A BLACKPOOL pub landlord has slammed education chiefs because his son is still being refused a place at the same school as his younger sister.

Dave Richardson's 13-year-old son Wayne has not been to school since October last year after the family were moved from a pub in Preston to the Windmill in Westcliffe Drive, Layton.

Dave had hoped that Wayne and daughter Stacey, 11, could attend Collegiate School in Poulton together following the disruption of the move and because his wife's family received their education there, but he was told the school was full.

Instead, bosses said both children could go to St George's in Marton. Following this, Stacey was offered a place at Collegiate school but Wayne was told he would have to attend Warbreck in Bispham.

Dad Dave said: "This is insane - the kids have left behind their friends and moved to a new area where they know no-one. On top of this they are expected to go to separate schools where they will be very lonely without each other." While Stacey accepted the place at Collegiate, Wayne has refused to go to Warbreck and as a consequence his education is suffering.

"He is very saddened by all of this," added Dave. "Wayne feels he is behind in his studies and Stacey is upset about not having her brother with her.

"Starting at a new school is daunting enough without these kind of problems adding to the strain."

Dave has already made an appeal against the decision but this has proved fruitless and nothing as yet has changed.

In the meantime Wayne stays at home all day and plays pool - a hobby which Dad Dave believes could become his career.

David Lund, assistant director of education for Blackpool Borough Council said: "I cannot comment on individual cases, but an appeal decision is final. The circumstances are closely looked at and if the appeal is rejected, it is unfortunate but the decision is binding.

"The only option would be to refer to an ombudsman. This however can only assess the fairness of the original appeal and rarely affects the decision.

"In a situation such as this, when a child is absent from school for a long period of time an officer will usually call on the parents within a few weeks."

He added: "We have a duty to ensure every child receives an education. If a parent flatly refuses to send their child to school we are forced to consider further action, possibly even prosecution."

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