A Seven-Year-Old Boy’s Struggle for Support
A seven-year-old boy with a rare genetic eye disorder is facing significant challenges in his education due to the lack of support he needs. Rowan Antolovi, who has been diagnosed with bilateral cataracts, is struggling to manage in the classroom because of his deteriorating vision. His mother, Virginia Osborne, has spoken out about the difficulties her family is facing and the discrimination they believe they are encountering.
The Refusal of Help
When Rowan’s NHS hospital consultant referred him for urgent assistance, the local council refused to provide the necessary support. This decision was made after the council learned that Rowan attends a private school. Virginia expressed her frustration, stating that the council was discriminating against their family because of their choice of education for their child.
She emphasized that the family is not wealthy and that they are an ordinary working family. Virginia highlighted that by sending Rowan to a private school, they have saved money for the government. However, this choice has now prevented them from accessing council provisions for children with special needs.
A Growing Concern
Virginia is concerned about a growing culture of prejudice against children who attend private schools. She criticized the government for villainizing hardworking parents who choose to spend their money on private education. She believes that policies such as the tax raid on school fees are unfair and contribute to this issue.
She warned that there will be more affluent families who choose to go to state schools and then access these services while being encouraged to think that ‘of course the rich parents should pay’.
The Impact on the Family
The family has faced numerous challenges since Rowan’s diagnosis. He was diagnosed with the condition just after his fifth birthday, only months after his father, Lorenzo, was also diagnosed with the same condition. This has had a significant impact on the family’s financial situation, as Lorenzo had to give up his job as a joiner and work on the family farm, leading to a halving of their income.
Virginia noticed clouding in Rowan’s eyes and sought medical help. While there is a learning window for a child’s brain to learn to see clearly, operating too soon could mean an increased scarring risk and potential complications like glaucoma. The NHS advised them to wait and monitor Rowan’s condition regularly.
Lack of Support from the Council
Despite the NHS advising them to wait, the school reported that Rowan’s eyesight was adversely affecting him in the classroom. His consultant at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee found further deterioration and recommended specialist help from a Teacher Qualified in Visual Impairment (TQVI).
Virginia received a phone call from the TQVI, who asked which local school Rowan attended. After being informed, the TQVI said she would come back to them but never did. When the NHS eye clinic chased up the referral, they were told the council would not pay for the service because it was ‘policy not to attend a fee-paying school’.
Fighting for Their Son
Virginia contacted the High School of Dundee, but they said the council must have made a mistake because they had never heard anything like it. After reaching out to her local MSP, Graham Dey (SNP), he confirmed that local education services would not cover Rowan because of where he attended school.
Virginia is determined to continue fighting for her son. She stated that her son has a visual impairment that will affect him throughout his life. She compared it to if he were deaf and would receive a hearing aid, emphasizing that this is 100% discrimination.
Council Response
A spokesperson for Dundee City Council stated that it would not be appropriate to comment on any individual cases. They suggested that parents who want to discuss an issue can contact the city council’s Children and Families Service directly.
