'Nowhere to go': Family’s fear after teen with complex needs refused extra year at school

An Inverness teenager with complex needs has been refused an extra year at school, with her parents warning she could be left “stuck at home 24/7“.

Courtney MacPhee, 18, has been refused an extra year at Drummond School in the city, which her parents say would have properly prepared her for adulthood.

The 18-year-old enjoys school, but has additional needs affecting her communication and learning, and has been assessed for autism.

She is just a few weeks away from the end of what could prove her final year.

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Courtney with her parents and her brother Shaun Supplied

Her dad Roddy said: “The unfortunate thing is Courtney will be another statistic that’ll be left at home with nothing, nowhere to go.

“She needs stimulation and she needs something to get up for. She needs that routine, the structure. But just now, all I see is Courtney being stuck at home 24/7 with nothing.”

Her family are confident a seventh year would help her transition to adulthood, and allow more time to put future support in place.

However, Highland Council did not think it was in Courtney’s best interests as she was already coping in a college environment through her weekly placement and has been allocated a social worker.

Roddy says this is not sufficient.

“Courtney requires supervision out in the community all the time. She cannot be left on her own. She doesn’t understand danger at all.”

Courtney with her parents Roddy and Amanda Supplied

Courtney's parents are pleading for an additional year to help her adjust to adult life — Courtney’s parents are pleading for an additional year to help her adjust to adult life STV News

Courtney and her parents are not alone in their mission. They have spoken to several families in the same situation.

Her mum Amanda said: “Another couple of parents that I’ve spoken to have also been rejected. I’m obviously trying to push them to go further as well and keep shouting.

“If they keep shouting, keep going further forward, doing what we’re doing, hopefully someone will listen.”

The council will not comment on individual cases but said its decisions are in line with national guidance published by a government advice service.

The agency Enquire says councils can offer an additional year at school but with no obligation. It also states that planning for a youngster’s transition to adulthood should begin at least 12 months before they’re due to leave school.

Courtney’s parents say they only learned this a few months ago.

Roddy added: “This is not us as a family wanting to keep our daughter in school. We just want to give her the best chance moving forward.”