January 17, 2001 14:58: A mother desperate to educate her disabled daughter at home is going to an independent tribunal to challenge Bromley educational authoritys decision to refuse her funding.

Tina Lockett, of Wickham Chase, West Wickham, has a four-year-old daughter, Abbie, suffering from Angelman Syndrome, a illness which has left her with severe learning difficulties, epilepsy and unable to speak.

Because of her daughters disability, Tina, 35, and her husband Steve, 39, have been educating Abbie at home using a special programme developed in America, which provides children with intensive one-to-one attention.

However, due to the need for specialist carers, the programme is costing the couple £13,000 a year.

Bromley education authority is refusing to fund this scheme, as it has already paid for a place for Abbie at a special school.

Julie Ely, operational co-ordinator for special educational needs at Bromley educational authority, said: "We make these decisions about funding based on what we think is best for the child, and the most efficient use of resources. However, we are constantly reviewing the situation."

Mrs Lockett, though, is determined Abbie will not go to the school.

She said: "She just cant cope with school at the moment. She has unique and specific needs which cant be dealt with in a classroom environment."

Mrs Lockett is keen to stress she is in no way anti-school, rather she is trying to prepare Abbie for a time when she can benefit from school education.

"They can not possibly give her the one-to-one treatment she requires. If she were to go to school, it certainly would have a detrimental effect on her."

West Wickham Operatic Society has organised a fundraising evening for Abbie. It will perform an Old Time Music Hall on Saturday, February 3 at Wickham Hall, Sussex Road, West Wickham. For more details about the event, call 020 8777 8659.

Matthew Skinner