Keeping a child off on strike days even though they can go in?

[Userno36373637473]

Opinions?

hear me out.

ds is autistic, with learning delays and anxiety. He needs routine and consistency.

ds’s school is going to be partially open during the strike day next week. His year group are in but with a different timetable and staff variations and they cannot plan this. No guarantee his form tutor will be in etc. some year groups are not in at all.

his anxiety is already high right now. He’s had to deal with a lot of changes in school recently and not coped well and it’s led to challenging behaviour at home.

I feel that sending him could be a real trigger for him. I’ve also been told there could be striking teachers outside with boards etc (is they likely?!)

I am not bashing the teachers strikes and I’m lucky I can have him off on the day next week without any childcare issues.

I have no idea if his most trusted members of staff in school will be in and the school is unable to tell me that - unlikely to know themselves.

plus the kids he shared a taxi with some be going in as different year groups.

so I’m thinking it’s best to keep him off?!

No not in your instance. I would consider doing the same.
Is it an option to talk this through with your child and see what they would feel more comfortable with? You didn’t mention their age or understanding level so apologies if that’s not at all helpful.

My son has autism and also attends a special school. His class is open and he will be going in but I know he will be with his usual staff.
In your position I would keep him home rather than risk him not coping with the changes............I would expect the school to be supportive of that.

I would also keep him off

Sounds like a sensible decision for your son.

Thank you. His understanding is lower than his peers and we are dealing with school anxiety and refusal as it is 😭

I am concerned if he finds out other year groups are not in it will lead to refusal!

he doesn’t really understand the strikes either!

I am concerned about him having a mid week day off though and getting him back the next day!

I think you’re best placed to make the decision over what would be more disruptive for him. But yes, I think keeping him off would be a reasonable decision.

Honestly, in your circumstances I would do exactly the same. The disruption to your DS is likely to be too difficult for him to cope with, and it seems the obvious solution to help him with the current situation.

Are you able to do something educational on the day and maintain essentially the school day routine in terms of getting up, having breakfast, going out somewhere like a museum related to his current curriculum? Might maybe help with maintaining routine and your fears of a day off in the week leading to refusal the next day. It’s just a suggestion on the face of it although I appreciate I don’t know your situation fully.