Any parent who refused to send their child to school for 18 months would not only be heavily criticised but would probably face legal action.

So the fact that Hertfordshire LEA has failed to find 14-year-old Jordan Silvester a suitable school since November 2006 is appalling.Every child, no matter what problems they face, should have access to suitable full-time education, tailored to their needs. Four-and-a-half hours of tuition a week can hardly be seen to constitute sufficient learning time for any child.The authority needs to find a solution quickly so Jordan is able to live a bright and fulfilling future.