To want to dump dd on head's desk...

[Dawndonnaagain]

New head, no headphones in school. At all. We have to learn in our free periods and make new friends. Ahh, isn't that lovely.

I have just picked up 18 year old dd from sixth form. The noise was so great that she shit herself and had a meltdown. She is now completely non verbal and will be for a while.
I have complained. Apparently this isn't a safeguarding issue. Fucking is.
Grrrrrrr!

I'm confused....

Tell them you will take them to court for negligence. Arses.

Sorry Writer I'm wound up. Dd has Asperger Syndrome.

Is there anyone professional you can get on your side to provide evidence of your dds clear need for headphones?

Unfortunately it sounds like you are going to have to do some more educating.

I would be asking the HT if they know what 'reasonable adjustments' are!

It's ok Dawn, I understand now. I think that's horrendous and I can't believe he is allowed up get away with it? I hope your daughter is ok and I'm sorry she was put through this by the Head who for some reason seems to think he knows better.

What can you do about it? Does he have a Senior you can complain to?

Have you told the school that DD has Aspergers? Are they aware of what that might mean for DD? I'm not, but I know that this may well come under the SEN banner, and that school will have an obligation to provide for your DD's particular needs. Don't rant, engage the school in a sensible conversation. Ask to speak to the tutor and/or the SENCO (SEN co-ordinator).

Just re-read your post. It's NOT a safeguarding issue. But it IS an SEN issue. Talk to the school calmly, without ranting.

Couldn't she have worn earplugs?

This is a school in which her twin was told she couldn't access the German course properly because she has AS.

What quietbat said.

Was she wearing headphones or ear defenders previously?

Ear defenders are used by a lot of schools for children with ASD or aspergers and I would insist on your dd having them.
If it was headphones then is the issue that some children are listening to music on them?

I know. The tutor said she didn't know how to teach her because of her ASDs.

Sounds awful. I would ask the school how they plan on protecting your daughter from unneeded distress then.

I don't like the idea of telling 18 year olds how to spend free time in college anyway but if they insist on the policy they have to be willing to make reasonable compromise

I don't think teachers have any business telling 18-year olds how to spend their free periods, anyway. If you want to spend it reading, listening to music, doing homework, etc, that is Completely Up To You.

I would be pointing out to the HT that AS is a disability and he is contravening the equality act not to make reasonable adjustments.

Been to school. Sorted. New head knows a bit more about AS now!

Glad its sorted I have a feeling he knows exactly what your dds issues are Dawn dd cant cope without her headphones she has dyspraxia and easily distracted and outside noise can also over stimulate her

I have visions of the Head peering out from under their desk whispering "is it safe to come out now..."

Glad it was sorted so quickly

How bloody awful you your dd and you!

Glad it's sorted. But everything shouldn't have to be a sodding battle.