Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

SN club without SN

140 replies

HOL2024 · 03/09/2024 20:51

Our DS6 went back to school and has been invited to join a SN lunch club.

No communication from the school on this, just heard it off him that he’s going to club tomorrow. He does not have any SN and is not under SENCO.

Am I being unreasonable by being extremely pissed off and wanting a meeting with the headteacher tomorrow?

OP posts:
Starlightstarbright3 · 03/09/2024 20:52

I would be asking the question why but no need to go in guns all blazing .

SilenceInside · 03/09/2024 20:55

Why would it piss you off? Is it the association with "SN" children that's upset you?

Just ask the school, they should have communicated the reason to you in advance, alternatively it may have been an admin error.

Lemonade2011 · 03/09/2024 20:55

Perhaps just a mistake?
why are you so pissed off? My son has sn and being invited to a bloody lunch club is the least of my worries he’s had no formal education since Feb and struggles massively at school. I’m sure the head teacher has better things to do just be thankful your child doesn’t need the sn lunch club

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Bikechic · 03/09/2024 20:57

Is it really called a special needs lunch club? If you've only found out from your DC how do you know it's for SN.

HOL2024 · 03/09/2024 20:57

Due to the lack of communication

OP posts:
NotSoCoolRunnings · 03/09/2024 20:57

Maybe he's shy at school or struggling to know where to put himself at lunch? How would you know it's a SN club? Why does it matter anyway?

R053 · 03/09/2024 20:58

Perhaps they want a mix of non special needs and special needs at the club?

SilenceInside · 03/09/2024 20:59

It's a lunch time club, I'm not sure what there is to be angry about? If you don't want him to attend, just let his teacher know and/or the school admin team.

HOL2024 · 03/09/2024 21:00

Is it normal for schools to ask 6 year olds if they want to join a club without consulting parents?

OP posts:
Laszlomydarling · 03/09/2024 21:00

Yes you're unreasonable to be pissed off. Why so angry? If you want to query it of course that's fine. But there's nothing to be angry about.

We have some SEN children who have their lunch separately due to sensory overload, and then some play separately too, either for similar reasons or possible safety reasons. They often invite friends to join them.

Maybe your child struggles in some way at lunchtime and has been invited to the club to help him cope.

Frowningprovidence · 03/09/2024 21:00

I dont know why you need a meeting with the head?

Can't you just ask the class teacher what the aim of the club is and why your son has been selected as it will likely have been the teacher's decision.

Fooshufflewickjbannanapants · 03/09/2024 21:01

Are you worried he'll catch the SEN?

Laszlomydarling · 03/09/2024 21:03

NotSoCoolRunnings · 03/09/2024 20:57

Maybe he's shy at school or struggling to know where to put himself at lunch? How would you know it's a SN club? Why does it matter anyway?

Great point! How do you know it's an SN club? And it certainly wouldn't be called that anyway. Something isn't right. Maybe your child is confused.

SilenceInside · 03/09/2024 21:03

Yes it's normal for the school to offer activities during lunchtime if they think it's of benefit to the child. They should have communicated with you as to what it is and why.

I can't work out why you're so angry about this. You just need some simple clarification and then if you still feel massively affronted that they've suggested this you can tell the school you don't want your child to participate.

Laszlomydarling · 03/09/2024 21:04

HOL2024 · 03/09/2024 21:00

Is it normal for schools to ask 6 year olds if they want to join a club without consulting parents?

Yes. Parents do not need to give consent for a lunchtime club. Only a before or after school club. Why would it even affect you?

Rainingagainagain · 03/09/2024 21:05

Clubs are normally communication clubs, to help a whole host of kids including shy kids.

yes it’s normal for clubs to be available at lunch for kids to come and go at.

HOL2024 · 03/09/2024 21:06

He says that they go for lunch early then play inside while everyone else is eating or playing outside. I personally don’t think that that is healthy for a child who doesn’t need it. He should be outside playing.

OP posts:
Headawobble · 03/09/2024 21:06

Is your son upset about being in the club? I can't understand being so angry about it but would certainly check with the school and clarify. My son has SN and does a few mixed group clubs throughout the year.

HOL2024 · 03/09/2024 21:07

Headawobble · 03/09/2024 21:06

Is your son upset about being in the club? I can't understand being so angry about it but would certainly check with the school and clarify. My son has SN and does a few mixed group clubs throughout the year.

No he thinks he’s in the club as if it’s exciting

OP posts:
Bikechic · 03/09/2024 21:08

HOL2024 · 03/09/2024 21:00

Is it normal for schools to ask 6 year olds if they want to join a club without consulting parents?

If it's free, doesn't involve going off site or staying later, or religious instruction then it doesn't seem necessary to consult a parent. It's probably just games and Lego, but it's worth asking what it's about to keep yourself informed.

SilenceInside · 03/09/2024 21:08

And this is every lunchtime? Or once a week?

HOL2024 · 03/09/2024 21:08

SilenceInside · 03/09/2024 21:08

And this is every lunchtime? Or once a week?

Three times a week

OP posts:
SometimeSomewhere · 03/09/2024 21:09

Yes you are being unreasonable to be as pissed off as you seem about it. Just calmly talk to the school and ask what exactly the club is and what they think your child will get from it. I don't think you need to involve the head teacher.

HOL2024 · 03/09/2024 21:09

SometimeSomewhere · 03/09/2024 21:09

Yes you are being unreasonable to be as pissed off as you seem about it. Just calmly talk to the school and ask what exactly the club is and what they think your child will get from it. I don't think you need to involve the head teacher.

Thanks, just ask the admin team?

OP posts:
Headawobble · 03/09/2024 21:10

If he's excited then I would let him enjoy it. Speak ro the school and they may have a valid reason- which I agree should have been communicated earlier. I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with it/anything that makes it unhealthy as long as he's enjoying it and does get to go outside at some point during the school week!