A MUM is calling for Thurrock Council to do more to help gifted children after her six-year-old son became one of the youngest members of Mensa.

When Abi Adekunle’s lad Shomi started becoming disruptive in class and couldn’t settle down, they were worried.

As her oldest son Levi, seven, has autism, the family feared a similar outcome, so the results of his test came as a pleasant surprise.

Shomi, who lives in Grays, scored an impressive 141 on his IQ test, meaning he is in the top 0.3 per cent for intelligence in the country.

Mrs Adekunle, 38, said: “We were quite concerned about his behaviour. On sending him to a psychologist it wasn’t what we had feared, he had a reading age of 14 and was simply bored in class.

“We were shocked and really excited, relieved as well.”

She said Shomi is a keen reader and is already picking up advanced books.

She said: “He asks lots of questions. “Last year, his favourite book was The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime and he is currently reading the Chronicles of Narnia.”

The family say Thurrock Council’s education audit, being carried out by former Ofsted chief Christine Gilbert, should focus on academically gifted children as well as those with special needs. Mrs Adekunle said the council was good at supporting children that needed help, but she wanted to push for more to be done.

She added: “It would be good to have them do something about the children at the top end as well.

“I think he can be pushed and extended.”

Cllr Oliver Gerrish, Thurrock Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “It is so inspiring to see pupils like Shomi achieve such a great accomplishment and at such a young age.

“We are continuing to look into programmes that will stretch the ability of students like Shomi.

“Currently we offer schools information outlining opportunities to participate in activities for the talented and are organising a philosophy course for high performing pupils, as well as encouraging schools to enable high achievers to take the Key Stage 2 SATS at Level 6.”