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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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gogohm · 25/01/2022 14:47

It's obviously very complex but I do think there needs to be a mixed approach - flexibility from the school, pt from 11.15 seems a good starting point but also he needs to comply too, he can't call the shots. No phone, internet, gaming etc until he's been to school each day and it's all off by 11pm, pocket money on completion of each week. I had a school refuser but she was dropped daily (and used to demand to go home) compromise was she could work in the library or school office rather than go to classes

lifeturnsonadime · 25/01/2022 14:49

@Notoschool

I just looked on the gov website and the first thing it talks about for EHCP is evidence.
All the evidence you need this stage is the fact that he is not able to access.

They then have to do a needs assessment which would include an Educational Psychologist.

Most people don't have 'evidence' or a diagnosis at the start of the EHC Needs Assessment process.

What you do have to expect is a fight. It is quite standard for an LA to refuse to assess in the first instance and for you to have to appeal.

You've got this OP. You have to fight and be your son's advocate.

blyn72 · 25/01/2022 14:51

Do you not go to work, NotoSchool? I realise that would not make your son attend school but it would be a break for you, from him.

I presume he has an allowance; tell him he has to manage on that and you just don't have more to give him.

If there are any school subjects which he particularly enjoys and is good at, perhaps he could concentrate on those and study them at home with help from the school. You say you are not educated enough to be able to home school but you don't have to be, there are many resources online.

The lockdowns must have had an effect on school age children. For so long they couldn't go and then, when they could, schools were inhospitable, very cold places. Their lives have been so disrupted it is not surprising some kids are messed up now.

Him smashing things and intimidating you is not on and you need help from someone to deal with this. If you have any male relatives whom he respects, they could have words with him, or else try to find a male social worker or counsellor. The boy knows he is behaving badly and it has to stop.

Notoschool · 25/01/2022 14:55

@gogohm

It's obviously very complex but I do think there needs to be a mixed approach - flexibility from the school, pt from 11.15 seems a good starting point but also he needs to comply too, he can't call the shots. No phone, internet, gaming etc until he's been to school each day and it's all off by 11pm, pocket money on completion of each week. I had a school refuser but she was dropped daily (and used to demand to go home) compromise was she could work in the library or school office rather than go to classes
Right and when he smashes up my house. Scares the the fuck out of the other children. To the point dd is sobbing I'm scared he's going to hurt you. And then being that he's over 6ft how am I doing all this. Why the hell would I put my other children through that
OP posts:
GreenWhiteViolet · 25/01/2022 14:56

Yes! It's like insisting every adult do the same job in the same working environment. Some would love it and get on well, others would be indifferent or just do it because they had to, and some would be utterly unsuited to it and miserable. Imagine experiencing that and being told you had to keep doing it for 5 or 7 more years. That you had no choice.

The adult who suffered from poor mental health in this situation would get a whole lot more sympathy thsn teenagers get - nobody would be suggesting making their home life unpleasant as punishment for being signed off work, for a start! Or physically forcing them there, or calling the police.

Blossom64265 · 25/01/2022 14:56

You are really caught in a difficult spot. He needs psychological/psychiatric intervention. You are pushing for that and it isn’t materializing. Even if you had the resources to go private, getting it for children can be painfully slow. There just aren’t enough resources and even when you do get in to see someone, they often aren’t the right person and you get referred to someone else.

It’s a careful balancing act, being worried if you set limits he will spiral and maybe do himself real harm. Skipping school though is doing himself real harm. Letting himself wallow in whatever is holding him back is actually doing him harm. One psychiatrist described to us how the neural pathways on a child are learning and forming their natural state. If we leave them in the harmful state they are in, the brain learns to think of that as normal. So I would push a bit harder. I would turn off the wi-fi and the phone unless he attends school. At the same time, make yourself available for one on one time daily. Offer to talk, play board games, go for a walk, have a pillow fight, or do whatever he wants to do for entertainment that isn’t electronics.

itsgettingweird · 25/01/2022 14:57

@Notoschool

I just looked on the gov website and the first thing it talks about for EHCP is evidence.
You have it.

Everything that's been tried hasn't worked.

Everything the school has to offer hasn't worked.

Instead your ds MH has worsened and he's been unable to access education.

That's all you need. They'll make out that you need camhs report and EP report etc. but that's false. That's what the assessment part is. Gathering information from professionals.

All you have to do is prove that he may need an ehcp and may need more than can be offered at school level budget funding.

CaMePlaitPas · 25/01/2022 14:58

TBH OP, I'd be driving him to school and watch him walk in. I might even sit in on his lessons with him. You need to stop giving him money. If he gets aggressive you call the police.

SteakExpectations · 25/01/2022 14:58

Reading your posts, I feel so frustrated that the school and the system is failing your son so badly. Whether this has been bubbling beneath the surface for a while or whether something has happened to trigger this school refusal, your son needs help and support.

Using self harm as a manipulative tactic is terrible and it must be so difficult for you to keep your resolve when he’s threatening that.

I would recommend therapeutic parenting method and the book A-Z of Theraputic Parenting by Sarah Naish. I recently “read” the audiobook and she gives information specifically how to react when our children exhibit certain behaviours and gives some insight into the thinking and feelings behind it.

If you applied for a ECHP and it was refused, it’s possible that the panel would give some direction to school as to what they need to do before a ECHP would be appropriate, such as assessments.

I also wonder whether school could offer a place at an alternative provision to get your son back in attendance somewhere.

I think that it’s important that your son knows that you’re on his side, on his “team” and that you will be his advocate but also that he can’t get his own way 100% of the time and sometimes as people, we need to do some things that we don’t like and that push us outside of out comfort zone. You’re here for him now and you’ll be here for him afterwards.

Notoschool · 25/01/2022 14:59

@CaMePlaitPas

TBH OP, I'd be driving him to school and watch him walk in. I might even sit in on his lessons with him. You need to stop giving him money. If he gets aggressive you call the police.
🤣🤣🤣🤣
OP posts:
TheDoveFromAboveCooCoo · 25/01/2022 15:00

@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?
Fuck. Right. Off.

You obviously have absolutely no idea what it is like to go through this if you think that's a reasonable suggestion!!!

SteakExpectations · 25/01/2022 15:04

Also, try to speak to your local service formerly known as Parent Partnership as they might be able to offer some advice. When I had school threatening me with the LA truant officer, I phoned her and had her support which was very reassuring, so I’d recommend that too.

oakleaffy · 25/01/2022 15:05

People have “Poo- pooed” the suggestion to call police, but when a mother is frightened of her own child, what else do you do??


Yes dear, let me give you money”

“Ok dear, anything you say, as I’m frightened of what you will do?”

That is no way to live.

It’s wretched.

The school thing wouldn’t bother me nearly as much as a mother being afraid of her own child.

The police were wonderful in two cases I know personally.

Both kids ( teens at time) were running rings around anxious parents who had tried everything

Waffly counselling and banging a tin drum “ to get your temper out” might work for some, but for others, police can be very good.

It shouldn’t be up to them to sort out mental health/ aggression issues, but they deal with a lot of it.

Lads especially do need a good male role model

Boys are very different to women in how they think and how they act.

TheDoveFromAboveCooCoo · 25/01/2022 15:06

Been there love and I know how absolutely awful and draining and distressing it is.

Stop worrying about tags, fines, prison etc. as long as you keep in regular contact with the school and tell them the reasons why you can't get him there they will still try to help. (My eldest missed 2.5 years and the support we had was great, not even a warning letter as they understood what we were going through)

Our early help team organised a support worker from Barnados who helped a lot.

Other than that look out for the behaviours that escalate his behaviour. For my eldest it's raised voices so even if I am raging I have to keep very calm, quiet and direct to the point, which can be hard when you have a 17 year old absolutely raging at you.

Do speak to school about supporting an ADHD/ASD assessment. J was only diagnosed last year but all of that behaviour makes sense now.

And join the Facebook groups mentioned further up the thread.

itsgettingweird · 25/01/2022 15:06

www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/section/36

This is really useful.
Childrens and families act section 36 has got me through many a fight by quoting it.

Gazelda · 25/01/2022 15:11

@shanavine

Hi I'm a grandad of a nearly five year old girl. Her mum 26 , a student nurse lives with me I don't stay there all the time, I work full-time and have a partner a hours drive away That is all for context. The five year old gets aggressive with her mum if asked to do anything. Physically hits her even in front of people, which is new. We are awaiting psychologist appointment. But it appears to be all behavioral. She is very good in school and for her nanny most of the time. She does not care about the bold step, having her things removed. Equally rewards are not helping either. HELP
@shanavine you'll need to start your own thread. That way people will be able to clearly see your issue from your title and opening post and respond accordingly. Your post on this thread will get lost. It sounds a tough situation for you, I hope you get done good advice and support.
oakleaffy · 25/01/2022 15:16

“Him smashing things and intimidating you is not on and you need help from someone to deal with this. If you have any male relatives whom he respects, they could have words with him, or else try to find a male social worker or counsellor. The boy knows he is behaving badly and it has to stop.“

Agree completely.
People are ignoring this and concentrating on the school refusing, but the violence and intimidation of his mum is far more of an issue.

School failure can be put right later on, when the teen wants to go to college and get qualified in whatever interests them, but violence is a serious problem that does need addressing.

No one wants to work with an aggressive colleague, and even self employed people have to be even tempered with difficult clients.
The behaviour, not the school refusing is the biggest issue here.

OneWildNightWithJBJ · 25/01/2022 15:22

@GreenWhiteViolet Absolutely.

Moonface123 · 25/01/2022 15:27

Students of this age are not allowed to suffer mental health issues. Schools, Drs and Cahms are all way out of their depth in trying to deal with it, it is a very complex issue.
Adults are signed off work, where as the parents of the student are threatened with fines and prison. When are they going to wake up to the fact this totally inept tactic doesnt work, if it did there wouldn' t be the thousands of exhausted, struggling parents on NOT Fine At School website, (which was an enormous help to me at what felt a very hopeless time)
My advice would be to deregister, deschool and put your son in the driving seat. This is what l did , it took a while but my son has totally turned around. Dr' s and Cahms were hopeless,.l spent weeks, months, years even researching it all myself.
There is alot of info online.

Dodie66 · 25/01/2022 15:30

We went through similar. Teenage Child refused to go to school. A social worker used to come in the mornings to try and get them to go. We were told to drag the bedclothes off and open the windows to get them out of bed. That didn’t work and the social worker couldn’t get them to go to school, we ended up taking them out of school and home educating for a while. Then got them into a different school which was ok for a while but. Then the same problem. They had extreme anxiety. So they left. They went on to College and got some GCEs. The school said they would never get a job or be able to do anything. They now have a very successful gardening business. Have you thought about taking him out of school? There must be something that is making him hate school so much

SoTiredNeedHoliday · 25/01/2022 15:33

@CaMePlaitPas

TBH OP, I'd be driving him to school and watch him walk in. I might even sit in on his lessons with him. You need to stop giving him money. If he gets aggressive you call the police.
@CaMePlaitPas yeah right he won't go to school .... so your solution is for OP to drive him there??? Do you not think she's tried every option known to man to get her son out of the house and into school? I think you should just be quiet! You offer a very simplistic approach which has zero chance of success. Clearly you have no experience in dealing with a teen with mental health issues in a community where there is very little mental health support.
SoTiredNeedHoliday · 25/01/2022 15:38

@oakleaffy people are not ignoring his behavior and focusing on schooling. His behavior shows that he is suffering high stress / anxiety and maybe panic related to going to school... In his teenage brain aggression and refusal is all he can do to protect himself from being forced into a situation where his emotions (anxiety, panic etc etc) are sent off the scales and he simply can't cope.

People are focusing on the fact the DS needs MH support and the OP is being threatened with fines because she can't get her DS to school because he's suffering from MH issues.

You are right no-one wants to deal with aggressive adults and again hopefully OP will be successful in her campaign to get her DS the help he needs so that he grows up without MH issues surrounding him.

AuntMargo · 25/01/2022 15:39

I think he is playing you, and you are enabling his behaviour. The fact he is saying do you want me to cut. Stop making his time at home so pleasurable, stop giving him money. It sounds like he is allowed to do as he wishes.

theskyispurple · 25/01/2022 15:42

Another suggestion for not fine in school. His behaviour is showing you something is wrong and you and he need support, not punishment or threats.
People that might be able to help - gp, school nurse, and start keeping a record of each and every interaction you or he have with anyone. You will need this to prove you aren't just letting him bunk off.
The fb group not fine in school has TONS of advice, and hopefully you won't feel so alone x
You're doing great x