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I need a solution to a specific school related problem

28 replies

Convenientflush · 22/06/2016 18:25

DD is in y4 in mainstream, she has ASD.

She has a safe space in the library, she goes there during break and lunch to read.

The library is in a big open area with the reception at one end and corridors going off to the classrooms.

She is supposed to make her own way back to class when the bell goes at the end of break, but she's sometimes a couple of minutes late.

She says this is because there are various bells and they mean different things, she's never sure which bell it is. Or she doesn't hear the bell because she's concentrating on her book. She says she's trying really hard to get back on time, but sometimes doesn't.

The teachers have decided they will deal with this by shouting at her when she's late back. This just makes her cry, but doesn't change things because she's already trying her best.

She's anxious and hates school at the best of times, shouting at her isn't helping.

The teaching assistant spoke to me about it saying they need a solution, as "DD wouldn't like to lose her safe space " (the implication being if she keeps being late she will lose her space) Angry

How can I help DD get back to class on time? She's very scatty and disorganised so it needs to be as simple as possible!

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zzzzz · 22/06/2016 18:27

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user1465708606 · 22/06/2016 18:28

Could she have a watch with an alarm function which alerts her just before the bell and then she could go at that point and still have time to get back to the classroom without being late?

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Convenientflush · 22/06/2016 18:29

That sounds perfect, but she wouldn't be allowed to take one into school. Probably for good reason, because she will fiddle with it and it might get nicked!

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Convenientflush · 22/06/2016 18:30

But I will double check with the teacher.

Can you set a watch to have several alarms going off, for both breaks and lunchtime?

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user1465708606 · 22/06/2016 18:36

I suspect you would need to specifically look for one with multiple alarms but they do exist.

I think children in Yr4 should be able to wear a watch, obviously keeping it safe if it has to be taken of for sports etc may be problematic but I shouldn't think it should cause too much of a problem for her to have it especially if it helps to resolve a problem.

You could always get it written in to her IEP if she has one. My daughter wears a silicone bracelet always at school despite the policy being no jewellery because it is better/safer than her chewing on other things.

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zzzzz · 22/06/2016 18:42

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Convenientflush · 22/06/2016 18:51

I wouldn't trust DD with a fitbit in school as they're expensive. But certainly a cheaper watch would be a possibility.

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youarenotkiddingme · 23/06/2016 07:47

I think the Fitbit idea is genius! So simple but yet so effective.
I agree that getting it logged somewhere about why she uses it is helpful - they have a duty to make reasonable adjustments.

As for shouting repeatedly. I'll ever understand why people think that if a child doesn't respond or change to shouting once, twice or a third time etc - continuing it will help!

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youarenotkiddingme · 23/06/2016 07:49

You can get some of the older style fit bits suite cheaply now I believe? Maybe she could wear it on her ankle under socks if yiu think she'll take it off her wrist and risk losing it?

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GeorgeTheThird · 23/06/2016 07:57

I don't think a child that age taking an expensive piece of tech into school is a good idea.

Is she already wearing a watch?

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Minecraftmadness · 23/06/2016 08:06

There are cheaper versions of the fitbit. I have a miband. The latest version is £20 but you could probably get the older version for cheaper.

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zzzzz · 23/06/2016 08:44

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Ineedmorepatience · 23/06/2016 09:08

Why dont the just nominate another child to go and call her when the class goes back in from the playground!!

Gee there are loads of possible solutions to this problem why are the school being so bloody stupid!!

I would be saying if anyone shouts at my already anxious child I will be making a formal compaint!

Flowers

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Ineedmorepatience · 23/06/2016 09:37

Another simple solution, a staff member checks on her and walks her back to class calmly and on time!

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LaughingHyena · 23/06/2016 14:04

Surely there is at least one teacher walking back that way to class who could let her know it's time to go back.

DS uses a time tracker for similar things. For him the visual countdown to amber is useful as he needs a bit of time to finish whatever he's doing, usually pack away the lego. Waiting till the bell goes means he would almost certainly be late back.
www.primaryict.co.uk/time-tracker-by-learning-resources_ler6900-itime_5672.htm?gclid=COvuzYWavs0CFYu6GwodyZULHA

It's a pain to program initially, setting each of the coloured blocks but once you have it set it's easy to start the programe. There is an Auto mode where you set the time and it automatically breaks it down too.

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Melawati · 23/06/2016 16:36

We have a vibrating watch which I bought after a recommendation on here. www.amazon.co.uk/WobL-Watch-Childrens-Vibrating-Training/dp/B00HFRRAFY?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21
It's almost the same as this one, looks like a normal watch and isn't too expensive.

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Convenientflush · 23/06/2016 21:46

Yes I agree that there are many other solutions the school could come up with, and I'm annoyed the school made this my problem when really it's theirs (after all it doesn't really affect me if she's late for class).

I was also slightly put out by the way the teacher assistant spoke to me about it.

But thanks for the recommendations I will have a look at those.

I didn't get chance to speak to school about it today, I've know the normal rule is no jewellery or watches so I'd have to ask for an exception. I might ring the senco about it tomorrow.

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AugustaFinkNottle · 23/06/2016 22:22

I completely agree it shouldn't be your problem. It seems to me the TA's time would be better spent going to fetch DD than moaning at you. Has she got an EHCP? Things like this should be written into it.

You could also point out to them that shouting at her for something she can't help is disability discrimination and therefore unlawful.

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Ineedmorepatience · 24/06/2016 10:16

What augusta said! ^

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Convenientflush · 24/06/2016 13:16

Thanks. She doesn't have an EHCP at the moment. We are thinking of applying in time for secondary school.

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JudyCoolibar · 24/06/2016 14:31

I'd suggest you apply now.

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Ineedmorepatience · 24/06/2016 17:41

I agree, it took us 2 yrs almost to the day to get Dd3's statement, she had to transfer to secondary without one! She lasted 2 terms.

Do a parental request ASAP.

Good luck Flowers

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Convenientflush · 24/06/2016 18:34

It's on my list of things to do. Along with applying for DLA, requesting an assessment for my 2 year old DS and arranging some private speech therapy for him. I work 4 days a week and have no child free time whatsoever apart from when they're asleep - and DD is up till 10 most nights. How do you find time to get all this stuff done? I'm feeling totally overwhelmed at the moment Sad

I could also do with some advice about my 2 year old DS, can any of you help or shall I start a new thread?

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Geneticsbunny · 24/06/2016 18:38

You can get watches which aren't fit bits which vibrate. We gad one for my son to remind him to go to the loo. They are made by a company called Rodger.

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Geneticsbunny · 24/06/2016 18:39

Whoops. Should have read the whole thread.

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