A woman has accused Reading childrens services of keeping her granddaughter out of school due to a home moving mishap.

Carmel Harper 68, from Whitley Wood, has been desperate to get her ‘bright’ granddaughter Tori Harper-Spence, 12, into a school in London.

Tori was meant to start Year 8 at a school Lewisham last month, however, Mrs Harper said that she’s been prevented from doing so because Reading childrens services have not sent an email letter effectively allowing her to move schools.

Mrs Harper said: “She’s being kept out of school.

“She’s in Lewisham and I’ve been given the run around by Reading social services.

“Reading Borough Council won’t let her transfer.

“I contacted Lewisham Council, but they can’t do anything until Reading social services sends a letter so she can transfer to a school in Lewisham.”

Tori previously attended The Holt School in Wokingham, however she has moved schools due to moving in with her father in Lewisham.

Mrs Harper has served as her legal guardian, but Tori no longer lives with her.

She said: “It got to the stage where we were arguing and fighting and she could not live with me any more.

“She went to live with her father in London.

“Reading childrens services should have done their job.

“I’m at my wits end.”

Mrs Harper has spoken glowingly of Tori’s academic performance so far.

She said: “Tori has had 100 per cent attendance, and has been doing really well.

“She should be in school, she’s better off there, learning and getting the education she deserves.”

Tori has not completely missed out on learning, as she receiving private tuition at £20 per session on Mondays and Thursdays, which she was receiving while she was at The Holt as well.

That means Mrs Harper has spent approximately £400 on Tori’s education since the school term started in Lewisham on Thursday, September 1.

The Holt has also provided educational materials for her home study.

Childrens services in Reading are run by Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC).

A spokesperson for BFfC said: “We do not comment on specific cases involving children and families, however, where Brighter Futures for Children is supporting a child and their family and a complaint has been raised, we will work quickly with the family to resolve any issues or concerns.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Lewisham Council said: “As of last week we haven’t received an application in relation to this case.

“If we were to receive an application, we would support the family through the process, as we would for any other case.”

Mrs Harper later confirmed that she received the required email letter from BFfC on Thursday, September 29. However, Tori is yet  to have been assigned a school place.