A MOTHER says she feels completely let down by the authorities in her battle to secure the right education for her autistic daughter.

Mackenna Moss, 21, of Trafalgar Way, Braintree, wants her daughter Maddy, 5, to go to a specialist school and has battled to have her correctly assessed for two years.

Maddy was diagnosed with Autism in May and has since been spending just two hours a day at Great Bradfords Primary School.

Despite her mother describing her as a "very bright" child, she is not getting on well at school and does not like going.

Mrs Moss said: “We tried to get her assessed when she was three but it took us two years.

“She has no ability to concentrate and keep her mind set on anything.

“I have a six month old as well and we cannot go out at the moment because she keeps having breakdowns.”

Mrs Moss would like Maddy to go to Doucecroft School in Eight Ash Green, a specialist school for children and young people with autism and additional complex needs, but has been told by Essex County Council this cannot happen until the assessment process is completed.

She said: “It has got to the point where she is not attending school at the moment.

“Sometimes she is excited to go but sometimes she gets really nervous. She punches and kicks me if she does not go.

“I want her to go somewhere she gets the education she deserves.

“She needs to be sent to a specialist school but my opinion is not taken seriously at all.”

Ray Gooding, Essex County Councillor responsible for education, said: “We understand the importance of pupils being taught in the right learning environment and work closely with parents to ensure children are placed in schools which can meet their special educational needs.

“There is a school place available for this pupil and additional support has been agreed whilst an assessment is undertaken.

“We will continue to work with the family.”