I’m Oscar’s mum.

Oscar is my funny, cheeky boy — and he turns 11 tomorrow. Instead of planning a birthday party, I am fighting for his future.

Oscar has additional needs and urgently requires a specialist school placement. He deserves an education where he feels safe, supported, and — for the first time — able to truly thrive.

Despite clear and consistent professional evidence, Essex Local Authority has refused to secure the specialist placement that experts agree Oscar urgently needs. This has left us with no option but to take legal action.

We are now preparing for a tribunal in March, fighting for Oscar’s right to an appropriate education.

Oscar has Autism, ADHD, severe dyslexia, and associated learning needs. In December, a Child Psychiatrist also diagnosed him with clinical anxiety, in part caused by his current inappropriate school setting.

Every professional involved — including his current school — agrees that a mainstream setting cannot meet his needs.

This fight is not about extras or luxuries. It is about giving my son the chance to learn, grow, and feel understood in the right environment. As his mum, I just want him to be safe and happy.

To give Oscar the best possible chance at tribunal, we have already had to privately fund vital independent assessments, including:

• Occupational Therapy

• Speech & Language Therapy

• Educational Psychology

• Psychiatry

These reports are essential evidence — but they come at a significant cost.

Alongside this, we have incurred extensive legal fees, simply to challenge a broken system that has failed our son.

I have fought for years for Oscar — for diagnoses, for support, and for the right education. This process has taken an enormous toll on our family. The system is broken, but I cannot let it break me. I have to keep advocating for Oscar.

We have done everything we can to cover these costs ourselves, but as the tribunal approaches, we are now struggling to meet the final outstanding bills.

How Your Support Helps

Every donation, no matter the size, will go directly towards:

• Outstanding professional assessment fees

• Remaining legal costs related to the tribunal

• Ensuring Oscar has the strongest possible case for the specialist school placement he needs.

If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page would mean the world to us.

Thank you for taking the time to read Oscar’s story. Your kindness and support could make a life-changing difference — for Oscar, and for our family.