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Original poster

Can they force me to send DD to school?! Panicking

44 replies

Beebityboo · 04/01/2021 22:33

DD has sen and school have sent an email saying they expect her to go in. I'm disabled and really don't feel I can risk it. What do I do?

OP posts:
Original poster
Beebityboo · 04/01/2021 23:26

@NeurologicallySpeaking

You really need to have an understanding of this more generally so speak to the school. Being on the SEND register and having SEND funding/EHCP are very very different things.
OK thank you. It wasn't explained to me very well because it was a quick call right at the end of term.
OP posts:
VVKills27 · 04/01/2021 23:34

@Beebityboo please try to not worry, I can’t see any reason that it would be anyone’s decision other that yours for her to attend. Perhaps the wording was reassure those who want/need their children to attend. As a parent I would always assume that the ultimate decision would be yours. X

lavenderlove · 04/01/2021 23:52

I think I would read that as they have a place ready for SEN pupils but not if they are also CEV. I don't think it's a demand, it's your choice whether to send her or not

dippymootoo · 04/01/2021 23:52

My child has a full time one to one in mainstream. They’ve always been happy for him not to go as they want to minimise numbers for safety at our primary. He’s also CV.

Also if you are ECV how would she get there as shielding is back for all? ( not sure from your post).

christinarossetti19 · 04/01/2021 23:59

Yes, speak to the SENCo.

Say that you want to keep her at home and are planning to do lots of playdough etc to help her fine motor skills and anything else that they can recommend.

Mayleez · 05/01/2021 00:01

DS has an EHCP so could go into school but the letter emailed out by the head this evening states "Please only use this provision if you qualify and if you have no alternative." I realise different schools will have different criteria but I really don't think they can force you to send her in.

ineedaholidaynow · 05/01/2021 00:08

For the poster who said schools will be safer and sent their child in June, remember there is a new variant which is much more transmissible than the previous strain.

I would talk to the SENDCO tomorrow and say what you have said here and then ask what additional work you can do at home to help her. You may get more welfare checks from the school and you may need to email them to explain why you are not sending your DC in.

Many children with EHCPs etc were failed last lockdown. I assume this will be monitored more this time.

Wakeupin2022 · 05/01/2021 00:19

For the poster who said schools will be safer and sent their child in June, remember there is a new variant which is much more transmissible than the previous strain.

I also said to speak to the school and give it a couple of weeks before sending.........

Original poster
Beebityboo · 05/01/2021 00:40

Why would I get more welfare checks? She just struggles with her writing.

OP posts:
ineedaholidaynow · 05/01/2021 00:42

Welfare checks to check that she is coping with the work.

Original poster
Beebityboo · 05/01/2021 00:53

OK. I'm just so worried about it. It's only really since she went back that she had trouble adjusting to everything. I've not slept for days worrying about having to send her, then thought I wouldn't have to and then got the email, so my anxiety is sky high at the moment.

OP posts:
ineedaholidaynow · 05/01/2021 00:58

Is the SENDCO an understanding person or the class teacher. Speak to someone you hope will listen to your anxieties. Schools are probably feeling they have to be seen to be doing the right thing this time. Many schools were criticised last time. There was no monitoring of them and the curriculum was suspended.

There is more guidance and monitoring this time. But if your child would be better at home but will still access the school work then there shouldn’t be a problem.

ineedaholidaynow · 05/01/2021 11:43

What did you end up doing @Beebityboo?

Original poster
Beebityboo · 05/01/2021 11:59

I'm waiting for a call back from the sen lead. I think it was a misunderstanding as she would have been in contact before now if she was required to be at school.

OP posts:
ineedaholidaynow · 05/01/2021 12:14

Are you feeling happier?

Original poster
Beebityboo · 05/01/2021 14:13

Yes, although after a morning of home schooling DD I'm wondering if I should just take my chances with the virus Grin.

OP posts:
greenlynx · 05/01/2021 14:18

My DD has EHCP and full time 1:1 support at school so she’s 100% entitled to a place. We didn’t send her in spring and won’t sent her now. I remember being in panic in March when Gavin Williamson said that those who are with EHCP are expected to be at school, no, I’m absolutely sure, it’s opportunity for you and for her but not compulsory.

Hotpinkangel19 · 05/01/2021 14:19

Does she have a ehcp? I have 2 children on the sen register and both are at home.

Char2015 · 05/01/2021 14:31

No you don't have to send them in.
Although, I think the attendance has to be marked another way as technically the school is open for your child. It won't be marked as unauthorised though should you not send them in.

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