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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

My son needs help - please!

181 replies

FitMum87 · 03/05/2019 01:06

Not an AIBU but I've never posted before and need as much advice as possible.

Will try not to drip feed but thank you for reading in advance. My son is 11. He is autistic in a mainstream school. He is is high functioning with low functioning autism. Physically incredible but socially struggles.

He is being badly bullied in his school. For months lots of his classmates have bullied him and then recruited more bullies. This went on for 3 months and weekly I would be in telling his teacher and her response was always 'I'll have a word' regardless of severity. He had no friends, he was broken. He was punched repeatedly, his stuff broken/stolen, slammed into walls. One time a boy pushed him and my DS pushed him back and only my son was in trouble. The teacher would let them get away with anything (she has been very open about her lack of punishments for the bullies and also big punishments from my son).

Here goes the main bulk of my sadness: these are all teachers. Will change names.

Teachers incidents:
1. DS had problems on the school playground with football and struggled socially to play the game properly. The SENCO (who is a cunt) put in place he can have 10mins each week with the ball alone to practice. He went and asked the playground staff (year 5 teaching assistant) if he could have the ball and the teacher repeated what he said louder and in a mocking ‘retarded’ voice in front of all his bullies. This teacher has admitted this 🙄🙄 and when I informed Mrs W (DSs actual teacher) she ‘spoke’ to this teacher but did not escalate it to the headteacher so the headteacher was unaware until I told her about it and DS is still yet to get an apology from this teacher. Headteacher has said it has now been adequately dealt with.
2. Mrs W (DS teacher) I used to have a good relationship with and over the 3 months of so many of his class bullying him I spoke to her about it and got the response of ‘oh I didn’t know, I’ll speak to them’ - regardless of situation, punching, stealing. SEN, bullying policy is to escalate physical or repeated matters, this was not the case. Parents to be updated - didn’t happen. Victim to have confidence building - didn’t happen. Bully to be adequately punished - all she did was speak to the parents at school pick up. Her words 🙄. So after 3 months of her not doing anything DS had nothing left and that’s when I went to the headteacher and Mrs W has told no one anything about it all when it should have been escalated so DS was still being bullied and no one being punished. One kid pushed him, DS pushed him back and only DS was punished. So this teacher is happy to punish DS and no one else. This teacher was NOT happy I escalated it and we had it out on the playground - I quoted every policy and she admitted everything but saw nothing wrong in her actions. - she is still a cunt but will get to that in a bit.
3. So this was all 3 weeks ago and everyone was ‘intensely’ working to improve things. On Monday one of the kids grabbed him by the collar and threw him around, shouted in his face. Then DS told the on-duty playground attendant (his own TA) and the TA said he’d ‘keep an eye out’. No punishment, nothing, didn’t even check if DS was ok, no policy being followed at all! So then the kid that did this to DS then starts crying and telling everyone that DS told on him so now the ‘recruiting bullying’ starts again so he gets other kids in his face shouting at him. Obviously nothing happened and I had to go into school and tell the teacher and headteacher. Headteacher dealt with it and his teacher Mrs W told DS off for not telling her and I told her that he did tell her for 3 months and she did nothing! Funnily enough she didn’t like that. So teacher is still a cunt. DS did what he should of done and no protection from one TA and being told off for doing what he should have done by his own teacher
4. So today.... 🙄 Thursday afternoon he has this Spanish teacher who anytime anyone makes a noise he announces to the class ‘just a reminder if DS distracts anyone, talks to you or makes a noise, just ignore him’. He doesn’t do this to any other child and does this repeatedly each week or Thursday and Friday afternoons. Friday is ICT. This is the last straw. 4 teacher who he HAS to see not helping him, infact making it worse.

SENCO - oh boy - what an arse! One who doesn’t want an EHCP for a severely autistic boy in DDs class as it’s ‘a lot of work’. All the SEN parents hate her. DS was repeatedly (like 20-30 times A DAY!) bulled by one kid (KID R) and when it was brought to their attention (SENCO and headteacher) rather than punishing the bully and teaching them to be better they wanted to ‘rebuild’ the friendship in play therapy session. I then said ‘DS doesn’t want to do that as he doesn’t feel comfortable around KID R and has requested that he just stops bullying him’. To which the SENCO replied: ‘yes he said the same to me but I thought it would help’
🙄 WHAT THE FUCK. DS (victim) has expressed he doesn’t want to be put with the bully as he doesn’t believe he will stop and doesn’t feel comfortable and the SENCO was forcing that he does that!! Funnily enough DS was told that KID R is going through some ‘family struggles’ so they are giving him some extra chances!! my Ex destroyed DS for many years emotionally and physically and is never allowed near him again. If anyone has family struggles it’s him!!! 🤬🤬🤬

OP posts:
FitMum87 · 03/05/2019 17:25

@clairelee17 thank you for the advice - it's all about knowing the correct words to use

OP posts:
maddening · 04/05/2019 07:09

Good update, I could not stop thinking about your thread, it is awful. I do think you have a legal case.

I think all the parents with children who have SEN should have a collective report to ofsted, this is systematic bullying by teachers and their assistants of vulnerable dc, let alone the lack prevention of bullying by children. This school sounds like it is bad from the core.

Which county are you in BTW?

Acis · 04/05/2019 07:12

Why can't the doctor say your son is medically unable to attend school? If the situation is making your son very stressed, that is a valid medical reason - to say nothing of the potential effect on his mental health. It will make life much easier if she can say this, otherwise they may start attendance action. Also it would enable you to push for something like home tuition.

FookMeFookYou · 04/05/2019 07:22

Placemarking

Littlebluebird123 · 04/05/2019 07:38

Firstly, I want to say that I'm so sorry this is happening. As a teacher I'm appalled at this treatment and the toxic nature of the school. It breaks my heart to hear the adults behaving in such an awful manner - no wonder the kids are too.

Secondly, you and your son are doing brilliantly. I would imagine that you are not emotionally as well put together as your posts but you are doing so well to support him and try to sort it.

Thirdly, I can only echo what many have said. Complain - governors, Ofsted, LADO, depends on what evidence you have and make sure you follow procedure ie needs to be governors next. But only do this is you have strength and time. Your son and his well being are more important.
I wouldn't deregister him, as they can then ignore what's going on. And it's often easier to access help when in the school system. (I'm a huge advocate for HE, but as he has a new school lined up I don't think it's a good idea.) But he should only go in if he wants. I would speak to the Education Welfare Officer and explain the situation, GP letter etc. Did you ask for CAMHS referral? They do often have waiting lists so may not give support for a few months but he will need help to get past this abuse. And any reasons for absence can be backed up.

Fourthly, be kind to yourself. I may sound patronising, and I don't mean to. But sadly I think this will be a long battle and you need to take time to look after your family. Be selfish about prioritising them and tough luck if the head isn't happy!
Hugs to you.

FitMum87 · 07/05/2019 23:05

Update;

So my son is still off school (obviously) and the headteacher has arranged for some work to come home for him to do at my request. Headteacher seems ok but I have to keep reminding myself that it's her staff failing so there can be no niceties.

My son had a good weekend. His first in a very very long time. He never gets invited anywhere (a few SEN parents say the same) and this weekend he went to an incredible comic drawing class with a friend in London with a famous comic artist. (I went too). He loved it. Then the friend invited him to watch avenger - end game. He was so happy to be invited that I had to say yes (I did see the film the other day to get it for him ). He was so sweet and worried about them paying for him and I gave him all the money he needed and some for him to buy his friend popcorn so he felt at ease and he had a great time and fell asleep at a normal time. My son NEVER falls asleep early or on time so must have been a big day for him Smile I know I am biased but his happy face is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

My daughter is also off school for a upper respiratory tract infection and a huge eczema flare up but he doesn't feel anything is different as his sister is off so hasn't mentioned school much, which must be nice for him.

As advised by people on this page and our local autism team we sat down and wrote a 3000 essay on everything that has happened to him documenting date, name, incidents, etc

We have the meeting with the headteacher tomorrow afternoon and the independent autism specialist is re-writing our letter to ensure it contains all the policies and words I don't know and wouldn't articulate well.

I shall come back and update you all after the meeting. I am praying that it goes well although I am unsure what 'well' is anymore.

Thank you all for your kindness, it is very much appreciated at an extremely tough time

OP posts:
FitMum87 · 07/05/2019 23:06

@maddening

We are in south east England.

Yes I think we could have a legal case, going to take things one step at a time however I am not too shy to escalate this as far as it deserves.

Thank you for posting

OP posts:
FitMum87 · 07/05/2019 23:07

@Acis

No idea, she seemed very unsure what to do to what she could do. I don't believe she had this situation before as she was very unsure.

OP posts:
FitMum87 · 07/05/2019 23:11

@Littlebluebird123

Thank you for your kindness. I am definitely struggling but am doing everything I can to stay level headed and ensure I can be what my son needs.

I will escalate in the proper order and won't de-register him.

I stupidly didn't ask for CAHMS but am happy
To go back and chase this up. I completely agree any good support he can get the better.

Thank you for posting and your kind words, it means a lot.

OP posts:
marvellousnightforamooncup · 07/05/2019 23:19

I've just read the thread and I'm appalled. Your poor son! He's so lucky to have you fighting his corner, well done.

Have you spoken to the other parents who've had similar complaints about also taking it to higher authorities? None of those bastards should be around vulnerable children.

FreeFreesia · 07/05/2019 23:27

The day in London sounds brilliant for two young boys. So glad you both got a reminder he has friends who like him just as he is.

ItsInTheSpoon · 07/05/2019 23:31

I’m so sorry to read of your son’s experience. That school is unbelievably awful! I am in awe of how you and he are dealing with such a terrible situation.... if you think it will help, please tell him another person - me - thinks he is amazing 🤩

maddening · 08/05/2019 00:19

Good luck for your meeting - give Em hell

Beeziekn33ze · 08/05/2019 00:26

I’ve read this thread with increasing shock and disgust at the treatment of your son. In a long career I’ve taught in several schools and seen many things which shouldn’t have happened but this beats them all. The head has a lot to answer for and some of her staff should be investigated as to whether they are fit to be in charge of children.
Your son is fortunate to have so brave and persistent parent as you.

So good to read of him enjoying a day out with a friend, I hope he’ll have many more happy days. He’s a child and deserves so much better than he has experienced in the toxic environment of that primary school.

CSIblonde · 08/05/2019 00:54

I'd draw a line now. It's gone to far & his mental health is at risk. Home Ed til secondary school, get the school to set work for you. And get everything written down re the useless SENCO, Head & class Teacher & then write to LA, School Governors etc. They've breached policies as well as massively failed in their 'Duty of Care'. Glad he's seeing GP & really feel for you both.

sam221 · 08/05/2019 01:24

I am genuinely wondering why you don't report the physical abuse to the police. The age of criminal responsibility is over the age of ten and your son i am guessing has all the abuse documented?
Bullying is not just kids playing around, it leaves the poor victim with scars for life.
Therefore there should culpability and accountability by the bullys and their families would need to deal with their horrible children.

Zandra123 · 08/05/2019 01:58

My son is aspergers and is 23 now, primary school was the worst time of his life, although the bullying wasn't as bad as you describe. He had massive anxiety, OCD etc, but they have decreased and things do get better as they get older, it just seems forever at the time. He's found his people doing a science PhD at the moment.

Anyway we often chat about the bad years, things that happened, he'd get so anxious that he'd just poo his pants and just stay like that until home time on a few occasions. He says he wishes I took him out of school and away from the situation so that he could have been less stressed and therefore his mental health would have been better. He thinks he would have had a better chance at high school had he started in a better place.

He would talk about not wanting to live and I know how bad it feels when it's your child, but honestly things get better but you do need to reduce his anxiety before you will get him back.

One things with our kids schools hate, their extremely good memories for repeating everything that's happened in school, means they can't hide anything!

dontfluffthefluffer · 08/05/2019 16:45

That sounds like an amazing weekend of fun for your ds. Hope the meeting goes/went well.

FitMum87 · 13/05/2019 13:43

Hi everyone, got an update from the meeting.
It was very much a formality and my son was there and was incredible once again!

Pretty much was a note taking session to then investigate further but one point was (I don't know what the correct word is) crazy.

So Mr S (teacher on Thursday and Friday afternoon) admitted to the headteacher that he singles out my son and another child in a SEN class and said 'just a reminder if so and so says anything, speaks or does anything to annoy you....)

Well.... when this was brought up it was discussed as this is an approved method to ensure no attention goes to the child who is misbehaving.

At this point I was thought 'crap, I really thought he done something wrong, something doesn't feel ok about it'.

Thankfully my brain kicked in and asked if he does this to any other children and the answer was 'no'.

That's it!

So I pointed out that unless this teacher does this to each and every student every single time they make a noise it is not discrimination. However as he only does it to two SEN children every time they make a noise it is discrimination (insert Britain's Got Talent golden buzzer).

Then I also went through the policy that stated if a teacher has been unable to stop a child misbehaving over a period of time then they should consult the Senco or the next teacher above them. This never happened so this teacher was happy to let this continue and mock my son and this boy.

OP posts:
SnowyAlpsandPeaks · 13/05/2019 14:09

Well done OP- Golden Buzzer!!!!

FreeFreesia · 13/05/2019 14:36

Awesome! It is so hard to think on your feet in those moments.

BertyFlanter · 13/05/2019 18:32

I just got a little tear in my eye reading about your sons weekend.
My boy is the same age, (no SEN) and I would be furious if anyone treated him like this. What a wonderful mum he has, and what a wonderful son you have Thanks
And the power and knowledge of Mumsnet to help you out too!

FitMum87 · 13/05/2019 23:01

@SnowyAlpsandPeaks
Felt very proud of myself Smile

OP posts:
FitMum87 · 13/05/2019 23:02

@FreeFreesia completely agree, I normally walk away from a situation going 'Damn it, I wish I said.....'

OP posts:
FitMum87 · 13/05/2019 23:03

@BertyFlanter thank you Smile I am very lucky to have him.
Yes mumsnet has been incredible for us and our fight. So happy I posted and asked for help.

OP posts:
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