‘Why are they being treated differently?’ – mother waiting on building works so son (6) with special needs can start primary school

‘Why are they being treated differently?’ – mother waiting on building works so son (6) with special needs can start primary school

Erica Boyce is fighting to secure a school place for six-year-old Marley

Erica Boyce with her son Marley at their home in Dublin. Marley has Down syndrome and autism and has not been to school yet. Photo: Frank McGrath

The mother of a six-year-old with special needs who has been told her son cannot start school until March says the situation is “mentally and physically draining”.

Erica Boyce (39), mother to Marley, who is non-verbal and has Down syndrome and autism, has received a place in a special class in St Mary’s Boys School in Lucan, Dublin, for her son.