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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.

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Notoschool · 01/02/2022 22:57

@Atypicaldancer

It’s not shit at all. I think that is very clear. This is what I’ve sent for my dd’s EHCNA. I’ve used the Ipsea model letter and adapted it.
Thank you . Hopefully mine will be ok. Although mine has no professional back up. And i don't think the school will be supportive with me asking
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Notoschool · 01/02/2022 23:01

@Itsalmostanaccessory

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?

It's not that I don't want to home school it's that I can't. I'm not educated even to a standard level. I don't think I can even do year 6 work.

I don't even know what I'm doing really. I'm just trying to follow advice on here. Have nothing to loose by trying.

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NickiMinajerie · 01/02/2022 23:37

www.ipsea.org.uk/making-a-request-for-an-ehc-needs-assessment
click to download and you can then adapt it,
using your point about his anxiety about attending/his current mental health being an obstacle to learning in the current provision
sendadvicesurrey.org.uk/action-plan-for-when-school-refusal-anxiety-or-phobia-has-become-an-issue/
(anxiety can be a special educational need when it creates a barrier to a child or young person's ability to engage in normal day-to-day activities. Anxiety can be issue-specific or present as a generalised anxiety disorder).
root cause

NickiMinajerie · 01/02/2022 23:44

I am a qualified teacher with two degrees, a PGCE and thirty years of educating under my belt - including cross-curricular work but I would also find it bloody difficult to home educate an anxious 14-16 year old to the level needed to be able to pass their GCSEs at a level 5 or above (except for my specialism)
Many home educators put their kids back into the system year 9-11 for that reason. Also, home educating means you having to find a test centre and pay yourself for each individual exam taken. It isn't an answer for lots of parents - please don't give yourself a hard time over it.

Notoschool · 02/02/2022 08:55

I have sent the email to director of children services.

When I read information it always talks about children who have a diagnosis or who are at least being seen by camhs or have a echp or under sen or child psychologists. My son does not have any of that. So I'm concerned they will just throw that back at me.

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BellatrixOnABadDay · 02/02/2022 09:07

@Notoschool I know you say you couldn't do year 6 work but can I just say I think you are doing a bloody amazing job of trying to advocate for yourself and your son- if you don't feel confident in being able to express yourself articulately (which I actually think you are doing very well!) it can make it feel even more of a mountain to climb so honestly, hats off to you for plugging away the way you are and doing all the right things- you are not at fault in the slightest and are doing a brilliant job of trying to ensure your son gets an education, especially when things must be so so difficult for you right now.

Take care of yourself x

Imitatingdory · 02/02/2022 09:33

Notoschool you don’t need a diagnosis for medical needs tuition or to get an EHCP, DS has SEN whether he has a diagnosis or not. Appeal if the LA refuse an EHCNA, the vast majority of refusal to assess appeals are upheld. If the LA refuse to provide education to DS under s.19, the Education Act come back to MN and posters will help you challenge it and enforce DS’s rights.

Itsalmostanaccessory s.19, the Education Act requires LAs to provide alternative education to CSA pupils ”who, by reason of illness, exclusion from school or otherwise, may not for any period receive suitable education unless such arrangements are made for them.”

What is provided as alternative education under s.19 of the Education Act varies area to area and dependant on the pupil’s individual needs. It can include home tuition, online provision, hospital school, small group tuition at a centre, 1:1 tuition outside the home but away from school e.g. at a library/community centre…

Notoschool · 02/02/2022 09:44

@Imitatingdory

Notoschool you don’t need a diagnosis for medical needs tuition or to get an EHCP, DS has SEN whether he has a diagnosis or not. Appeal if the LA refuse an EHCNA, the vast majority of refusal to assess appeals are upheld. If the LA refuse to provide education to DS under s.19, the Education Act come back to MN and posters will help you challenge it and enforce DS’s rights.

Itsalmostanaccessory s.19, the Education Act requires LAs to provide alternative education to CSA pupils ”who, by reason of illness, exclusion from school or otherwise, may not for any period receive suitable education unless such arrangements are made for them.”

What is provided as alternative education under s.19 of the Education Act varies area to area and dependant on the pupil’s individual needs. It can include home tuition, online provision, hospital school, small group tuition at a centre, 1:1 tuition outside the home but away from school e.g. at a library/community centre…

I have got confused . Was the director of children services the right person to contact to request alternative education?
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Imitatingdory · 02/02/2022 09:48

Yes, it was.

SoTiredNeedHoliday · 02/02/2022 11:19

well done @Notoschool that is a positive move sending your letter off. I would not attempt home schooling at all with a DS that has anxiety etc. The onus then is completely on you to get him educated, so stressful.

Yesterday I think you wrote how your son was apparently happy and having fun with friends at school. As someone else said that doesn't mean that in the classroom his not having anxiety attacks etc. If it was all smiles and fun he'd be willing to go along himself and wouldn't be self harming.

Why hasn't your GP seen DS so she has first hand knowledge of him to perhaps push the referral harder? and perhaps offer other MH advice to him and you?

Notoschool · 02/02/2022 12:08

Dear Sir
×××××××× ××××××× xxxxxxxRequest for EHC needs assessment

I am writing as the parent of the above child to request an assessment of their Education, Health and Social Care needs under section 36(1) of the Children and Families Act 2014.
Xxxxxxx currently attends xxxxx secondary school.

I understand that the test that the LA must apply in considering this request is contained in section 36(8) of the Children and Families Act 2014 and has two parts.
Part one of the test is that the child or young person has or may have special educational needs.
I feel that xxxxxxx has or may have special educational needs because:
Xxxxxxx is struggling with his mental health and finding the school setting very difficult to cope with. He has been self harming both in school and outside of school. He has indicated that's he's suicidal and does not want to be here. He has Been referred to camhs which we are waiting on. He's finding basic things difficult to cope with. some of the things he's said do not make any sense and are not logic. I feel this may be a symptom of his mental health difficulties.

Part two of the test is that it may be necessary for special educational provision to be made for xxxxxxx through the issuing of an EHC plan.
My reasons for believing that xxxxx may need an EHC plan are due to his mental health needs and anxiety around a standard school setting . He's very distressed and anxious he feels everyone is against and watching him. He is not coping well. Although the school have tried to put things in place for xxxxxx such as in school counselling a pass so he can leave the class if anxious has not worked. I feel that things need to be looked into. To give xxxxxx the support he needs. I'm also concerned he could have undiagnosed SEN or mental health issues. Which of courses take a long time and we are waiting to be seen by camhs . I do not have any professional evidence at present but we do have support of the gp. I have also included a few pictures of things xxxxxx has written to give examples of the situation.

The two-part test outlined above is the only test to be applied under the law. I understand that it would be unlawful for a local authority to apply a higher threshold for accessing an EHC needs assessment. Furthermore, this legal test is different to that which must be applied in the decision about whether or not to issue an EHC plan. I believe that the local authority should carry out an EHC needs assessment to determine the full extent of xxxxxx needs.
I understand that you are required by law to reply to this request within six weeks, and that if you refuse I will be able to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability).
Yours faithfully,

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Notoschool · 02/02/2022 12:52

Reply from director of children services

Thank you for your email and I’m really sorry that xxxxxx is struggling at the moment. I’m not sure if he is known to our inclusion services, but I can see that you are engaging directly with the school and that they may be able to discuss some alternative education provision with you while he remains on the school roll.

I’ve copied in my colleague xxxxx into this reply. She Heads up the Access and Inclusion service and can arrange for an officer in her team to discuss xxxx with the school and of course with you directly

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SoTiredNeedHoliday · 02/02/2022 13:18

@Notoschool that seems a positive? Are you going to write back to the colleague cc'd and detail what the school has / hasn't done and that the LA is threatening court and giving no other alternatives?

On the other letter I am not an expert on that part, it reads well though. @Imitatingdory perhaps can help more with that?

Notoschool · 02/02/2022 13:36

[quote SoTiredNeedHoliday]@Notoschool that seems a positive? Are you going to write back to the colleague cc'd and detail what the school has / hasn't done and that the LA is threatening court and giving no other alternatives?

On the other letter I am not an expert on that part, it reads well though. @Imitatingdory perhaps can help more with that?[/quote]
I replied to the email sent. I think the colleague will see it to . I'm not sure though?

My reply was :

Thank you for replying so quickly. Although I'm in contact with the school and there has been a meeting with the local authority for non attendance he's below 50%. The communication and support has Been difficult. I have asked about alternatives for his education such as college for example and I have Been told no. I do not feel support at all although I'm trying my best . But of course its not Easy trying to get a young person to be on board /to fully understand especially when he thinks everyone is out to get him. So it seems the school can't offer an alternative.

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SoTiredNeedHoliday · 02/02/2022 13:52

In the reply sent can you see both emails? The colleague and the main email address? If not I would forward it to the colleague too as they have been given this project to resolve.

I think that is a fair response, the only thing I would have added is that the LA is also not offering any alternatives and has said I get him to school or I will be taken to court.

Notoschool · 02/02/2022 14:04

@SoTiredNeedHoliday

In the reply sent can you see both emails? The colleague and the main email address? If not I would forward it to the colleague too as they have been given this project to resolve.

I think that is a fair response, the only thing I would have added is that the LA is also not offering any alternatives and has said I get him to school or I will be taken to court.

Thank you I have forwarded it to her now .

Hopefully someone will be in touch soon . I do feel like some of this is basic stuff that I should have been told about. If it was not for people on this thread I would not have known at all. ( Thank you ) 😊

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Imitatingdory · 02/02/2022 14:06

On the reply from the Director of Children’s Services, it is not the school’s responsibility to provide alternative education, the statutory duty lies directly with the LA. When you next communicate with the LA make them aware you know what their duties are and if they do not provide alternative education you will be forced to take matters further. Do not let them fob you off.

Also, make sure you use DS can’t engage, rather than won’t. Nit picking maybe, but by using won’t many view it as something DS is choosing to do. If DS could engage, he would, teens don’t behave as DS is without there being unmet needs.

On the EHCNA letter, make it clear DS isn’t attending school full time due to his MH, is on a part time timetable that is at risk of breaking down further (you can always add in that part time timetables that are not short term aimed at reintegration are unlawful whether or not parents agree to it).

Notoschool · 02/02/2022 14:18

@Imitatingdory

On the reply from the Director of Children’s Services, it is not the school’s responsibility to provide alternative education, the statutory duty lies directly with the LA. When you next communicate with the LA make them aware you know what their duties are and if they do not provide alternative education you will be forced to take matters further. Do not let them fob you off.

Also, make sure you use DS can’t engage, rather than won’t. Nit picking maybe, but by using won’t many view it as something DS is choosing to do. If DS could engage, he would, teens don’t behave as DS is without there being unmet needs.

On the EHCNA letter, make it clear DS isn’t attending school full time due to his MH, is on a part time timetable that is at risk of breaking down further (you can always add in that part time timetables that are not short term aimed at reintegration are unlawful whether or not parents agree to it).

Thanks very much for your email.

If you don’t mind I will contact the school for more detail and get back to you.

Regards and best wishes

That's the reply from the colleague of the director of children services.

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SoTiredNeedHoliday · 02/02/2022 15:45

@Notoschool that has to be a positive to have someone higher up looking into this.

Notoschool · 02/02/2022 16:48

My Hhc request has been forwarded to the SEN team. And they will contact Me directly.

I feel very suspicious of everyone Sad

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mummykel16 · 03/02/2022 01:14

You are doing great op much better than I.

SoTiredNeedHoliday · 03/02/2022 09:14

why feeling suspicious? I would say its normal to feel anxious now that you are being really assertive and raising this issue higher.
You're doing well.

What do you think? @Imitatingdory @NickiMinajerie @BellatrixOnABadDay
Asking as I don't know the legal aspects etc

Notoschool · 03/02/2022 09:29

@SoTiredNeedHoliday

why feeling suspicious? I would say its normal to feel anxious now that you are being really assertive and raising this issue higher. You're doing well.

What do you think? @Imitatingdory @NickiMinajerie @BellatrixOnABadDay
Asking as I don't know the legal aspects etc

I just feel like they all work together. They are all professionals. And are mote likely to listen to each other than they are me.
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Imitatingdory · 03/02/2022 09:56

I don’t think you need to be suspicious, passing the EHCNA request to the SEN team is fairly normal. Rather than suspicious I would just be cautious e.g. make sure you check what the LA tell you as they often have their own unlawful policies.

Notoschool · 03/02/2022 10:17

@Imitatingdory

I don’t think you need to be suspicious, passing the EHCNA request to the SEN team is fairly normal. Rather than suspicious I would just be cautious e.g. make sure you check what the LA tell you as they often have their own unlawful policies.
Yes that's another thing . It's very hard to separate the bull to the real stuff. The very people that are meant to help make it very difficult.
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