A mother who applied for a place at a technical college for her twin sons more than 40 weeks ago said she was “at the end of my rope”.
Councils have up to 20 weeks to process applications for special education, health and care plans (EHCP).
Colleen Royall, 45, of Wymondham, Norfolk, said the fight “takes a toll on our overall mental health”.
A Norfolk County Council spokesman apologized but said meeting the 20-week deadline was “a significant challenge”.
Miss Royall applied for an internship for her 13 year old sons on December 30th.
Both have learning and behavioral difficulties and have struggled in a mainstream school.
She said they had been “dropped out of education for mental health reasons”.
Miss Royall had tried to tutor them herself but “because they have additional needs things are pretty much black and white for them, so school is school and home is home”.
She added: “And on top of that, I spend my days chasing people and trying to get someone’s help.
“It’s hard work, you have to fight every day – I just want them to have an education – and I’m not getting anywhere, so that’s another stress, it’s so much stress.”
A council spokesman apologized but said demand for EHCPs had increased by 30% over the past two years, with 1,982 more applications in 2022 than in 2020.
He said: “Issuing EHCPs within 20 weeks remains a major challenge for us.
“We understand this is frustrating for parents, carers, children and young people.”
The council has expanded its team and introduced a new telephone line and training over the past two years.
Miss Royall said: “They are required by law to do it in 20 weeks, so what are the consequences for them if they don’t?
“I am exhausted.”
Pat Brinkley, of the Norfolk SEN Network, which supports families with children with special educational needs, said she understood that despite the council opening three new schools, 400 children will remain without an education.
She said there was a nationwide shortage of places, teachers and psychologists, adding that SEN delivery was “in a crisis”.
“We need national funds for special educational needs. I know we’re in a financial crisis, but these kids also need education and they’re not getting it.”
Ms Brickley said parents could turn to courts if they weren’t given a place or review, but even here there was a year-long waiting list to be heard.
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