unbearable.
Mrs O'Mahoney claims the school suggested Sean wear another shirt under his school shirt, but despite a series of meetings the school has refused to budge.
She said: "I'm sorry but how can he operate wearing two shirts for school? It will be just too uncomfortable for him. The shirt will still touch his face and neck."
Ormiston Rivers has now closed for the summer holidays meaning the chances that Sean will have a place at the school is increasingly unlikely.
Sean was rejected a place at special needs school in Wickford.
Ormiston Rivers was unavailable for comment.