A SENIOR politician met a young ADHD sufferer to highlight problems in schooling children with special needs.

Shadow Education Minister Mark Hoban travelled to St Andrew's School in Weymouth to speak with 12-year-old Frazier Summerhayes, from Weymouth, and his mum Chantel.

He was joined by Conservative parliamentary spokesman for South Dorset Ed Matts and they were given a tour of Frazier's former school, St Andrew's School in Preston, and Royal Manor Arts College on Portland, where he now studies.

Mrs Summerhayes told them that she had removed her son from a previous school because he felt troubled and 'left out'.

She enrolled him at St Andrew's School, Preston, in November last year and said she saw a major upturn in his spirits and abilities.

Both Conservative members said this showed the importance of giving a parent the right to choose their child's school.

Mrs Summerhayes said: "Frazier was very unhappy, felt left out and the classes were too big. It was a very difficult time. But since moving to St Andrew's he has been extremely happy.

"Everyone accepted him and gave him opportunities. I saw an amazing change in him."

Frazier was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) seven years ago after his mum noticed he had behavioural problems.

Headteacher of St Andrew's Vanessa Lucas said about 75 out of 390 pupils have special needs.

She told Mr Hoban that staff use different teaching methods according to each child's needs and teaching assistants are employed to give extra help.

Mrs Lucas said: "Everyone is treated with unfailing respect and we talk to the children about the consequences of what they do. Even if a child challenges us we remain calm.

"We found Frazier to be charming."

Headteacher of Royal Manor Paul Green then gave the group a tour of the Portland school.

Mr Hoban praised both schools and said: "It is important for parents to be able to choose the appropriate school for their child's needs. You have to try and match a child to a school."

Mr Matts added: "Chantel and Frazier have struggled for a long time with his ADHD but their problems were made worse by his first school which was automatically chosen for him by the local council because it was the nearest."