DAD Jason Haines is desperate to find a suitable school place for his 11-year-old son Caleb, who has been out of education since September.

Caleb, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s, an autistic spectrum condition, when he was five, is still registered as a pupil at Notton House School near Lacock but, following an incident earlier in the academic year, is no longer allowed to attend. Now Mr Haines, and Caleb’s mum Catriona, from Chippenham, want Wiltshire Council to find suitable provision for their son.

“It’s not just his learning, he is missing out on friendship,” Jason said.

He said Caleb, who has a statement of special educational needs, had challenging behaviours because he had big mood swings but he was still entitled to and desperately needed an education and a school place.

“The only thing they can offer him at the moment are two mornings, when he goes to the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust place at Lower Moor Farm,” said Mr Haines.

“They do some activities, but he’s not getting an education. We had a meeting with the local authority and ten schools were identified, in Wiltshire or just outside the county, but none had a place for him.”

The parents, who have two younger children who go to Ivy Lane Primary School in Chippenham, said Wiltshire Council was continuing to look into provision, but in the meantime, Caleb was stuck at home, lonely and fed up.

“He’s totally bored. If people see him out in town he gets reported for not being in school. We’re keeping him home, where he’s trapped in these four walls.

“He’s due to start secondary education in September - and hasn’t had hardly any primary education. We are worried about his future when he finishes school. The lack of education will affect his whole life.”

A Wiltshire Council spokesperson said: “We want all children in Wiltshire to have the best opportunities to achieve and ensure their needs are met. This child does have a place at a school and we are exploring options to support this placement, as well as investigating alternatives so that their needs are supported. We are in contact with the family and are keeping them updated on the situation.”