The first day of school is a milestone for any child, but for five-year-old Awaasaki, who has cerebral palsy, it became an impossible dream due to a shocking failure by local authorities.
The little girl, who uses a wheelchair, was all set to join her new classmates at Paddock School in Wimbledon, a specialist institution perfectly suited to her needs. However, in a devastating blow, her first day was cancelled because Westminster Council failed to install a crucial ramp at her family home, trapping her inside.
A Family's Agonising Wait
Her mother, Nirosha Lakmini, had secured a place at the school after a long battle, only to have her hopes dashed at the last moment. "She was so excited to go," Nirosha shared. "We got her uniform ready, her shoes, everything. To see that taken away because of a simple ramp is heartbreaking."
The council had approved the installation and even conducted a survey, but no work ever began. This left Awaasaki's family unable to get her wheelchair out of their home and into the accessible transport provided by the council.
Council Promises Broken
A spokesperson for Westminster Council issued an apology, acknowledging the "distress" caused and blaming the delay on "capacity issues within the team." They assured that the work is now being treated as an "urgent priority."
However, for Awaasaki's family, the apology rings hollow. Every day of missed education is a significant setback for a child with her needs. This incident highlights a wider, troubling issue of support failures for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across the UK.
The family now waits, hoping the council fulfils its promise swiftly so Awaasaki can finally experience the education and social interaction she deserves.
