A DISABLED army veteran who moved back to Bolton to be closer to his family says he is being forced to home-school his son because there are no primary school places in the area.

Paul Walker, who served in the Royal Logistics Corps, says he has been told it will be October before he will know whether his son Calvin, aged nine, has a place in a local school.

After The Bolton News contacted the local authority, the family were told their daughter, Samantha, aged 11, who has also had to be home-schooled since moving, has a place in Highfield Primary School nearer to their home in Farnworth.

Mr Walker says he had attempted to register his children in June when they had found a property in Bolton, but was told he was not able to put their names down until the family was living in the borough, on July 22, after the schools had closed for summer.

Mr Walker said: “I think it is ridiculous we couldn’t register the children in June and send off the relevant paper work.

“Instead we had to wait until July 22, the day after we moved in, when all the schools were shut for the holidays.

“They were offered places at St James CE Primary School in Westhoughton, but I am disabled and my wife is my full time carer. That was not physically or financially doable.Mr Walker believes had he been allowed the submit the paperwork when he wanted, his children would be in school now. I have been told because of the hundreds of appeals it won’t be until October before we hear about school places.“This is a very important year for Samantha she should have started year six. She will be taking her SATs.We are trying to home-school them but we are limited in what we can do.”

The family thought they had lost a place for their daughter at Highfield Primary School while the council was looking into whether a place was available for the son.

But after The Bolton News contacted the council, the family were told the place for the girl was still available.

Mr Walker said: “It is a weight off our mind Samantha has a place, it is an important year for her and she is a bright kid so will catch up.

“We will try our best with Calvin until October.“When I moved, I thought getting children into schools would be the least of my worries and it has turned into a nightmare. It is so frustrating because children’s education is so important.”

A Bolton Council spokesman said: “We understand Mr Walker’s frustration but it’s very difficult to find primary places for two children at the same school when they are in Years Five and Six.

“Anyone who has not been offered one of their three preferences is given the opportunity to appeal against the decision and they can explain to the independent appeals panel why they feel their child should receive a place at their chosen school.

“We advise all parents to read the Admission to Primary School guidance, which highlights the need for anyone moving into the borough to provide written evidence of their address at the time of applying. We are continuing to work with the family to try and find a solution.”