Head Bumps

[wasuup3000]

My 4 year old started school in September and is being assessed for possible ASD, ADD and Dyspraxia. Every other week he coming home with a bumped head letter, aside from a lot of bruises on his legs. His pain level seems quite high generally for example he walked into a nettle bush in the summer and was covered in stings but it didn't bother him. With all theses bumps and bruises and in addition to the fact that he may do himself a real injury and perhaps no adult would realise this. Can I ask for him to have supervision at playtimes and if so how would I go about this, or am I better waiting until he has been fully assessed? Academically he can read fluently has been able to since he was 2 but in class expressively and socially he is immature. 2 way conversations are on his terms only. His poor communication means it is difficult for dinnertime supervisors/teachers at playtimes to find out what has happened to him if they don't witness it. As a parent if my child was in my care all day and getting so many bumps and bruises surely social services would not be happy if they knew? Whats the best way to approach this situation with the school do you think?

[alfiemama]

Hi Wasuup

My ds who is also 4 and is being assessed for the same as your ds, is also constantly falling due to the suspected Dyspraxia. Many a time resulting in trips to A & E.

We spoke to the school who said that he could stay in the Library at playtimes, but, well to be honest this was not something that we wanted to do, as he loves to play out (doesnt actually play, just runs after other children).

We found the best way forward for us, was to get him a special needs helmet, very kindly donated from a lovely mummy on here . My ds has adjusted fantastically and calls is his superheroe hat, I have not had a problem with him feeling silly with the other children and everyone accepts him for who he is.

[magso]

You can ask for a higher level of supervision for lunch and play time but my experience is that it is sadly hard to get without a statement of sen (or danger to other pupils), since money for extra staff is always tight.
The first thing to do is discuss your concerns about the bruises and head injuries with the staff. Keep all those injury reports and a diary of injuries for evidence if you later apply for a statement. The school may be able to come up with a workable solution without funding extra staff. My sons school had a small fenced equipped play area adjoining the reception classroom and visible from the classroom where ds (playtime is his favorite subject)and a few other children were allowed to play. This helped reduce injuries at playtime and reduced the overload of a noisy huge playground. Ds had to come home lunchtimes (a very inadiquate solution for a child with social delay) until a statement allowed a transfer to a special school.
Good luck!

[wasuup3000]

Hi alfiemama and magso

Thank you both for replying and giving me some useful ideas. He also just tends to run around and doesn't seem to know what to say when other children approach or runs away from them. Computers/gadgets are his favourite subject but has recently taken to licking cars as well.
I don't think a helmet would be a problem for him as he doesn't really take an interest in anyones opinions of him and I am also considering having him home at lunchtimes.