Chest Infection "again"

[butterbean77]

Hi, My DS is just finishing course of antibiotics for a nasty chest infection which developed after him catching cold. Last year (aftr swine flu) he had two infections, one after the other. He continued to cough from November thru to April..he was then given an inhaler, which did diddly, he finally stopped coughing when the weather started to get warmer...I dread winters! To top it all, I had the headmistress of school on phone today asking when he would be back at school as his record of absence was not looking too good! I told her I needed to speak with her next week and arranged a meeting...I had to end phone convo for fear of telling her to ++++ off! Had to get that off my chest! Any suggestions as to what I can calmly say to her when I meet with her just to get the point across diplomatically that I dont give a hoot about her "stats" only about DS's health!!

[cupofcoffee]

Well I think the two of you (head and yourself) need to work together and come up with a plan to help ds in the best way possible. Of course you only care about your ds and not 'the stats' but the head is probably also caring about your ds here and is thinking about his education. I understand that if your ds is unwell then he cannot be in school but the head is not the enemy here you both should be on the same side and have a common goal - the best for your ds.

When you speak to the head explain that your ds has had health problems and ask for suggestions about what yourself and the school can do to help prevent his education suffering as far as possible.

[butterbean77]

Have just had a meeting with the head teacher, who I found to be extremely un-sympathetic. I tried to explain that DS has suffered with his health since baby and this time of year he seems to get one chest infection after another ..She did not offer any support whatsoever and just said "sure sure" after everything I said. Then she said I would be hearing from the school nurse who will then probably liase with DS's GP. In the meantime, How about sending him in to school, even if he seems a little unwell, and we can keep a close eye on him!! Im sorry find that so insulting! Can i not trust my own judgement here!!! (fuming still) any advice? Please

[CharlieBoo]

A lad in ds' year has severe asthma and last year (reception year) was off a great deal in the winter. I know his mum had a similar problem with the head being very unsympathetic. I think they get breathed on by Education Welfare (don't quote me) and hence they need to hassle you. After nearly the whole course of antibiotics is your ds not well enough to go back to school? My ds is normally ok after 48 hours of antibiotics. What does your gp say? I normaly ask Gp's advice on how long to be off for. I mean obviously is he's really really poorly then he needs to be at home, but if he's on the mend I'd send him back tbh.