10th May, 2021 9:16 am
An Aberdeenshire boy who was born three months premature has been denied the chance to start primary school later – despite the advice of specialists.
Henry Drybridge was born at 29 weeks, weighing just 1lb 9oz, and had to spend five months “battling to survive” in the neonatal unit.
Unable to breathe by himself, he was on a ventilator and then developed a chronic lung condition which left him susceptible to many illnesses.
Due to turn five next month, Henry has spent a lot of time sheltered at home in Forgue, missing out on a lot of the typical childhood experiences.
Doctors have given him a diagnosis of “globally delayed”, saying he’s taking a little longer when it comes to his speech, eating and motor skills.
But they have suggested an extra year in nursery, before entering primary one, would be all it takes for him to catch up to his peers.
Mum Lauren Knight, 26, has been lobbying Aberdeenshire Council to let Henry delay his school start to 2022, but claims bosses “won’t even entertain the idea”.
The council has pointed to legislation which states all children who turn five before the school year must enter primary one.
But other councils and the Scottish Government have stated there can be exceptions to the rule.
‘Penalised for being born early’
Miss Knight said: “Henry was born very early, and he’s missed out a lot in life due to him being so premature.
“If he was born on his due date in September, he would have a legal right to defer.
“But, as he was three months early, he’s missed the cut-off point and he’s being discriminated against for that – other regions in Scotland will accept older deferrals.”
Henry has been working with a team of experts including a child development consultant, dietician, child psychologist and gastroenterologist, who have said it would be in his “best interest” to have another year in nursery.
“Everywhere else you can apply for a deferral and have it considered,” Miss Knight added.
“But Aberdeenshire Council’s refusing to even give us the form.
“It’s really upsetting.
“If Henry’s given an extra year then he can be where he needs to, rather than being taken out of class to be taught in a support hub.
Aberdeenshire mum battling council over P1 deferral for premature son
Source: The Press and Journal, May 2021
Categorised in: News