Couple's fear for disabled son's future

Jordan Weightman-Hodgson, of Orchard Court, suffers from the debilitating condition, hemiplegia, which was caused by a stroke in his mother's womb. He is now left disabled on his right side and cannot use his right hand. He also has severe learning difficulties and a short attention-span.

Jordan has made astounding progress over the last three years with the help of teaching assistant Rebecca Robinson at Hucknall's Beardall Street Primary School. He is now able to read and is also starting to write. Three years ago, he couldn't even make out his own name.

However mum Tina (29) and stepfather Colin Hodgson (36) say Jordan's education has "had a price slapped on it".

For because of cash shortages, the number of hours' one-to-one teaching he receives will be slashed from 15 to four. The reason is money the school gets from a budget that funds special needs teachers and teaching assistants has been reduced.

Tina said: "This is going to knock Jordan for six. He will go right back to square one because he has bonded with Rebecca and I don't think he will cope with another teacher.

"We are trying to do everything we can to make sure he lives independently and attends a normal school but a special school is looking more likely now. We cannot see a single positive at the moment."

Colin is the son of Barry Hodgson, who stood as a candidate for the British National Party at last month's Ashfield District Council elections.

A former Raleigh worker, Colin is currently unemployed but is studying GCSE maths and English, along with information technology, at Hucknall College.

Tina (29) is also a part-time student at the Portland Road college and is studying GCSE maths and English, along with alternative health and art and crafts.

The couple have been married for almost three years and have two sons of their own — Aaron (3) and Matthew (2).

Colin said: "We are really trying hard to better ourselves so we can provide a better future for our kids.

"Jordan is a determined kid who doesn't feel sorry for himself. We just want him to have the best possible chances. If we had the money, we would pay Rebecca privately."

Tina added that she felt the school was doing all it could to help and was even trying to find money from its main budget to help. "But it can only do so much," she said. "I think it is down to the government not putting enough money into education."

Beardall head teacher Jonathan Jones issued this statement to the Dispatch this week: "In common with many schools, the budget settlement, including money allocated for special needs, for Beardall Street School, is quite tight this year.

"This is due to increased costs, mainly linked to staffing. The school has had to cut teaching assistant hours. However Jordan will continue to receive appropriate support, relative to his needs, in order that he can continue to make progress with his learning.

"The school will still have a strong complement of teaching assistants who will work alongside the class teacher in order to help Jordan and all pupils with special educational needs.

"We have explained the position to Jordan's parents. Beardall is committed to every child achieving his or her potential and our excellent staff work hard for the benefit of all pupils."