An eight-year-old who has autism and dyslexia has had to wait for six months to get the help he needs at school due to funding problems.

Benjamin Baxter-Martin was being home schooled until last September when he started at Rainham’s Riverside primary.

Previously, mum Victoria Baxter pulled him out of education as she felt his learning and behaviour were going backwards.

This continued for three years until September, when she was finally able to get an education, health and social care plan (EHCP) in place.

The youngster has autism, dyspraxia, dyslexia and sensory processing disorder.

In the plan, which is a legal document put together with input from Ben’s family and doctors, it was decided he should receive 22 hours of teaching assistant support at Riverside.

But this has not happened.

Miss Baxter, of Thames View, Cliffe Woods, said: “Ben went to school when he was four but I pulled him out to educate him at home because of his learning and behaviour, he just didn’t have the support.

“He was really upset after school one day and I asked him if he had talked to his teaching assistant about it and he said he didn’t have one.

“I spoke to the school and they said they haven’t had the funding from the council.

“The council said the school need to ask for the funding and I keep getting sent back and forth.

“The school have been really helpful, it is just frustrating. He’s extremely bright but his activity levels and severe dyslexia stop him from being able to focus.

“His self-esteem is low. He thinks he’s really behind and doesn’t think he will get a job. He’s only eight.

“No one should have to go through what we’ve been through. The system and the faults in the system have caused so much stress and anxiety.

“Things were progressing in education but people need to be aware that the lack of funding means things are getting worse.

“It’s more about the funding not being there and the children with special needs not being provided for.”

Medway Council say it is the school’s responsibility to implement the EHCP.

Ann Domeney, deputy director of children and adults’ services, said: “We put an Education, Health and Social Care Plan in place for the child by the start of the academic year, following a request from the child’s mother, to ensure he received appropriate support at school.

"The funding was also in place for the beginning of the school year. Once a plan is in place it is the schools responsibility to work with the child.

“Last week the school applied for additional funding to further support the child and we are currently reviewing their application.

“We are committed to ensuring every child in Medway receives the best education possible and we will continue to do all we can to support individual children’s needs.”

Riverside head teacher Kim Williams said: “Due to data protection, we are unable to comment on individual cases.

“However, we can confirm we continue to work closely with the local authority to secure appropriate funding when required to meet children’s additional needs.”