A MOTHER-of-three has criticised education officials, after her three children were offered places at two different schools in Colchester.

Two of Marie Fordham’s children are at Willow Brook Primary School and Nursery, in Barnardiston Road.

Now she has been told her youngest, Timoor, can’t go there, too, but has a place at Hazelmere School, in Hawthorn Avenue.

The news has alarmed Miss Fordham, 35, because she says it will be impossible for her to walk all three youngsters to school together when Timoor, four, starts in September.

She said: “Timoor wants to be in the same school and doesn’t understand why he can’t go with them.”

Miss Fordham, of Fairhead Road South, Colchester, blames the problem on a red tape mix-up by education officials at County Hall.

Essex County Council says Timoor was given a place at Hazelmere because his mum left it too late to apply for one at Willow Brook.

Miss Fordham said: “I filed the paperwork to get all my children to go to the same school.

“I went to the appeal hearing, too, and I was told the paperwork had not gone through.”

Miss Fordham walks daughter Annsa, nine, and Zan, three, to Willow Brook – about half a mile from their home. In September, she will then have to take Timoor a mile further on, to get to Hazelmere School.

Nicola Spicer, spokesman for Essex County Council, said: “We are aware of an admissions query raised by the Fordham family. Unfortunately, the application for a place at Willow Brook was made late and the 30 available places in the reception year group for the 2010/11 school year had been filled.

“Following an appeal, it was decided to uphold the decision not to offer a place.

“The youngest child of the family attends Willow Brook Nursery and a reception place has been offered for September 2010.

“The family member who is attending another school is on the waiting list and may be transferred if a place becomes available.”