A MOTHER whose son has never been to school has been given a last chance to sign him up for class - or face prosecution.
Kelly Thomason, 24, of Bernard Street, Syke, Rochdale refused to send her five-year-old son, Hunter, to school after she was told he could not go to the primary of her choice because it was full.
After issuing a first threat of legal action last month, education bosses have now advised her to register Hunter before 31 May.
But Ms Thomason says she will not back down and has reaffirmed she would rather go to prison.
Hunter was denied a place at Shawclough Primary School - 500 yards from their home - because there was no room.
He was offered a place at Spotland Primary School, which is almost a mile away.
Duty
But Ms Thomason rejected that because her younger son, Cain, starts at Shawclough soon and she says she could not drop the boys at different schools.
Cain could not go to Spotland Primary, as it does not have a nursery.
Ms Thomason admits Hunter can barely write his own name.
Rochdale Council's Ann Tipton, who issued an ultimatum, said: "Mrs Thomason has been offered a place at an alternative school for her son. She has a legal duty to ensure her son receives education."
Ms Thomason said: "If they want to take action it is their tough luck.
"Everyone at the council who I have spoken to agrees with me and they have blamed the rules. I think the rules should be changed.
Should Ms Thomason be facing prosecution? Have your say.
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YES it's right to prosecute, she doesn't seem to care and I would personally taken up the offer of that school place being offered, she's doing herself no favours with this action.
It is enshrined in law that it is any parents right to educate their children at home. If she can prove that the child is of a comparable standard with it's peers it wll be a waste of money prosecting her - misguided as she may be by withdrawing the child from mainstream schooling.
Hunter is five and can barely write his own name??? Good God, FIVE! So what. There are loads of kids IN school who can't write their own name. There are loads of secondary school kids who can't write their name. She should just educate him at home. He would probably turn out a much nicer kid any way.
How can a mother refuse to take her son to school when offered a place because it is a mile away, get a bus, walk even a taxi, I woul do anything to make sure my child got to school.
This lad can barely write his own name, god help him when he finaly gets to school because he will need special attention and possibly be a target for bullies.
i agree with ms Thomason about not wanting to drop 2 children off at 2 different schools it would also be unfair that they are split up too. I would fight this too. I also agree with some of the comments on here, she should educate him herself with the appropraite school learning activities he needs, he will not miss out, maybe on friends and socialising but he's got years ahead of him. You fight it love but also you dont want to go to prison and leaving your children so be careful.