A TEENAGER with cerebral palsy cannot attend school because education authorities cannot find an appropriate place for him.

Kevin Gunning left Swindon's Crowdy's Hill School, which does not have a sixth form, to attend a residential college in Westbury called Fairfield Opportunities Farm.

But the 16-year-old, who also has learning difficulties, couldn't adapt to living away from his adoptive parents, Tony and Julie Mann, and returned to their home in Stubsmead, Eldene, at the end of October.

Since then his parents have been desperately trying to find a suitable place for him to continue his education without moving away from home.

But they feel they are not receiving support from Swindon Council's education department or the Learning and Skills Council, which funded Kevin's place in Westbury.

Kevin said: "I don't like sitting at home. It's a bit boring."

Due to his learning difficulties, Kevin cannot attend Swindon College because he needs one-to-one support. His family feel his needs could be met at Uplands School, which caters for young people with learning difficulties who are over 16.

But the local education authority has told them he cannot go there because it is not appropriate for his needs.

Mrs Mann said: "We have just been trying to get Kevin some sort of school place. He is at home 24/7. He has no peer company around here because he has always gone to school by bus.

"He still needs to learn a lot of living skills, like learning to cook and ride a bus, but he is not doing that sitting here at home."

Kevin's place at Westbury was found through advice from the Connexions Service that provides guidance for people aged 13 to 19. This body has also provided Mr Mann with a list of colleges around the country, catering for young people with disabilities.

So far two one in Dawlish and the other in Leicester have said they might be appropriate for Kevin, but neither can offer a place until 2005. Mr Mann said: "I am at a total loss. It doesn't matter who I speak to, no-one seems to be able to help us. We've been passed from pillar to post. They are just not listening."

Caroline Pike, spokeswoman for Swindon Council's education department, said: "For reasons of confidentiality, we are unable to comment on individual cases.

"In general, most pupils with special educational needs leave school at 16 and go to the local college. Some may stay into post-16 provision at their school, if this is appropriate.

"A very few may be found specialist residential places by the Connexions Service in consultation with education and other relevant agencies. Where these placements are funded by the Learning Skills Council, the Local Education Authority ceases to be responsible for their education".

Alison Bennett, director of service delivery at the Learning and Skills Council, said: "Our responsibility is to fund post-16 education. We are not allowed to recommend any specific institution to parents. Once a placement is found, the case is then referred to us."

bvadde@newswilts.co.uk