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Original poster

school refusal / prosecution

32 replies

Carbonel · 15/12/2014 11:09

Has anyone been called into a meeting at the LEA for non attendance at school?
My dd has EBSR and because it is psychological not medical (?!) it goes down as unauthorised so they are pursuing a prosecution against us.
Have been called into a meeting next week under caution and would like to know what to expect ..
Thanks

OP posts:
Floralnomad · 16/12/2014 13:28

Have you considered HE ?

Original poster
Carbonel · 16/12/2014 13:25

Thank you, that case is helpful altho in our case the GP is not accepting there is a 'medical' condition.
The school are appearing to be helpful but say that the only way she can access help is at school - hmm, not much use then ...!
We have finally got a CYPS and EP referral from the school but do not expect to hear from them for weeks and the school also made a referral to social services.
Apparently EWOs do not exist anymore and it is dealt with thro the school
Only (slightly) good thing is that my doctor has told me not to go to the meeting and described their actions as 'heavy handed' so there may be light at the end of the very long tunnel (for me even if not dh) ...

OP posts:
lljkk · 16/12/2014 11:02

Unless he has a formal diagnosis (paperwork to confirm signed by professionals employed by the LEA or at least NHS) then he's a straightforward truant in their eyes (sorry). Sucks, I know. Keep us updated.

Runningtokeepstill · 15/12/2014 14:35

There is some existing case law where a local authority that tried to prosecute parents of a child with school refusal had the case thrown out and were made to apologise for their discriminatory behaviour as the child had been diagnosed with a recognised psychological disorder.

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1285219/Boy-school-phobia-wins-apology-education-chiefs-tried-prosecute-parents.html

Also for others with similar situations visit

schoolrefuser.org.uk/

Also try Coram Legal Centre for advice - they have a telephone line (should come up on Google) but it is hard to get through.

elportodelgato · 15/12/2014 14:09

Never heard of EBSR, can you explain?
What strategies have you and the school been employing so far to get her there?

RustyParker · 15/12/2014 14:03

Emotionally based school refusal?

I don't have any experience in this I'm afraid but wondered if you have been offered any support CAMHS? Education Welfare Officer? Have the school looked at what might be triggering your DD's anxieties and worked with you to find a solution? It seems as though the situation has gone a long way done the line if they are looking at prosecution. Has it gone too far to ask for help?

Sounds like a very difficult time for you and your DD

MEgirl · 15/12/2014 13:00

What is EBSR?

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