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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
Notoschool · 03/02/2022 15:00

What does it mean if they say if there are anymore unauthorised absence that it will go to panel.?

OP posts:
mummykel16 · 03/02/2022 16:07

@Notoschool

What does it mean if they say if there are anymore unauthorised absence that it will go to panel.?
Sounds like court
MimieD · 03/02/2022 16:22

I assume they mean a school attendance panel which is a formal meeting at school to discuss what can be done and set targets

Notoschool · 03/02/2022 17:11

I think I'm definitely going to court . Ds has still not been to school. I could even go to prison.

They will have all this evidence paper trail stuff. I have nothing. It will all be written in a professional way . They will all back each other up . And then there's me .

OP posts:
thedefinitionofmadness · 03/02/2022 17:54

@Notoschool

I think I'm definitely going to court . Ds has still not been to school. I could even go to prison.

They will have all this evidence paper trail stuff. I have nothing. It will all be written in a professional way . They will all back each other up . And then there's me .

OP I suggest you post this on Not Fine In School and people can help you.

I can't go back over this thread but you need to take back control of this narrative.

In my experience they are not bothered about backing each other up more about being seen to have delivered their legal responsibilities whilst spending no money.

Imitatingdory · 03/02/2022 18:01

DS’s absences should not be being recorded as unauthorised. You need to challenge that.

An attendance panel isn’t court, it is usually the step before beginning legal proceedings and has the aim of trying to prevent prosecution.

Notoschool · 03/02/2022 18:09

It feels to late now. Everything is to much to cope with. I'm speaking to his support worker tomorrow about him going onto care . I'm 1 person there's only so much I can take. I have it from all directions and I can't do it anymore. I have always been there for my children. I fought for them over and over. There have been really difficult times for some of them. But I was always strong for them. And we have always come out the other side. But the situation now is to much . I just can't do it anymore

OP posts:
Notoschool · 03/02/2022 18:12

@Imitatingdory

DS’s absences should not be being recorded as unauthorised. You need to challenge that.

An attendance panel isn’t court, it is usually the step before beginning legal proceedings and has the aim of trying to prevent prosecution.

I realised once I got the actual letter in the post the meeting we had was the panel meeting.
OP posts:
Itsalmostanaccessory · 03/02/2022 18:14

What was his excuse for this week? He got everything he asked for, so why didnt he go?

Has he got any good friends from school you could invite over to speak to him? Or any who coile come round in the morning and ask if he will walk with them to school?

What is he doing during the day? Is he lieing about watching TV and playing computer?

SoTiredNeedHoliday · 03/02/2022 18:21

@lifeturnsonadime @itsgettingweird @Imitatingdory @NickiMinajerie Any words of wisdom for OP? She seems like she is feeling defeated.

What have Nottoschool FB group suggested?

Notoschool · 03/02/2022 18:35

[quote SoTiredNeedHoliday]**@lifeturnsonadime* @itsgettingweird* @Imitatingdory @NickiMinajerie Any words of wisdom for OP? She seems like she is feeling defeated.

What have Nottoschool FB group suggested?[/quote]
I did post on there under anon. The first time I basically copied my op from here and added a little to it. I did not get a single reply.

Today I posted anon and my post is not there.

OP posts:
Owlfrog · 03/02/2022 18:36

My heart goes out to you OP.

I've skimmed the full thread and not seen mention of it, so I'm wondering if it's been considered whether PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) has been considered as a possibility?

PDA is essentially a 'type' of autism that presents quite differently to other ASC profiles. PDA kids are (superficially) sociable for example, so don't always get picked up early. PDA-driven behaviour is rooted in anxiety, particularly anxiety about not being in control. It's very common for PDAers to refuse school, to be physically/verbally aggressive, and to have mental health issues.

The PDA Society website is a great source of into if you wanted to look into it. Also check out the Newbold Hope- Family Support Group on FB.

One of my children is PDA, and your OP rang a lot of bells.

Notoschool · 03/02/2022 18:47

@Owlfrog

My heart goes out to you OP.

I've skimmed the full thread and not seen mention of it, so I'm wondering if it's been considered whether PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) has been considered as a possibility?

PDA is essentially a 'type' of autism that presents quite differently to other ASC profiles. PDA kids are (superficially) sociable for example, so don't always get picked up early. PDA-driven behaviour is rooted in anxiety, particularly anxiety about not being in control. It's very common for PDAers to refuse school, to be physically/verbally aggressive, and to have mental health issues.

The PDA Society website is a great source of into if you wanted to look into it. Also check out the Newbold Hope- Family Support Group on FB.

One of my children is PDA, and your OP rang a lot of bells.

I was just talking to my adult dd about possible PDA . It did seem to tick alot off boxes. The problem is it can take years to get a diagnosis. In the mean time there's no meds for him. And there's still alm this going on.
OP posts:
Owlfrog · 03/02/2022 18:48

@Itsalmostanaccessory

What was his excuse for this week? He got everything he asked for, so why didnt he go?

Has he got any good friends from school you could invite over to speak to him? Or any who coile come round in the morning and ask if he will walk with them to school?

What is he doing during the day? Is he lieing about watching TV and playing computer?

This is dripping with judgement towards the OP and her son and shows a huge lack of understanding in terms of the complexity of teen school refusal, particularly when we are talking about a student struggling so much that they are aggressive and self-harming.

I work with a lot of school refusers and without exception they are vulnerable people whose needs simply aren't being met at school. All behaviour is communication, None of them are 'living it up', sticking two fingers up at us suckers while sat on their PlayStation or whatever (even if they are on their consoles). I appreciate it's hard to understand from the sidelines though- a kick up the arse should surely do?

foxlover47 · 03/02/2022 18:55

OP , is the group you tried on fb Not fine in school ? Because honestly that one is fantastic , full of support and advice x
I haven't read through every reply but I wanted to make sure you try this group because there is always someone there , night or day x

Owlfrog · 03/02/2022 18:59

I was just talking to my adult dd about possible PDA . It did seem to tick alot off boxes. The problem is it can take years to get a diagnosis. In the mean time there's no meds for him. And there's still alm this going on.

There are no 'meds' for PDA regardless, but your approach to him can make a big difference. The PDA Society website has some great advice, and 'traditional' parenting techniques (reward/consequence) don't work.

Ross Greene's 'The Explosive Child' book is considered very useful by PDA parents.

You have nothing to lose by giving some PDA strategies a go.

Wait times for ASC assessment are criminal; we had to go private and were fortunate to be in a position to do so. Keep fighting, you are stronger and so much cleverer than you think xx

rooarsome · 03/02/2022 19:09

Has the school nurse done a 6 week intervention at all?

Notoschool · 03/02/2022 19:09

@Owlfrog

I was just talking to my adult dd about possible PDA . It did seem to tick alot off boxes. The problem is it can take years to get a diagnosis. In the mean time there's no meds for him. And there's still alm this going on.

There are no 'meds' for PDA regardless, but your approach to him can make a big difference. The PDA Society website has some great advice, and 'traditional' parenting techniques (reward/consequence) don't work.

Ross Greene's 'The Explosive Child' book is considered very useful by PDA parents.

You have nothing to lose by giving some PDA strategies a go.

Wait times for ASC assessment are criminal; we had to go private and were fortunate to be in a position to do so. Keep fighting, you are stronger and so much cleverer than you think xx

Ah ok. Yes my younger son has autism. I think it took abuse 3.5 years to get a diagnosis. It was not really a problem on that situation though. Its a massive problem for old ds though.

I will definitely read more about pda .

OP posts:
Notoschool · 03/02/2022 19:11

@rooarsome

Has the school nurse done a 6 week intervention at all?
No school nurse has never been mentioned.
OP posts:
Imitatingdory · 03/02/2022 19:29

OP you can do this, you are doing it. Have you spoken to your GP about some counselling for you? Have you had social care assessments? An assessment via the disabled children’s team for DS (he doesn’t need a diagnosis) and your younger DS and a carer’s assessment for you.

DS’s situation is beyond the expertise of the school nurse. He needs more specialist help.

A diagnosis doesn’t necessarily bring with it more support, many are diagnosed and discharged. Support should be needs led, rather than based on a diagnosis.

Notoschool · 03/02/2022 20:00

@Imitatingdory

OP you can do this, you are doing it. Have you spoken to your GP about some counselling for you? Have you had social care assessments? An assessment via the disabled children’s team for DS (he doesn’t need a diagnosis) and your younger DS and a carer’s assessment for you.

DS’s situation is beyond the expertise of the school nurse. He needs more specialist help.

A diagnosis doesn’t necessarily bring with it more support, many are diagnosed and discharged. Support should be needs led, rather than based on a diagnosis.

What is a social care assment?

Oh I know I diagnosis does not mean support. But the label can help in some ways .

OP posts:
rooarsome · 04/02/2022 00:51

@Imitatingdory actually, school nurses are specialist nurses (SCPHNs) who have undergone Masters level training, and who are perfectly placed to initiate referrals and to support families. They also are more than qualified to offer 6 week interventions when families are waiting on other services.

Imitatingdory · 04/02/2022 10:19

Social care assessments are assessments by social care that can result in further support for you all.

roarsome I am aware of the training and expertise of 0-19 nurses, and referrals are one thing, which I didn't pass comment on, but interventions are another and OP's DS needs more specialist CAMHS assessment and interventions IMO.

Notoschool · 04/02/2022 11:22

I sent this email this morning
And also asked if they have managed to contact the school yet.

I think it might be a good idea to get my printer set up and print all communication I have had. And the referrals I have made for ds.

Maybe I should tell school/authority I only want contact via email?

My son won't go to school.. im in shit for it
OP posts:
Queenie6655 · 04/02/2022 11:23

Sent you a dm op