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My son won't go to school.. im in shit for it

427 replies

Notoschool · 25/01/2022 10:31

My son is 14. He's been refusing school since around September. He's probably been 5 or 6 times since. He gives lots of different reasons such as he does not like the teacher . Or he feels anxious in the class. He hates the lesson. His reasons seem to change.

He has been self harming by cutting himself. He's been offered counselling at school.but as hes not going to school that's not happening. We have asked for help from camhs that was refused. So we have appealed. We found another counselling/support service for young people they are giving him 3 sessions. And that ends. As they are reducing their services. At the moment we have some support from early help but apparently that comes to a close in around 3 weeks.

My son has been very aggressive to the point he scares me. He's done things like smash up the doors in the house put holes in a partition wall. He's also verbally aggressive.

Recently the school offered him part time time table. To start at 11.15 . He agreed with this . Apart from the Monday where he wanted to start at lunchtime. The school refused this . But I really stood up for ds . As I thought this was better than not going at all. I agree its not right but surely a step in the right direction. His body language had changed and his tone. I really thought he was going to do it . So he went to school on the Friday. Come Monday He's refusing again I actually agued his point with the school so now it's made me look really bad and now he's made it impossible for me to have any valued say in a meeting that's going to happen in a few days.

Hes always asking for money to top his phone up. For food when he's out. Or just general things that teens often want . He wanted money Friday. I said once I know your at school I will transfer you money. Then on Tuesday as long as you have been to school on the Monday and Tuesday. I will top up your phone. But he did not stick to this agreement. So I have not topped up his phone. He told me how selfish I am . And said to me things like: "you only have to do a simple thing. It's like you want me to cut." He has said several similar things.

I'm actually frightened that because I'm refusing to give him money or top up his phone he's going to become very aggressive later on.

The school have told me there is going to be a meeting the local authorities will be there. I have been told I can get a large fine. Could get a tag or even go to prison . My son has told me he does not care. I'm told the law says its my responsibility to get him to school but no one can actually tell me how I can get him in school. He's 14 and 6ft tall I can't physically get him there.

I'm really scared of this whole situation. But I feel totally trapped in the situation and don't know what to do. My son just won't engage.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
Namechangehereandnow · 01/02/2022 11:04

OP take it at his pace. My dd couldn’t attend no matter what they put in place for her. Her inner anxiety and thoughts about the day ahead just made it impossible for her to attend the way they wanted. I literally just took her in at whatever time she was ready each day - every day was different. Don’t beat yourself up to do it their way. Put your son first .

Noisyneighneigh · 01/02/2022 15:46

Are you in a position to home educate him?

Notoschool · 01/02/2022 16:21

I spoke to the welfare officer today i was honest. Told her ds is still not playing ball.

I asked about a college placement she said its down to the school. But college will reject due to low attendance. School have said the same in the past .

I asked if there's any alternative at all (apart from home education) she said its either he gos to school or I go to court . I just find it difficult to believe there's nothing at all ?

I also contacted the gp and she said she would email the school and explain about the waiting times for camhs etc.

OP posts:
SoTiredNeedHoliday · 01/02/2022 16:50

Is that the school welfare officer? Isn't there a local authority department that deals with children that can't cope with traditional classroom settings? I believe there is as a long while ago a friend had this issue and the council helped and found an alternative type of educational setting.

The officer sounds like they don't grasp the situation. If you could get him to go you would but at present this is the best you can achieve, threatening court isn't helpful.

Have you been to your local MP and asked for someone there to hep guide you through this? It is an extreme situation your DS can't get the MH help he needs and the school is threatening you with court action because of the impact of your DS not getting the MH help he needs. That's crazy.

I would write to the MP, and also to the council requesting further support and guidance. If school are going to threaten court as their only form of help you should start documenting that for the authorities to see.

Did you make minutes of the meeting and confirm what was discussed or did one of the attendees? You should have a copy of that too.

Everything in writing, its important.

Noisyneighneigh · 01/02/2022 17:08

Flexi schooling could be an option?

Notoschool · 01/02/2022 17:08

@SoTiredNeedHoliday

Is that the school welfare officer? Isn't there a local authority department that deals with children that can't cope with traditional classroom settings? I believe there is as a long while ago a friend had this issue and the council helped and found an alternative type of educational setting.

The officer sounds like they don't grasp the situation. If you could get him to go you would but at present this is the best you can achieve, threatening court isn't helpful.

Have you been to your local MP and asked for someone there to hep guide you through this? It is an extreme situation your DS can't get the MH help he needs and the school is threatening you with court action because of the impact of your DS not getting the MH help he needs. That's crazy.

I would write to the MP, and also to the council requesting further support and guidance. If school are going to threaten court as their only form of help you should start documenting that for the authorities to see.

Did you make minutes of the meeting and confirm what was discussed or did one of the attendees? You should have a copy of that too.

Everything in writing, its important.

The welfare officer was from the council. She did say I was doing all the right things and doing my best . But she also said about court . She asked me about other children and how their attendance is. Which is fine.

I touched base with the school today to make sure I'm communicating with them I said that ds said that he won't come in but I have tried etc.

she told me when ds was at school on Monday afternoon he was fine laughing with his friends etc. She does not understand why he came during break as he was meant to come after break not during . Just makes me wounder why she's telling me petty shit like that.

OP posts:
Notoschool · 01/02/2022 17:13

@Noisyneighneigh

Flexi schooling could be an option?
I don't think there is a hope in hell of them agreeing.
OP posts:
Noisyneighneigh · 01/02/2022 17:25

They might consider it given the circumstances. It wouldn't be very flexible anyway- something like 4 days at school, 1 day at home is usual.

Notoschool · 01/02/2022 17:26

@Noisyneighneigh

They might consider it given the circumstances. It wouldn't be very flexible anyway- something like 4 days at school, 1 day at home is usual.
He won't even go in for a day
OP posts:
Imitatingdory · 01/02/2022 17:31

Don’t flexi-school or deregister. If DS cannot attend the LA must provide alternative education under section 19 the Education Act 1996. The options aren’t just DS attends school or you will be fined, she’s trying to scare you.

Have you applied for an EHCNA yet?

SoTiredNeedHoliday · 01/02/2022 17:38

definitely raise this issue further then OP, go to your MP and tell them your situation and ask for their help and support.
Document the threats of court too, its ridiculous.

Notoschool · 01/02/2022 17:43

@Imitatingdory

Don’t flexi-school or deregister. If DS cannot attend the LA must provide alternative education under section 19 the Education Act 1996. The options aren’t just DS attends school or you will be fined, she’s trying to scare you.

Have you applied for an EHCNA yet?

Why would the welfare officer from the council do that though?

I have not done the EHCNA yet . I'm getting a bit confused with that and EHCP?

Tomorrow there is an educational psychologist I should be able to talk to over the phone to get advice .

It feels like everything I suggest or have an idea over they just say no .

OP posts:
Imitatingdory · 01/02/2022 17:48

The EHCNA is the first thing you apply for it is the needs assessment prior to an EHCP being issued, or not. Do apply for one.

Sadly some LA employees do try to scare parents with the threat of prosecution. Other posters on MN have had similar. For many reasons. Part of it can be money, it costs more to support DC with medical needs EOTAS tuition and EHCPs.

Notoschool · 01/02/2022 17:54

@Imitatingdory

The EHCNA is the first thing you apply for it is the needs assessment prior to an EHCP being issued, or not. Do apply for one.

Sadly some LA employees do try to scare parents with the threat of prosecution. Other posters on MN have had similar. For many reasons. Part of it can be money, it costs more to support DC with medical needs EOTAS tuition and EHCPs.

Thank you that's really helpful so for now forget ECHP and apply for the EHCNA. I'm going to look up how to apply get the forms needed.

I do feel like the school are trying to catch me /ds out. Such as he was laughing with his friends? Why is she telling me that . How many adults go to work or even out with friends and put in a brave face but are totally different behinde closed doors

OP posts:
Imitatingdory · 01/02/2022 17:58

Not so much forget about EHCP but an EHCNA is the process to getting an EHCP. IPSEA have a model letter you can use to apply for an EHCNA, Ellie56 linked to it upthread.

Many professionals seem to think if a child appears outwardly ‘happy’ everything is ‘fine’ in school. Which isn’t the case and is bloody annoying.

Notoschool · 01/02/2022 18:20

@Imitatingdory

Not so much forget about EHCP but an EHCNA is the process to getting an EHCP. IPSEA have a model letter you can use to apply for an EHCNA, Ellie56 linked to it upthread.

Many professionals seem to think if a child appears outwardly ‘happy’ everything is ‘fine’ in school. Which isn’t the case and is bloody annoying.

I just read the form . It does matter seem si bad to fill in so I will do that . I'm just waiting on the letter about the meeting we had on Friday.

The gp seems quite supportive but she's never actually met my son. So not sure how much she can help.

Hes been having counselling so I guess I can put his information down for them to make contact.

Maybe I can talk about his self harming and aggression. I could take pictures of some of the things he's written on his bedroom wall (I'm not sure if that's an appropriate thing to do though)

Then there's a bit that ds can fill in. Not sure he will though.

I just don't feel like I have anything very strong Sad

OP posts:
Imitatingdory · 01/02/2022 18:41

The threshold for an EHCNA is relatively low - a) has or may have SEN, and b) may need SEN provision to be made via an EHCP. You should have evidence to get you over the threshold.

The IPSEA letter doesn’t require DS to fill anything in.

Notoschool · 01/02/2022 18:53

@Imitatingdory

The threshold for an EHCNA is relatively low - a) has or may have SEN, and b) may need SEN provision to be made via an EHCP. You should have evidence to get you over the threshold.

The IPSEA letter doesn’t require DS to fill anything in.

What's IPSEA?
OP posts:
Imitatingdory · 01/02/2022 18:59

IPSEA is a charity that supports parents with SEND matters. They have a model letter for requesting an EHCNA, Ellie56 linked to it in a pp.

Notoschool · 01/02/2022 20:41

@Imitatingdory

IPSEA is a charity that supports parents with SEND matters. They have a model letter for requesting an EHCNA, Ellie56 linked to it in a pp.
I'm about to write an email to director of children's services. Should I mention about how low his attendance is and that there has already been a meeting and they offered him a part time. Time table?
OP posts:
cookiemon666 · 01/02/2022 21:21

My oldest son who is 19, school refused from 12-14. We were threatened with a fine, no-one listened to us. He was struggling hugely mentally.
I took him out and home schooled for a term until he started college doing the 14-16 year course. His attendance still wasn't great, but was better than being at school. Suddenly he turned 16, grew up massively, got a part time job, and was doing bricklaying at college.
He now has a full time job, brought his own car and is living his best life.

Please don't let them give up on your boy, he will get there.x

Notoschool · 01/02/2022 21:58

I'm writing to you to request alternative education for my son xxxx he is 14 years old and his school is xxx secondary.

Xxxxx Has been having difficulties with anxiety. This has led to self harming in school and also at home. He has shown signs of not wanting to live . He has things written on his bedroom wall such as someone hanging by a rope. And words that are quite concerning. On occasions I have managed to get him into school he has come home quite distressed. This has led to more self harming . Aggression and damaging property in the home.

We have been referred to camhs. Which we are waiting on. Which takes quite a long time.

Xxxx has been having some counselling outside of school but was only offered 3 sessions due to them cutting back their services.

There has been an attendance meeting at the school where he was offered to start school at 11.15. How ever This has not worked as it does not take away the anxiety and stress xxxxx has around school. To sort this out for xxxx the route cause needs to be found. Which may happen when camhs can help him.

We also have the support of the gp who has emailed the school to explain that camhs can take a long time Which is why I do not have an proof or assessments .

I do want my son to be in education and whilst there is this period of time where it is to difficult for him to attend due to his mental health. I would like to request temporary alternative education.

Regards

It feels a bit shit when I read it. I feel like a child has written it Sad

OP posts:
Notoschool · 01/02/2022 22:02

@cookiemon666

My oldest son who is 19, school refused from 12-14. We were threatened with a fine, no-one listened to us. He was struggling hugely mentally. I took him out and home schooled for a term until he started college doing the 14-16 year course. His attendance still wasn't great, but was better than being at school. Suddenly he turned 16, grew up massively, got a part time job, and was doing bricklaying at college. He now has a full time job, brought his own car and is living his best life.

Please don't let them give up on your boy, he will get there.x

He wants to go to college . But it has to be school referral he has bed attendance so it can't be done.
OP posts:
Atypicaldancer · 01/02/2022 22:21

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Itsalmostanaccessory · 01/02/2022 22:47

What does alternative education look like?

If you dont want to home school, and he wont go to school, what can they do for him?

I'm not asking this in a goady way. I was totally unaware that this was a possibility or legal requirement of the local authority. What sort of thing do they do when this is requested?