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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not know what to do?

8 replies

Jadebanditchillipepper · 22/10/2024 00:47

I have 3 DCS. Eldest is now 20, neuroltypical and really enjoying university . DS 18 has recently finished his A Levels and is taking a year out before he goes to university in our home city (he is neurodiverse and we had an absolute nightmare getting him through his GCSES, but we got there).

DD2 12 is also neurodiverse and in the last 2-3 weeks I cannot get her to school. She's year 8. During year 7 a lot of reasonable adjustments were put in place and she managed, but during year 8 she has had several new teachers and I think the adjustments have slipped,

She is now struggling to attend school. It's awful and I don't know what to do. We've had a meeting, they've said they will do x,y and z, but there was a definite implication that my dd is milking it and needs to get back to school.

The day after the meeting, she wasn't willing/able to go to school. Eventually, with a lot of coaxing, I got her in (without uniform, she wasn't going in with it because she was afraid they'd make her go to lessons) late and we both got told off for her trouble. My daughter in particular was told that I will get into trouble if she doesn't attend school. Anyway, she spent an hour with a pupil engagement officer and seemed a lot happier. The day after that she attended school for the whole day and seemed OK.

This morning, she has refused again, despite saying she had a good day on Friday. I don't know what to do. She hasn't attended more than two days a week for the last three weeks and I can't make her and if I did make her, she would lose all trust in me which would make it worse.

School seem to think that I'm pandering to her and keeping her off to keep me company or something (I work three days a week in shifts for the NHS so this is not the case at all). She says she wants to go to school but can't make herself go and gets really anxious and upset. I realise that there probably isn't a quick fix, but any advice gratefully received.

Thank you

OP posts:
PrincessofWells · 22/10/2024 00:49

She needs to go or it will just get worse, have you suggested she force herself and explained the consequences of giving in to anxiety?

Manyshelves · 22/10/2024 00:50

Your post is a bit contradictory, can you make her? Or do you not want to make her?

Has she said why she’s not going?

username35890 · 22/10/2024 00:53

Who looks after her when you're at work?

Jadebanditchillipepper · 22/10/2024 00:58

I can' t make her. She's as tall as I am now and if I tried to manhandle her down the stairs, I suspect one of both of us would be Injured. If she doesn' t go to school, her 18 year old brother is always in the house. I'm at home 2 days a week and her Dad is at home 1 day. I really want her in school, but I'm not prepared to break her trust- if she doesn't trust me, who can she trust?

OP posts:
Manyshelves · 22/10/2024 01:01

How would you break her trust?

I meant make her by telling her, rather than picking her up and taking her!

BobbyBiscuits · 22/10/2024 01:07

Either she goes to school or she's kicked out of school. You need to tell her you cannot home school her as you have to work to keep a roof over her head. You pretty much do need to force her. Not with physical violence obviously.
But consequences. You can withdraw treats, ground her, stop internet and phone access.
Unless there is a genuine medial reason, and she may need to switch to a different learning environment or school. But she can't just bunk off at home, or elsewhere.
I know it must be hard for you but I feel you need to pretty much tell her there's no other option right now.

Manyshelves · 22/10/2024 01:18

Practical advice: I’d approach it jointly with her dad and speak to the school together. Tell her that there’s a risk of you being prosecuted if she does not attend and that it’s not optional. Take any help and advice the school offer. Talk to them about supports being put in place and stuck to.

Is there any specific reason that she doesn’t want to go? This might make a difference. I’d let her know she can tell you so you can sort out any such issues

TashaTudor · 22/10/2024 01:23

School will start fast track proceedings. You will then go to court and be fined up to £2500. Social services will get involved as well.
My son was out of school for years. You need to request an ehcp and a school that can meet her needs. Or drag her kicking and screaming to school.

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