Need a hand hold -Part 3

@Imbluedalale I always get up as the thought of having to work later isn't too appealing! I'm onto my third cup of builders. We actually did get a little snow last night as I can see some frost here and there. It will likely turn to ice before any sun gets a chance to dry it up so I won't be moving! I'm burying my head for today on the school situation, my sons mental health is great when school is off the agenda so it's hard to go against that and cause anxiety for him. I will get back to them before the end of the week and make a plan to engage with the Education Authority going forward. There's so many kids like him but you are made to feel like it's an individual family issue. So draining.

Like us all, I value education and your son should be in school, with his friends, learning. It’s made me very cross.

Morning! It’s cold but bright sunshine down here in the southwest.

Good luck with the school today. When you ring, is there an option of getting put through to the attendance officer? I think I’d be making it very clear that you don’t give authorisation for your son to be absent from school and that it is against your wishes. Cover your back in case of any fines.

Remember that you have parental, legal rights. Nothing has been set by a court to deprive you of any rights and responsibilities. You have a home and a taxi ready for your son.

In the extremely unlikely event that the school have authorised it, you could ask them to put in writing their reasons for authorisation. Of course dickhead could have told them any story, but you can correct it.

In this case, you may have to admit defeat as you can only take on so much. In any event you will have alerted the school to his shenanigans.

Oh, and keep a note of exactly what school, say even if it’s an email to yourself. If you end up needing legal arrangements around custody of children, may be helpful to have records from the time

Hi Laura, thanks for update. Try and get as much information from school as you can if it has been authorised, so when request was made, what reason given, what they intend to do next. - which will depend on answers. I don’t know what process would be but if he’s given incorrect information they at least need to note your concerns. Ask them how they deal with usually if parents separated-do they need consent. They may not but good to know for future. At the least you should request that they inform /consult you before authorising further absence. Good luck! You are strong and a great Mum. Sending strength!

Good morning@Imbluedalale you are an early bird today. I've got up to put heating on and bring the cat up while I think about getting up properly. Still no snow here thank god. It's always ends up slushy and I'm at the top of a hill so it scares me when it turns to ice! I'm disappointed in the lack of engagement from school so far. Definitely try and get some answers today. I've got to do the same except my child hasn't been in for weeks due to anxiety due to ND. Honestly don't know what's going to happen as the system is bust. On a lighter note, have a great date spoonies 😁

Good morning my lovely Laura, congratulations on the beginning of a quiet day in your beautiful new home!

Urgh, I hate when snow turns to slush but you have a warm place to snuggle up, good food to eat, crafts to do - sounds perfect!

I’m sorry you have to spend precious time and energy contacting the school again. They do seem very slack but if you follow all the good advice you’ve had here I’m sure you can whip them into shape - you are definitely strong enough, especially when your ‘cub’ is concerned!

I’m so glad THE spoon has a safe place to rest now - really that does capture what I’m sure we all hope for you - a safe resting place after all the awful things you’ve been through. I feel so privileged that you’re sharing it with us 😊🙏🏻💕

no it didnt settle, but it was fun! enjoy your lazy day, you deserve it xx

@Imbluedalale yay for spoons new home! so happy you have a freezer stocked and you get to spend today settling in and starting to make it all cozy 😊 loving that snowman @RaspberryBeretxx i had a very heavy 'blizzard' on the walk to the office yesterday morning in central london nad somewhat resembled that by the time i got in ! xx

School sound really slack. Reiterate that this is a safeguarding issue which you are raising. Maybe ask for a specific time today when the safeguarding lead will be available for a call? They don’t need to have read the email, you can tell them what it says. Also say things like “I can stay on the line whilst you check..”. Apologies if I’ve missed info but is your son at school or absent?

Also so glad you messaged the MP, it’s so nice when they hear the positive outcomes.

Hi @Imbluedalale and all the Spoonies! Am so excited to see a picture of the beautiful original spoon in his new home! It all looks lovely and I am jealous of the snow.

So glad you have your parents back supporting you Laura. Am actually wondering if I could borrow them to help with sourcing curtains and blinds, giving advice on rugs, building furniture, rearranging rooms and all the other house things I haven’t managed to do since moving back in four years ago after renovations ☺️? 😂😂

Loving the SEN kid stories. Had to take mine off for a discreet chat recently when he referred to a village fundraising event as “a complete scam”, fortunately he wasn’t overheard. He asked me why people didn’t just donate money instead of going through this, then when I said because doing it this is more fun, replied very directly “No, it’s not”. I had some sympathy. Mercifully he managed to get the spirit of it though…

I've read through all your posts on your last three threads today and want to say you are such a lovely, thoughtful, strong woman who has been through the most horrendous things and you deserve so much happiness and peace in your life and nothing but the best.

I'm absolutely delighted to see your beautiful home you are now in and that you have a safe space to make happy memories. You really are amazing, wishing you and your children lots of happy times in your new home. So lovely of your parents to have helped you out so much. Hope you have a lovely sleep on your second night.