To think this is a Reasonable Adjustment for disability?

[Batterypoweredmumra]

cross posted in SN too for traffic.

DS has SPD and ASD. Clothes are a huge issue and things took a marked downward turn when he went up to juniors and had to wear a shirt and tie. He absolutely couldn't tolerate the collar, I tried all kinds of shirts and collars and his meltdowns were epic. Full on self harming, screaming fits, and if I did manage to get him in, then he'd refuse the tie and then rip the lot off at home time. He'd also only wear shorts, not trousers.

So our autism support lady pointed out that his best days are the days when he does swimming, as they're allowed to wear PE kit all day and suggested that he wear this every day instead of the usual uniform.

We trialled this for two weeks and he's like a different child! Mornings are infinitely easier, he's more relaxed at pickup and is generally happier all round.

And yet I've been told today that this isn't part of school policy and the head needs to get permission from the governors, and wants to discuss a phased return to uniform.

I'm really disappointed. Can they do this?

I know what you mean about tights. He gets his sensory stuff from me!

I suspect that I won't hear any more about this, and the SENCO was a bit previous to even mention it.

''I might have missed this earlier in the thread, but I do think you need to anticipate the head arguing 1) he has been wearing the uniform in school (from what I gather?), so he clearly can tolerate it, 2) you said it was a mission getting him into the infants' polo shirt, but again, he managed it for two years. ''

It makes my blood boil when arguments like the above are put forward to try to catch children with SN out. If the HT tries this he is an arse who needs training in sensory processing difficulties and anxiety.

I have got two kids with SEN, one pretty serious, and I think given the daftness of this and the fact primary uniform is optional anyway, I would probably tell them where to get off on this one.

I'm failing to see what the change of policy is. Surely the definition of a change of policy is something that applies to all children.

This is simply a reasonable adjustment being made for one child in order to comply with the 2010 Equalities Act. It's not a policy change.

Would they enforce the school shoes policy on a child with no legs?

The board of Governors doesn't have the right to override equalities legislation so the head really doesn't need to bring them into this.

YANBU, that's ridiculous.

I teach in an independent prep with a very strict uniform policy. But we've had special dispensations made for way less severe needs than your sons. Eg:
Boys below Year 5 wear shorts but a boy with severe eczema was allowed to wear long trousers from the start.
Girls wear skirts and tights but a girl with an intense hatred/fear of 'girl clothes' was allowed to wear shorts and 'boy's' shoes and socks.
Boys wear ties but an autistic boy was allowed a clip on tie.
Children with mobility problems (whether temporary or permanent) are allowed to wear black trainers instead of less supportive/comfortable formal black shoes.

I would be amazed if any of those things were run by the governors.

For a state primary school it should be a total non issue - they can't actually make them wear uniform full stop.

It's crackers isn't it, and doesn't make sense.

I think it was a kind of shot across the bows that they'll go along with it but it's a concession, not a legally protected adjustment.

I haven't RTFT but - "head needs to get permission from the governors" - what a load of old bollocks .

Just send him in in PE kit - send a letter (quoting the Act), informing them that that is what you're going to do.

Fucking hell. Prissy little fucker aren't they? Poor child. School uniform is such a load of nonsense anyway.....and this kind of frankly inhumane enforcement of it is even worse. Of COURSE it is a reasonable adjustment. Kids all over the world go to school without a uniform and manage just fine.

Update:

I've been called in to see the head and SENCO on Monday. The SENCO wants to discuss the implementation of some of the recommendations from a recent Ed Psych visit and the head wants to talk about getting him "back into some sort of uniform next term."

Thankfully I have a very good autism family support lady who has kindly agreed to come to the meeting. Hopefully I won't have to say much as this has really upset me. The difference it's made to him is amazing and the return to uniform is unthinkable.

One of the staff said that they thought there had been a problem with other people (don't know if kids or parents) asking why he wasn't in uniform and for privacy purposes they can't discuss it with them. It was suggested that my son might talk to his class about his issues to help them understand, but given that he has very little understanding of his condition, I think that's a terrible idea, but don't know what else to suggest.

Kids school uniform is tie October till Easter...then polo shirts....why does a 7 year old need a tie???

Ds's have lost/twanged/destroyed at least ten each since October...at £3 a tie it's not cheap.

The school occasional let ds wear his school or T-shirt he us much happier and therefore more likely to complete his work

Twinkletow does your child have a diagnosis too?

I'll start by saying I only have a 2 year old but...

I think this meeting may be time to start getting a bit bullish on this topic. Prepare a script if it'll help, but tell them:
-this is a reasonable adjustment, it does not cost money, it does not affect any other pupil's learning, and your DS is clean, tidy, and an easily identifiable member of the school community

• since this adjustment has been made his learning and confidence have improved immeasurably
• he WILL continue to attend school in the PE uniform
• if the school/governing board think that this is NOT a reasonable adjustment they will explain in writing on headed paper, naming the person making the points, why not within (sensible timeframe). Otherwise they must by law allow the reasonable adjustment
• until the explanation in writing for not allowing this is received, there will be no further discussion on the matter and your son will attend school, successfully learning, in his PE kit

Then say no more, they MUST allow a reasonable adjustment so it's up to them to argue what is unreasonable about it. fuck 'em

Thankyou, that's very supportive! Noted!

I'm hoping I won't have to dig my heels in and that it'll be sensible etc but I'm more than prepared to stand firm. I just can't get my head around that I even have to have this discussion.

I'm sorry the school are still resisting

Don't let them make you doubt yourself, this is absolutely a reasonable adjustment for his disability and they should allow it.