Someone complained about my child at sports day!

[SackRaceComplainer]

DC is 8, Y4. Has SN including dyspraxia.

For sports day every child has to take part. DC has some adjustments for sports day so they can fully take part.

Even with their adjustments they still come last in every race.

Someone has complained about the sack race and how my DC had an unfair advantage. DC started roughly half way along the track in their sack, had help to get in from staff (which the others didn’t) and then was picked up when they fell over while doing it whereas the others had to get themselves to their feet, DC had insisted they wanted to do this race – they were told they did not have to do it.

DC still came last and finished about 2 minutes after the other children they were racing. DC also fell through the finish ribbon thing onto the grass and had to be helped out.

And someones complained to the Governors about DC starting in a different place and that giving them an unfair advantage even though my child came last. Apparently starting half way along the track was an advantage.

Apparently it was taken straight to the governors, and I was informed as I was asked by the HT if she could share with the governors why DC started where they did because it’ll help the governors to decide if it’s an Reasonable Adjustment for DCs condition or whether in future all children start in the same place - I was just picking DC up for an appointment and was told this. HT says she doesn't agree it was an advantage.

My DC struggles enough as it is, just being upright is hard for them and now someone is complaining. DC was thrilled to even finish the sack race, they don’t care where they placed! The person who complained as a child in my DCs class – as it's been mentioned by name on the class whatsapp, and they’ve been together since Reception so said parent will have a fairly good idea of why DC started where they did.

Whats likely to happen now anyone know?

I have a child with DCD as well, I'm pleased your son took part in sports day and wanted to race, you must be proud of him.

The other parent can fuck right off and I hope she is told that by the governors.

Eh? There’s nothing “woke” a bit reasonable adjustments for a disabled child.

About!

WTF?

That’s like saying a child who gets extra time in an exam has an unfair advantage. Well done to your little one!! That shows their bravery and determination. I’d go and see the governors yourself!

A child who needs extra support receiving extra support seems a RIDICULOUS thing to complain about to me, OP, and I’m sorry there are clearly some complete idiots for parents at your DC’s school.

that other parent should be ashamed of themselves! X

I was asked by the HT if she could share with the governors why DC started where they did because it’ll help the governors to decide if it’s an Reasonable Adjustment for DCs condition or whether in future all children start in the same place -

Please let her tell them.

At the same time, please insist to HT calls in the complaining parent to give them the same explanation. May it shame and embarrass them to have been such a miserable cavilling arsehole.

That's ridiculous. I am a parent governor and if that was me I would suggest the parents spoke to the head and I wouldn't expect any feedback at all because at the end of the day it's not our job to get involved in the day to day running of things. Don't they have more important things to discuss?

What an arrogant arse that person is. Nothing will happen. School have to address it I guess. Even the ridiculous issues like this. My sons autistic and goes to a specialist school so we’re somewhat shielded from things like this in some circumstances. Don’t you worry any more. Turn around and tell them you feel unfairly challenged and discriminated against. She has no right to know why or what your child’s disability/disadvantage is it’s between the school and yourself

I wonder why the OP buggered off?

If woke means reasonable adjustments made for disability as required by law, then I very much hope so.

This!

WHAT!!! That's ridiculous!!! This should never have been brought to your attention! What a joke- the mind boggles!!!

I would love to get my teeth into the letter replying to the parent. I support governors and headteachers with advice and trouble shooting. According to them, strident letters are my forte!😂

How embarrassing for that parent to complain about such a thing. I hope the school puts them in their place.

Fight your corner, I can’t imagine this happening at my school and it’s very poor and entitled behaviour from the other parent. Your DC sounds really resilient, you’re obviously doing a great job. Absolutely agree that the school need to stand by you, it should never have gone as far as the governors.

What a selfish mean spirited person she is. I'm stunned that she would even raise the issue. Good for your son for taking part and finishing through all the ups and downs. Normal people would be cheering him on. Unbelievable!

They can't not make adjustment for people with disabilities as that would be illegal. The person who complained needs to go on an equality course

It’ll go to governors who will take the HT advice on whether it is a reasonable adjustment and the complaining parent will be told very politely to butt out and that the governors have considered it carefully.

at least this is what would happen in my school where I am the chair of governors 😁

That parent is a dick! I would think the governors have to look like they're considering the issue but, most likely, they're calling that parent all the cunts under the sun.
My DS is autistic, has hypotonia and flat feet which makes running quite difficult. Nevertheless, he loves taking part in sports day - I've been in tears many times whilst (mostly) everyone cheers him over the finishing line. As the years have gone by though, there have been kids that have made comments about how he made their team lose and how he shouldn't do sports day - DS has fed this back to me, along with how a few of the kids have said that their dad's have said how he shouldn't be on the team. How I've remained civil at the school gates, I do not know - I'm in awe that you haven't given them what for on the WhatsApp thread, I would've had to remove myself from the group! Hopefully, the governors and HT will tell this parent to wind their neck in.

Yes they really do need to ask or it would be a breach of the data protection act

OP that parent is disgraceful.

I would leave them with something to think about if it ever comes up in conversation or in the WhatsApp group.

"Sometimes treating everyone the same is the most unfair thing you can do"

My DD14 has SEN does the parent also think that these kids shouldn't get extra time in exams for example? Bloody shocking.

They need the parents permission to tell anyone at all,

Some people are just ignorant. Anyone with half an ounce of common sense these days knows not all disabilities are visible and they should keep their opinions to themselves. Your child will flourish with reasonable adjustments, however no amount of adjustments will stop this turnip being a tool