A DESPERATE mother whose son could have to wait three months to be found a new school has criticised Kent County Council for not acting quicker.

Harley Scott, 6, had attended Folkestone Primary Academy since September 2010. But, as he is autistic, he was taught in isolation with his own teacher and teaching assistant.

His mother, Vicky Hart, and the school recently agreed they could no longer meet his needs and he left, hoping to be placed in a specialist school.

But when Miss Hart approached KCC she was told Harley could face a wait of about 100 days before a place could be found, a delay she claims is "unacceptable".

Miss Hart, 30, who works part time at Django's Café, said: "I just want Harley to have an education the same as other children.

"He was treated very well at the academy, but he was kept in isolation and so he has no friends.

"The school and I agreed he needs specialist care so he left, but now KCC is telling me it could take about 100 days to find somewhere.

"It's ruining his education. He has the right to go to school the same as anyone else."

Harley will have to wait 100 days as he will have to be formally assessed for special educational needs. As a result, the six-year-old could face being out of education until May – near the end of the school year.

Miss Hart said: "I've been to so many different schools but they have all said they are not equipped to look after him. We'll have to wait.

"I feel like Harley has been let down by the education authority.

"He has a right to be in a school in a class of his peers. I thought the quote was, 'Every child matters'. Clearly not."

A spokesman for KCC said: "We are aware that Miss Hart and teachers at Folkestone Primary Academy have reached a decision that Harley's educational needs will be best served at another school.

"An alternative local school was suggested but was not taken up. We are now in contact with the family to find a solution for Harley."