School want to cut hours to part time for year 1

[lazylockdowner]

My niece son is year 1 and is having a nightmare time at school and they are going through a autism assessment

The school now want to cut his school hours which is what my niece doesn't want, can she refuse this ?

I’m not saying it’s right but they might actually be saying it as it will be more beneficial for him.
Try and Look at it from the schools point of view and question why they’re suggesting it.

Are there reasons that will in the longer run be better for him?

Yes she can refuse this. It would count as an illegal exclusion, I think.
Are they going through an EHCNA? If the school can't cope it means they need extra help. Going part time just hides the problem.

He is entitled to full time education. If she refuses it might either push them to support him or it might mean that she gets lots of phone calls to collect him and he misses out on playtime and other activities. Sadly if a school is determined not to support a child they can make it very difficult for both the child and the parent. I suggest she contacts IPSEA .

You need to establish why they want to do this. And from there develop a support plan to either make school manageable (maybe a classroom assistant) or if that isn’t going to be an option sorting suitable provision.
There is no point burying head in the sand and saying ‘I am insisting he goes full time’ if there are good reasons why this isn’t working. You need a plan and the sooner you get started the better.

Are the school insisting this must happen or are they suggesting it would be more beneficial for the child?

If the long days are causing it contributing to sensory overload then it might be in his best interests. She's needs to establish exact WHY they have suggested this - I assume she feels that this isn't beat for him and that the school are just trying to minimise the time they have to deal with him - this may not be their motive.

It all depends how and why they want to cut his hours.
Cutting down severely because he's too much to handle so they want him there less? No that's not on.
Coming in half an hour late/going home early because he find the busyness of these times stressful for example, that might be worth considering.
Basically the parents need to sit down with the SENCO and have a proper discussion about what is being done and what the plan is for the future.
As PP said this will probably involve initiating a formal assessment of his needs.
Sadly some schools will try to duck out of their responsibilities by cutting hours/excluding children and generally being unhelpful and unwelcoming until the family decides to move on.
Your niece absolutely can refuse and needs to stay strong in insisting that they come up with a clear plan.