A boy with autism has been left to face starting secondary school without transport from Bracknell Forest Council – leaving his mother in a dilemma.

Faye Kendall’s son Kai is due to start at Hurst Lodge school in Yateley on Monday, September 11.

But Bracknell Forest Council has said he will only be eligible for support travelling to King’s Academy in Binfield.

This is despite the fact that the special educational needs unit at King’s won’t open at the start of term.

Now Ms Kendall faces having to drive Kai to Hurst Lodge every morning, before driving back to Bracknell to take his younger siblings to primary school late.

She said: “I am a single parent with three autistic children and a toddler who’s at nursery. They are leaving me in a position that I will have to either not send my son to his new secondary school or take my other children late to school every day.

“I’ve been left in this position and really don’t want Kai missing out on a school that’s perfect for him to grow and learn because of transport, and I also don’t want to upset my other attendance or routine as I know this is so hard for them – but I don’t know what else I can do.”

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King’s Academy is due to open a unit dedicated to teaching children with special educational needs and disabilities. Kai’s education, health and care plan says this is the nearest school suitable for him.

But after visiting, Ms Kendall felt King’s wasn’t right for Kai, and says the school’s special educational needs officer agreed.

It then turned out that the unit’s opening would be delayed – and that Kai would have to learn at home until it opens. Ms Kendall says that council officers indicated that Kai should attend Hurst Lodge, and that he could get transport assistance.

Yet the council then refused her application for transport support, saying as Hurst Lodge was merely “parental preference” she had “forfeited” her eligibility.

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Bracknell Forest Council said it couldn’t comment on individual children, but confirmed parents may have to provide some or all of their children’s transport if they choose a school further away than the one it has chosen.

Grainne Siggins, executive director for people, said: “Transport can be an important factor in the support for children and young people with special educational needs. If a child is eligible for home-to-school transport, the council will provide this transport.

“Parents who do choose a school outside of their catchment area are informed of the implications that can arise around transport and the eligibility of this.”

She added: “The intention is to open the Kings Academy special resource provision this academic year once staff are appointed.”