To be batshit cross that my dc has had to sign a contract saying he will play with a child at school?

[GibbonMinstrel]

There's a long history.

My ds is shy, geeky. Knows what he likes -very academic/not great socially There's a bulldozer child who is his opposite. Alpha mum, jazz hands, sporty, darling-darling who is related to a staff member.

This other child has worked his way through his class bullying kids, controlling stuff and really wrecking friendships. My ds just doesn't get on with this kind of person. He reads during a lot of breaks (TA is a friend and has told me) and the other child has been taking,kicking and removing his books. It all came to a head last Friday when my DS reacted and screamed and the child to leave him alone and walked away.

The other kid went into meltdown- involved the headteacher (yes really) and between them they decided the best solution would be to contractually oblige my kid(nobody else's) to play for three set days with him.

Dh drafted up a contract yesterday for the HT to come to every single weekend BBQ over the summer and asked her to sign it and he was told not to be so ridiculous (hmm really)

The contract was enforced today and I've just collected DS from school in bits saying he doesn't want to go back.

Is this completely batshit or have I entered a twilight zone.

Sorry to be so ranty. I'm so cross!

Batshittery of the very highest order.

I would definitely make waves over this.....One of the main reasons I started Home Ed with my lot was because I was so sick of kids having to conform to all be the bloody same, they have to play when they're told to, work when they're told you, play with who they are told to.....Bollocks.....We're right behind you! Show HT this post! She's a bloomin' loon! That bully needs a whuppin'! ;-) x

I know that in many cases governors and headteachers are on the same side, and that is as it should be.

However, there are sometimes occasions when the relationship goes tits up. Not too often, but it can happen.

I do know of one notorious case round here when governors withdrew funding for an experimental cornerstone policy of a headteacher. It has yielded poor results despite the headteacher flogging it to death for several years. Governors said the school could no longer afford to support it. End of story.

Hopefully (but don't hold your breath) the governors see sense.

I am so glad that you have in writing now that they will not allow you, as the parent, to see a supposed piece of shit contract your child was made to sign without you being present or even consulted. I hope your DH's law colleagues make mincemeat of them.

Yes to visiting the Science Museum. Brilliant idea. DS will love it. We were there recently with our three DDs. It is a brilliant place.

Absolutley horrenedous! I'd be fucking raging!! I'd go in calmly to see the HT, tell them that you expect the bully to be punished for his behaviour, rip up the 'contract' and tell them that if this situation isn't dealt with appropriatley, you will be seeking legal advice. Good luck. X

This is incredible, I can't believe a school would actually do this to a pupil?! Anyway, as your DS is a minor but over the age of 7, he can enter into a contract legally but it's voidable, so he can cancel it at any time before he reaches the age of 18. In short, they can stick their contract! Your poor DS though , I hope you are able to resolve it!

Your poor sn. Good that he has you in his corner.

You can't force a child to play with someone. I work in school and I get children saying 'so and so won't play with me'. I do ask said children if they'd like to play and how it isn't nice to feel left out but if the child really doesn't want to then you can't force it. My child sounds like your DS. Much rather read his book than 'energetic' read 'rough' play.

Can you do a subject access request under the data protection act to get a copy of the contract? (Not an expert, just an idea, someone more knowledgeable might know.)

What a crock of shit! Your poor DS, but i hope he's enjoying his time iff with you xx

Hope you enjoy your day at the Science Museum!

Absolutely outraged by this. And surprised. I didn't think any teacher or person could be so unreasonable.

user yes absolutely she can do that, a SAR on behalf of her DS. The school would have 40 calendar days to respond though, so it isn't a rapid process. Although technically by asking for a copy of the "contract" she has already made a SAR for that specific personal information and can contact the ICO to complain about the school's outright refusal to provide it.

WTAF

They wouldn't let you see the contract?

What a fucking crock of shit

I felt compelled to write here- I've read all of your updates with an open mouth. It sounds ridiculous. Please keep us updated.

Look after yourself too, this is them not you. It's sometimes hard to remember that and you might even start to doubt yourself as it's so ridiculous but it's definitely them.

Wow!!!!!

Unbelievable! Not saying I don't believe, just unbelievable that the school would act this way!

WOW! What a shower of shit this HT and the school seem to be! You've definitely done the right thing, the HT should be sorting herself out immediately I am SO glad your husband is getting the legal time involved. I hope you and DS have an amazing time at the science museum and please keep us posted, this ridiculous situation cannot continue! Does the head normally make insane decisions and then try to back track on them afterwards?? Ridiculous!!

Bloody hell! I wonder when the HT is going to stop digging.

Have a great day out tomorrow OP

I'm gobsnacked. It sounds like you've got your sh!t together though - I hope you enjoy tomorrow. Don't give up on this...keep fighting

This entire thread has gripped me, can't believe the school can be such a bunch of cunts!!!!!! How blinkered can they be! And how can they not see how out of order and IMO discriminatory they're behaving. Whole heartedly 100% got your back and I'm a teacher. I'm flabbergasted!

Ps enjoy the science museum and the Tim Peake exhibit!

Do a Freedom of Information request.

I'd go straight to a solicitor! I have never heard of such crap and I'm pretty sure it could be seen as harassment which is a police matter. However, check with the head first and make sure you get all the facts! Good luck x

Well this was already a crazy situation, and then the HT denied access to a contract your son, a minor, had been pressured to sign. Super crazy.

You have a right to your child's educational records, which I believe should be delivered within 15 days. You could also file a Freedom of Information request to access any documentation relating to your child, although I don't know if that is successful with schools. Whatever you do, tread carefully, have witnesses, get everything in writing. You need to play a long game here.

I hope your DS is feeling better. It certainly isn't his bloody fault. Good luck OP, and enjoy your day out tomorrow!

You are in this country and not North Korea?