A ten-year-old boy with a medical condition is being taught with children half his age because his school does not know what to do with him.

Joseph Barnard has a condition known as low tolerance, which means he does not react appropriately to situations, particularly if they involve conflict.

Problem - Joseph Barnard sits in classes with younger children Picture: TERENCE BUNCH

This week Joseph, of Clover Close, Vange, was temporarily excluded for two days after lashing out at a fellow student. He has been told he cannot return to his original class. Instead he will alternate between other classes.

Yesterday he was put in with year one students at Rydene Primary School.

His mother Nicola said: "We accept he had to be punished, but exclusion seemed punishment enough."

Head Kevin Furlong said: "Mrs Barnard should be concerned about her son's behaviour and the impact it has on other children.

"He will be given the same amount of work he normally receives. He is going to be doing the same work, just not in the same classroom."

Published Thursday, June 5, 2003

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