AN 11-year-old girl branded a "substantial danger to herself and others" by a social security report will be kept off school by her mother at the start of the new term following a row over her proposed school.

Lisa McCluskie has learning difficulties and is, according to mum Lorraine Campbell, educationally six years behind fellow students.

The pupil has until now attended Brandwood County Primary School, Daubhill, where she has received five hours of special needs support a week.

But her age means she must graduate to a different school and the education department's choice of George Tomlinson on Springfield Road, Kearsley, has been slammed by her mother.

She said Lisa must receive full care during her time at school and fears her daughter may become the target of bullies if this demand is not met.

But according to Cameron Chisholm, manager of Bolton's special needs services, George Tomlinson would be able to more than adequately care for the child.

He explained that a special education co-ordinator from the school had visited Brandwood and concluded George Tomlinson would have no problem catering for Lisa.

But the 30-year-old mother, of Gilnow Lane, Deane, is adamant she will be sent to a special school: "She was bullied at Brandwood and would cling to a teacher all the time.

"If she can't get this level of support at her next school she will have problems. I don't want my child to go to a special school but she needs it."

Staff at George Tomlinson school have agreed to provide Lisa with 15 hours of support a week.

But Mrs Campbell, who receives disability living allowance, wants that increased and said she will teach Lisa at home if the situation is not resolved.

There are currently no places available at the borough's special needs schools and those in neighbouring areas are also full.

Mr Chisholm said: "Mrs Campbell only raised concerns about George Tomlinson recently but was reasonably happy when she first visited the school.

"There is no denying there are emotional and learning difficulties and we would want to support her as much a possible."

Mrs Campbell added: "Lisa can be very withdrawn. When the other children laugh at her she thinks they're laughing with her and so it gets even worse.

"She's the type of person who would touch a boiling kettle just because you've told her not to.

"She has no concept of the dangers she puts herself and others through. Lisa would get a knife and try and cut her hand and it's things like that which worry me.

"I just don't trust other people with my child, to be honest."

Mr Chisholm was at pains to express that he hoped the authorities could convince Mrs Campbell her daughter would be safe.

He said: "There was no indication from Brandwood that she was a danger and we want to maximise the opportunities available at mainstream schools.

"Her mother has asked us to allow Lisa to remain at Brandwood for a further year but it wouldn't help her because it would mean her going to a secondary school a year later and meeting lots of new people who were younger than her.

"We will be having further meetings with Mrs Campbell to resolve the situation."