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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be a little worried about my SEND child on a school residential?

12 replies

ToffeePennie · 16/06/2025 09:21

He’s done trips before (undiagnosed) but they were day visits. This time he’s gone for a whole week with the school and although I know they act in loco parentis, I don’t KNOW they will act “like” a parent would.
He struggles to sleep when he’s at home in routine, but I’m thinking all the outdoor activities might tire him out?
I know this is really really good for him, but I’m concerned. He takes 3 types of medication daily but needs prompting to take them, and I’m not convinced the school teacher will remember.
Im just having a silly worry aren’t I?

OP posts:
MumChp · 16/06/2025 09:22

I would talk to the school.

He needs help around bedtime and an eye on medication. If they won't do that I wouldn't send him.

Bluevelvetsofa · 16/06/2025 09:23

How old is he?

I’m assuming the staff all know about the medication and when it should be taken.

Heronwatcher · 16/06/2025 09:26

Definitely talk to the school. I think if they have worries they would probably have raised it with you so they are probably happy but absolutely talk to them
about things they may not have seen. The medication will be no issue as long as they know what/ when. Also if they are at an organised centre the staff there should be trained to deal with SEN as long as they know the details.

Definitely bend over backwards to ensure that he can go unless absolutely impossible though.

Whu · 16/06/2025 09:26

A teacher or TA will have the medication stored safely and ensure your child takes them and at the correct times. This needs to be sorted and agreed prior to the trip.
They will be used to dealing with issues with lack of sleep and supporting bed times but it definitely worth speaking to them about your concerns so they can pay particular attention to your DS.

TheNightingalesStarling · 16/06/2025 09:28

Lots of children take medication for all sorts of things, teachers will be very used to it. They will likely make if a list of who needs what when

Original poster
ToffeePennie · 16/06/2025 09:30

He’s 10, he left this morning, everything has been put in place, he doesn’t have a 1-1 or anything and the school have been given the medication and the forms.
Im just being a little paranoid as we couldn’t reach a sensible compromise on his need for “background noise” at night, but have said they will room him and his bestie in a tent together outside so that should help!
Im being silly, I know it.

OP posts:
Comedycook · 16/06/2025 09:36

Is there an actual reason you think the teacher won't remember or are you just feeling anxious? I'm sure the teachers will take dispensing medication to the children very seriously....and I'm sure he won't be the only one who will be taking medication on the trip so it's highly unlikely they'd just forget.

And yes, I bet he'll be absolutely shattered after all the activities!

I have two DC...one has sn. It was actually my dc without sn who struggled the most on a residential trip.

I'm sure he'll be just fine op...but I understand the worry

MumChp · 16/06/2025 09:37

ToffeePennie · 16/06/2025 09:30

He’s 10, he left this morning, everything has been put in place, he doesn’t have a 1-1 or anything and the school have been given the medication and the forms.
Im just being a little paranoid as we couldn’t reach a sensible compromise on his need for “background noise” at night, but have said they will room him and his bestie in a tent together outside so that should help!
Im being silly, I know it.

No not silly you are a mother.

But what more should the do?

BeautifulPeopleGo · 16/06/2025 09:37

My child who is on a lot of medication has been on three residentials and it’s been fine. They also keep them up late and tire them out so they sleep.

Bluevelvetsofa · 16/06/2025 14:06

As a teacher who has been on several residentials, both primary and secondary, I can tell you that teachers get very little sleep. I’ve been on a trip with a newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic boy and we watched him like a hawk. That was abroad too.

There will be checks made, your child reminded and hopefully, he’ll be too tired in the evening to stay awake.

jeaux90 · 16/06/2025 14:12

My DD16 (AuDHD) also used to worry me but she managed just fine. I mean she came back like Stig of the dump but with tales of adventures (also the things she flat out refused to do) so in my experience they enjoy it, it builds resilience, relationships but also boundaries. Medication is very carefully managed IME and she also used to be a bad sleeper but was so knackered on residential it didn’t really worry her.

Kirbert2 · 16/06/2025 14:12

It's normal to be worried. My son can't go on his school residential due to medical reasons but he's going away in October for a week with a charity that can cater to his complex needs and it also counts as respite care and I'm freaking out to be honest but he's so excited so I'm putting on my brave face! He'll be 10 in December.

I bet he'll be absolutely fine and have an amazing time!

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