A Darlington mum has hit out at a primary school after her son with a prosthetic leg was allegedly not allowed to join in with the bouncy castle fun at his Year 6 leavers’ party.

The mother, who wishes to remain anonymous, spoke to The Northern Echo about the incident that took place last Friday (July 14) that reportedly saw her son miss out, while his friends got to take part in the activity.

The school, however, has disputed the mother's claims and have issued a statement of its own, explaining that weather played a part in 'several' pupils missing out on the bouncy castle.

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Her son, Rhys Dixon, who has Femur-fibula-ulna syndrome (FFU), a rare condition characterised by abnormalities of the femur (thigh bone) and fibula (calf bone), uses a prosthetic leg most of the time.

Rhys’ knee starts where his hip should be, and he also has just two fingers on one hand with a small palm.

To ensure her 11-year-old son could go on the bouncy castle, Rhys’ mum sent him to the party without his prosthetic leg, as the rigid prosthetic limb would not have allowed Rhys to bounce.

The Northern Echo: Harrowgate Hill Primary School, Darlington. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestHarrowgate Hill Primary School, Darlington. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

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Rhys’ mum told The Northern Echo: “I knew he wouldn’t be able to go on the bouncy castle with his prosthetic leg, so he went to the party without it.

“Groups of 10 kids were allowed to go on the bouncy castle at a time and Rhys kept waiting for his name to be called and it never was.

“He asked the teacher several times and nothing happened.

“So he just had to sit there in his wheelchair and watch everyone else have fun."

The school disputes her claims, however, with a spokesperson for Harrowgate Hill Primary School saying: “It’s not correct to say that any one child was prevented from using the bouncy castle.

“Staff took the decision to close it early due to torrential and persistent rain, meaning that a number of pupils sadly missed out.”

The Northern Echo: The leavers' party took place on Friday, July 14. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestThe leavers' party took place on Friday, July 14. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

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Rhys' mum, however, has said that she is 'gobsmacked' by the school's handling of the situation, adding: “If the school was concerned for health and safety, why didn’t they call me to make sure it was alright? They should have done a risk assessment.

“They’re used to seeing Rhys without his prosthetic leg. He often doesn’t have it with him at school, so the school is happy enough for him to hop about the school with his frame which is more dangerous than a bouncy castle.

“What did they think would happen to him on a bouncy castle?”

The Northern Echo: Rhys Dixon when he was younger, with his prosthetic leg. Picture: Family photographsRhys Dixon when he was younger, with his prosthetic leg. Picture: Family photographs (Image: Family photograph)

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“He couldn’t speak for anger.”

Rhys’ mother confirmed he was going to a different secondary school from his friends due to his additional needs, and what should have been a fun primary school leavers’ party to remember for years to come, was in fact a bad experience for him.

She shared her and her son's experience over social media where members of the public offered alternative arguments both in favour of the school and support for her and Rhys. 

The Northern Echo: Rhys Dixon, from Darlington, has FFU Syndrome. Picture: Family photographRhys Dixon, from Darlington, has FFU Syndrome. Picture: Family photograph (Image: Family photograph)