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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:
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6
Yellowbrickavenue · 25/01/2022 12:29

First, poor you OP and poor him. It sounds terrible.

Secondly (and sorry if this has already been said), what the school and LA will almost certainly have in mind is whether this warrants what's called a Supervision Order - which in effect obliges the LA to befriend and support him - and to up their game on the services they make available to you. The threshold for this is that he is at risk of significant harm and is "beyond parental control". Which certainly on the face of it he is. Nobody is going to be tagged or sent to prison. You are doing your best and just need help. The LA should already be providing it and I am sorry that they are not. But the best way to hold their feet to the fire is to go to the meeting and expressly ask for it. I'd put it in writing too. Keep going.

NotVictorianHonestly · 25/01/2022 12:29

If you're worried about not being heard at the meeting, may I suggest you write your side of it down? Send a copy in advance and ask for it to be sent to all the attendees. Take some copies with you and at the beginning ask if they've all read your letter. If they haven't, ask that they please take a moment to read it before you begin. That way you can be sure you have been able to say your piece.

Might a different school be an option?

thedefinitionofmadness · 25/01/2022 12:34

@Notoschool

Thank you for all your messages. With the mental health side of it. All I Keep getting told is he does not have a diagnosis. And I can't discuss it with her because she talks over me. Also I'm sure she knows as well as we all do on this thread that it can take years to get a diagnosis.

She also told me that ds can't go to a different school because in year 10 its near impossible and Another school or college will not take him due to his attendance.

When I have spoke to ds about leaving the school he has said the school he's at is a good school.

I will definitely look at that Facebook group thank you 😊

You do not need a diagnosis. Is this the HOY or Senco or what - they are uninformed, and possibly acting unlawfully.

His to CAMHS referral is evidence of need. The bar for CAMHs is so high now that you have to be psychotic, suicidal or severely anorexic for Tier 3 or above help. (This is an absolute tragedy and governmental negligence of the highest order. )

Go back to your GP and get them on side. Get a print out of the notes made at the appointment. That is evidence of accessing services and evidence of need.

I would also stop having any meetings but insist on correspondence. When they have to put their bullying, lies and excuses position in writing they are less likely to tell you unlawful and untrue things.

Lots of FE colleges offer GCSE courses for p/t students who cannot access their school - usually 5 hours a week or so - they won't have any qualms about his previous attendance, that is what that provision is for.

And SENDIASS. They can help you navigate what your son is entitled to education wise.

Frazzledbutcalm · 25/01/2022 12:36

The school have a duty to help you and your son.

The onus is not all on you to get him in, it’s on them to get him in too. They come down hard on you as basically, his poor attendance is bad for their records.

So at the meeting, ask what they are going to do to help your ds, what are they going to do to get your ds to school. How are they going to educate him if he can’t attend due to mental health. Keep putting it back on them. And take someone with you, friend, family, anyone.

My dd (asd) struggled all through school, but nothing was done until she did not attend for 2 weeks solid … only then did they truly help - she was in year 10 by that point.

You will also get good advice over on the SN boards.

itsgettingweird · 25/01/2022 12:37

www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/a5lbsyso/do-children-need-a-diagnosis-of-their-need-to-access-help-in-schools-and-settings-v1-1.pdf

This is very specific document but the information is universal and should be of help to you.

Your child does not need a diagnosis for support. They just need to have a need for support. Your ds does have a need. He cannot access education and forcing him too is causing anger and emotional outbursts.

Sheepareawesome · 25/01/2022 12:38

Has he been diagnosed with any mental health issue from the GP? My 13 yo hasn't been in school for a year. Difference is school have been great. altbeit a little slow at times. CAHMS have accepted him onto the waiting list, months so far and nothing though.

GP wrote to school nurse who regularly met him (remotely) and also school counsellor is very involved. School are very aware his non attendance is a medical reason (severe anxiety). They have been flexible from the start and, by law, have to make reasonable adjustments for non attendance for medical reasons.

I did ask about 6 months ago whether we would get in trouble and they reassured me that wouldn't happen as we were all working together and he was still doing some work at home, although the bare minimum. They also saw his anxiety in action at school once so know it is real and in fact have been suggesting we get him assessed for autism.

Our school recently got some COVID 19 extra money, not sure where from, and have just got it agreed to provide him with 1-1 tuition at home for a few hours a week with a view to gradually trying to reintegrate him. We are waiting for this to start.

So if you haven't already, I would try and get a GP appointment to explore options for his mental health. He sounds scared and anxious, although he could just be pushing it too - hard to tell so get the GP to go through things with him. If he won't go then just make an appointment on his behalf, I did this initially and she then called son back to make appointment with him and he kept that.

Your school sounds like they are dealing badly with it. Do they recognise his mental state is impacting his attendance? If so they should be acknowledging it as illness. And they should be told, in writing, that threatening you rather than supporting you is making the household more anxious and exacerbating things not helping them. Our son was having massive tantrums and being really nasty too - it was the anxiety making him behave that way and once we all realised that, he was much better able to control it.

Good luck and hang in there.

Theunamedcat · 25/01/2022 12:38

As a small child I was able to drag my son to school literally drag him daily after his dad and I split he got worse the only way I could get him to go in is tell him if he didn't I would be arrested too and have to go away too so he went in for me he has smashed up my home bit me so hard it bruised through a thick coat and jumper no help from the school they "didn't see it" eventually we had a change of senco and she tried helping him he started high school during the pandemic turns out he may have autism and adhd I feel like I've failed him by forcing him but when your unsupported by the school what more can you do? He is 13 now there is no way I could physically force him to school he is my height and weight and I worry if he starts refusing again im quite literally powerless against him

People saying shove him out the door are bloody clueless

SpongeBobJudgeyPants · 25/01/2022 12:38

Please don't rush to deregister yet. There is help available, but you may have to fight to get it. as @tardissimus has said. Please have a look at the links they have posted.

. I would at least go to the meeting before I considered doing this, although knowing it is an option may take some of the pressure off for you.

If you think Home Schooling is an option, (and I'm not sure it is, because it doesn't sound like he has much respect for you currently or will co-operate) don't think a 'lack of education' will stop you. You sound intelligent, and have been articulate on here.

toomuchturmericinwatermelon · 25/01/2022 12:40

@mummykel16

Just deregister him then decide how to move forward, pressure from school will never help either of you. Sometimes we need to step back to move forward and threats won't help with that.
Don't do that. Don't de-register your child, because then school won't be able to offer you or your child any support!
3luckystars · 25/01/2022 12:40

I’m sorry you are goi through this. Please bring a notebook with you to the meeting, this will keep you focused.

Write ‘how can we help him together’ as if you all need to come up with a plan, it’s not all down on you.

I would strongly recommend an assessment for ADHD, and autism if you can get him on a waiting list. Just to rule these out while he is still so young.

I’m so sorry and hope he gets the help he needs.

SoTiredNeedHoliday · 25/01/2022 12:41

@itsgettingweird I'm so glad to hear that you went through the process and got what you needed to start to fix your situation. That is what needs to keep happening for the government to make mental health a priority and to help our youth. As you say OPs DS is clearly struggling and desperately needs help. It is not OPs fault and it is up to the community to make sure she and her DS get the help they need. #ittakesavillage.
I was so saddened to hear that the OP was being threatened with fines etc, as if that was going to make the situation better.

Iputthetrampintrampoline · 25/01/2022 12:41

Might sound a bit rubbish OP but is there an older male,family friend,someone who your son looks up to around? Or even one of your sons friends who can talk to him and find out whats really going on here? I dislike the fact your son is trying to blackmail you into giving him money if not he will cut himself,this shows he knows what he is doing, Could he be taking drugs? I would ring social services and ask for help for you help for you to cope with this all, I am clutching at straws here trying to think of things to help but I can;t offer much advice sorry, Hope it all works out for all of you soon

SoTiredNeedHoliday · 25/01/2022 12:41

OP have you thought of meeting with your local MP to raise this issue up and see what resources there are in your community ? I'd also lodge this in email form to them as well.

SoTiredNeedHoliday · 25/01/2022 12:44

@StepAwayFromGoogling Op is enabling him? Have you any clue about dealing with a 14 year old who is struggling? Perhaps you need to rethink your comment.

OP is doing the best she can

LittleDiaries · 25/01/2022 12:44

I haven't read every post but wanted to say that we Home Educate our two children because they are autistic, and both had very bad experiences in school. DS was a school refused, never even got as far as secondary school. DD left in her first year of secondary and now has a place at College to start in September. She has studied at home to get what she needed to go to college.

Home Education isn't for everyone and it has been hard and has needed a lot of sacrifices from us but it's been worth it.

If that isn't an option, then a lot of colleges have a 14-16 facility to take pupils who are not doing well at school to attend college instead. Local Authorities also have options like farm schools and forest schools where pupils can go to get a break from school attendance, and which helps their mental health. It sounds like your poor DS is at breaking point and needs to be cut some slack not be threatened with more sanctions.

I'd recommend ringing the LA and asking them what provisions they can offer to help him cope.

Really hope you get help not more threats.Flowers

toomuchturmericinwatermelon · 25/01/2022 12:44

OP what an awful situation. You've been given some good advice here. Engaging with the Facebook group Not Fine In School will be helpful.
I'd try a slight change in approach and start taking each day as it comes. You are an advocate for your son, but to get his needs met, you need to have school and his GP on your side. This might mean that you end up knocking on their door constantly.

Keep a journal of events and a file with all communications from school, council, GP, CAMHS, etc. especially any requests for help and support.

Worth returning to GP and discussing neurodiversity (and PDA).
Flowers

Twillow · 25/01/2022 12:53

Blimey - "shove him out the door"??
I had this with DD. Tiny little thing but no way would I have been able to dress her and shove her into the car. Even if that was the right thing to do.
In retrospect, I think focusing on incentives and actions was the wrong thing to do. We needed to get to the bottom of her anxiety and clearly that's not a simple thing either. CAHMS, sadly, are rubbish having been defunded to the point of uselessness.
If you can afford it, maybe look for a private counsellor - I had to scrimp to do this but it was worth it. Eventually, she found her feet and a purpose in life - not while at school though. She is possibly ADD, never mentioned in any assessment or at school but she finds the strategies for this useful.

Fredstheteds · 25/01/2022 12:55

What does he do in the day if not in school? Have school mentioned a placement somewhere else- a fresh start might be needed

disconnected101 · 25/01/2022 12:57

If I were you I would go to the meeting, but if they continue to threaten you & talk over you - which I would call out next time it happens - and not offer or direct you to any real support I would leave & officially deregister my child. I can't believe the education authority are still using threats of fines & prison for school refusal, especially where there is mental illness.
He's 14. If he were 16 & stopped going to school they wouldn't even contact you.
I think they are legally obliged to provide education when a child is registered with the authority but if you deregister they no longer have authority.

megletthesecond · 25/01/2022 13:02

"Surely you shove him out the door with his achool clothes and tell him to get to school?"

SnipSnipMrBurgess · 25/01/2022 13:02

@StepAwayFromGoogling

You do sound like you've been enabling his behaviour. Surely you shove him out the door with his achool clothes and tell him to get to school? You don't let him loaf about in the house all day. And you've still been giving him money to go out and top up his phone? So what have the consequences for him not going to school been up to now?
Please do not listen to this absolute drivel from people like this who do not have a clue.

I have this too with my 15 year old.

It's all well and good the school telling me it's my job to get him to school, but when my child is hysterical and cutting his arms quite deep, how do I "shove him out the door"

When he is aggressive, how do I sanction him? Do people think that a kid who is at this level is just going to accept being grounded or their phone being taken off them?

We got a bit better with CAHMs and are awaiting an ADHD assessment.

Go back and push for cahms.

Sit in that meeting and ask them to give you proper actionable things that you can do to get them there.

You are not a bad mam, and this is a tough time that will pass. It doesn't feel like it now, but it will.

UndertheCedartree · 25/01/2022 13:04

@PleasantBirthday

I'm sure you're not making it easy for him at home in the meantime, that he's not asleep right now and then in front of the TV for the rest of the day. He probably has school work and chores to complete from around 7am, I'd imagine, like everyone else who doesn't go to school.
To be fair that's hardly what DC who don't go to school do!
Branleuse · 25/01/2022 13:05

What does he want to do with his life? If hes not going to school anyway, would he accept studying at home to get his english and maths?
Hes mentally unwell and cant manage school. The attendance people threatening you is not ok, but it doesnt sound like you are going to get him back in school.
I think id make an appointment to speak to the SENCO and the head of year and ask for their suggestions as you are out of ideas. They may be able to help you get some outreach tutoring for your son.

If they keep on at you and arent offering any solutions, only threats then id think there was no choice except to deregister, but try and engage him in the process, as in get his input about where he sees himself in a years time or two years time. Most college courses will require him to either have, or be studying towards his english and maths, but maybe he needs to take time before hes in the right place to learn again
Theres a facebook group called "not fine in school" where you will find people who know exactly what youre going through.

Punishing him or threatening him to get him into school is counterproductive. He might have to take the scenic route to get his qualifications but that is not the end of the world

NatashaBedwouldbenice · 25/01/2022 13:07

@TankFlyBoss would you do an AMA? I'd love to hear more about your job.

Ellie56 · 25/01/2022 13:08

@Notoschool

The school (and some posters on here ) sound spectacularly unhelpful.

Clearly something is not right here. “Special educational needs” also includes social, emotional and mental health needs. Your child does not need to be struggling academically in order to access SEN support.

www.ipsea.org.uk/school-anxiety

I would request an EHC Needs assessment citing the anxiety, self harm, school refusal and any other MH issues.

Use the Model Letter here:

www.ipsea.org.uk/making-a-request-for-an-ehc-needs-assessment

Under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996, if your child cannot attend school, the LA has a legal duty to secure suitable, full-time alternative education for those children of compulsory school age who, by reason of illness, exclusion or otherwise, may not for any period receive suitable education unless such arrangements are made for them.

Information how to do this here:
www.ipsea.org.uk/getting-temporary-education-put-in-place

The LA should have regard to this statutory guidance:

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/941900/health_needs_guidance_accessible.pdf

Also note what to do if the LA fails to make suitable alternative arrangements. The Courts and the Local Government Ombudsman have repeatedly highlighted the LA duty to provide alternative education.

I would also go back to the GP, explain all the difficulties and ask if your son can be signed off sick and/or re-referred to CAMHS.

You may also find it useful to get in touch with Youngminds, the children’s mental health charity - youngminds.org.uk/

They have lots of resources on their website and also run a helpline for parents. I have also heard that they provide counselling for young people.

Good luck. Flowers