THE parents of a youngster who has been left unable to eat, talk or walk after an illness left him brain damaged fear his recovery is being stalled by a lack of special school places in the county.

Four-year-old Oliver Johnson, from Ambrosden near Bicester, was struck down last February after suffering a number of seizures and was rushed to hospital where he stayed for seven months.

Doctors found the youngster had meningoencephalitis – both meningitis and a swelling on the brain which completely knocked out his ability to walk, eat and speak so he needs round the clock care.

Since leaving hospital in August, Oliver was given four months rehabilitation care at The Children's Trust in Tadworth, Surrey.

Mum Suzanna Johnson hoped he would come home to a place at a local special school but this has not materialised and she fears the youngster's education is struggling.

She said: "He is falling really behind and can’t say any words at all apart from the odd ‘yeah’ or ‘grandad’.

"I have been speaking to Oxfordshire County Council since Oliver was at the Children’s Trust to try and arrange schooling for when he was out.

"In order for him to improve he needs to have schooling."

She was originally told he could get a place by January but now says they might have to wait until September.

Mrs Johnson added: "It's hard to believe in the whole of Oxfordshire there is no special school places available.

"There also hasn’t been any home schooling set up for him since he has been back.

"Without schooling he is falling behind and with brain damage its crucial in the first two years to have as much rehab, treatment and education as possible.

"It makes me angry, it is a my sons life which has been completely turned upside down."

Oxfordshire County Council spokesman Owen Morton said: "We are working hard to find a place for Oliver at his family’s preferred special school and are liaising with the Academy provider regarding a start date.

"We have also consulted local community special schools as well as those further afield regarding potential places.

"Meanwhile we are working closely with the family to develop a support plan for Oliver while he is not in school, involving a range of therapy professionals and an offer of support from the Special Educational Needs Support Service. Staff met with the family last week to discuss ongoing support and we will continue to work closely with them."

Mrs Johnson described the struggle the family faces with Oliver's care on top of looking after one-year-old Isobelle whose birthday was just five days before Christmas.

She added: "We did have a good Christmas although it was a very weird one.

"Oliver couldn’t sit down at the table for Christmas dinner which was really upsetting.

"Isobelle also had her first birthday five days before and I need to find a place for her soon.

"They are both at home getting bored and we can't go with both Oliver in a wheelchair and Isobelle in a buggy.

"We are so isolated apart from the one physio and one occupational therapist that come each week, plus a lovely lady who comes round from the charity Rosy - Respite nursing for Oxfordshire’s Sick Youngster."

She added: "It has been difficult but extremely overwhelming the amount of help and support we have received from people.

"It is constant round the clock care, and my fundraising has fallen drastically behind as a result because I haven’t had time."

Mr Johnson hopes to raise about £150,000 for Oliver to eventually get stem cell transplant which she describes as a 'brain upgrade'.

Most recently this includes creating a local calendar and she is looking for businesses to sponsor a page or help with printing.

For more information or to donate contact suzannajohnson30@gmail.com