A teenager has been turned away from 27 schools due to his complex needs and a lack of space leaving him out of education for almost a year.

Rainham resident Leanne Dale has tried everything she can to secure her son Jack a place in a special education facility but has been unsuccessful – even trying as far as Bromley and Sidcup.

Medway Council's education department has been helping the family to locate a suitable space for the 13-year-old and have arranged for home tuition in the meantime.

Leanne told how Jack, who has ADHD, autism and anxiety disorder, has not attended school since last April after it was recommend he stayed at home due to his challenging behaviour.

She was told work would be sent for him but said it was not until July the family received the first home-schooling pack.

Leanne also said there has been no contact from Jack's last school – Bradfields Academy, Chatham – despite still being on their register.

The 45-year-old said: "We have got nothing. It has been really hard. It is causing so much stress.

"There is a shortage of schools but Jack is still entitled to a space. It is unbelievable. There must be a place somewhere. It is disgusting really.

"It is affecting his mental health. He is missing out on the social aspect too. It is taking a strain on everybody.

"I am being told they have asked everywhere. If you take your children out of school we would get a fine but they do not care he is out of school. It is easier for them to leave him with me at home.

"I cannot believe that Jack is the only child affected but we have been made to feel like our child is unruly."

Leanne, of Moor Park Close, has been in constant contact with the council's SEN team and its disability social worker, but was told 13 schools had no space and the other 14 could not meet his needs.

The council has tried state and independent schools in Medway and in neighbouring local authorities.

Celia Buxton, assistant director for education and SEND, said: "We are doing everything we can to help find a suitable school place, which is able to meet his complex needs.

"We have contacted a number of schools but unfortunately they either do not have any vacancies or are unable to meet his individual needs.

"While we continue to consult with suitable schools to find him a place we have arranged for a specialist tutor to help him.

"We are committed to ensuring every child in Medway receives the best education possible."

Jack’s mum works as a dinner lady at a St Margaret's C of E Junior School, Rainham, but has taken some unpaid leave from her job to focus on child care, with the help of her husband.

She is also looking after daughter, Katie, 11.

Leanne said: "It is really disheartening. I cannot physically do any more.

"I like to go to work to have a bit of independence and adult conversation. I should not have to give up my job because of this. If push comes to shove I would but I should not have to.

"I am only fighting for what he is entitled to. There is no light at the end on the tunnel. It is really difficult."

The mum-of-two confirmed home tuition is currently being arranged but is still "desperate" for Jack to attend a school.