Non inclusion for School Production

[Gelert76]

Hi. My 10 year old daughter has a diagnosis of ADD and struggles with aspects of both literacy and numeracy in comparison to some of her peers. She has always shone when it comes to singing and acting though- it’s been the one area where she could really feel a sense of achievement and worth as she is aware of her difficulties.
She auditioned for the school Christmas production today and had spent time putting expression and effort into the audition piece. Unfortunately and for the third year running she has missed out on a part when, from what I gather, everyone else who auditioned got one. I’m not a paranoid, blinkered parent but I am once again cleaning up after the disappointment and upset of her feeling inadequate. Her confidence is not brilliant and being knocked back again, especially when the school always give the bulk of the roles to year 6 is not nice to see. Even a small part would have sufficed but the roles always seem to go the favoured few. Unfortunately I can’t help thinking that the fact she is not academically brilliant ( but certainly not stupid) and able to ‘showcase’ the school name has played a part in this. From speaking to other parents of children with additional learning needs it would seem that there is definitely an element of being swept aside with regard to the increasingly elaborate school plays/ public events and presentations.
It really saddens me that children who may not fit in the box are brushed aside like this. They have much to offer and encouraging inclusion and acceptance at school should surely be a priority as it benefits all the children and fosters a kinder society. Rant over. 😡🙁

[chickenmayhem]

That's awful but I know where you are coming from ! It's the same in my daughter's school. It always seems to be the academically able children that get the opportunities , even in non-academic subjects! This happened to her last term. She's a brilliant long distance runner and yet wasn't offered the chance to go to an annual areas sports event despite half of her class going. She went on over the summer to run a big charity race , was placed second in her age group and got a trophy and her picture in the local press, so two fingers up to the school, frankly! It's heartbreaking when those abilities aren't recognised at school though. You sound very reasonable OP and not a pushy parent at all. I think if you explained to the school that even a small part might build her confidence they should listen. Whether they do or not is sadly a different matter I guess!

[RockyCove]

I think that this does happen and does nothing for those square pegs in round holes. I suggest an outside school inclusive drama group

[Volant]

I'd be inclined to ask (polite) questions about this. If every pupil who auditions bar one gets a part, and the one who doesn't get a part has a known disability, it looks suspiciously like discrimination.

[IdaDown]

I agree with Volant.

Send in an email - it saves you any emotional bluster and something in writing should make them very careful about their answer. Hopefully something along the lines of "sorry she was overlooked - we'll sort it out".

Include something along the lines of 3rd year running excluded and important to included SEND children in wider school participation and helps with school confidence and self esteem.