Disabled boy is refused entry to school in buggy

A SCHOOL, its headteacher and governors are being taken to court by the mother of a boy with cerebral palsy.

Monkfield Park Primary School, in School Lane, Cambourne, is being taken to court by Rebecca Lawrence who says the headteacher refused to allow her to bring a double pushchair into the school.

The school said it was against health and safety policy, although, at the time, her son Matthew, who has cerebral palsy, could not walk and was in the pushchair with his twin brother David.

A compromise was eventually reached, allowing the pushchair to be folded and stored in the building.

However, Mrs Lawrence said she would have to leave her children unattended outside while she took the pushchair in.

Mrs Lawrence made a formal complaint but an investigation by governors cleared the school.

Speaking to the News at the time of the row Mrs Lawrence said: "It's been very hurtful.

"I feel I've been punished for having a child with special needs.

"They made me leave the children outside just to do business in the school.

"These are the things that have really hurt. It isn't acceptable."

The case, which relates to disability discrimination and breach of human rights of Matthew, who was two at the time, is set to come to Cambridge County Court on November 28.

A spokesman from Cambridgeshire County Council said: "This matter is in the hands of our solicitors and it would be inappropriate to comment further."

As reported in the Cambridge Evening News