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Original poster

School 'expecting to exclude DS at start of term'

63 replies

SunshineHQ · 13/08/2017 17:33

Just that really.

We (me and ExH) were told that at a meeting with the Head and Children's Services at the end of term.

DS has Aspergers, ADHD and Generalised Anxiety. Anxiety is steadily getting worse despite all interventions that have been tried. He has had 1to1 support for last 3 terms.

The school had specifically sought legal advice over their options. Is this because DS10 is an unusual case?

Should I be planning to fight it? What in principle should I expect an Exclusion to mean?

If it could help his progression to a specialist Aspergers School, it might be good news.

But I have an awful feeling that he is just being 'let go' by all the agencies working with him. CAMHS have pulled out. His hospital ADHD provision is about to close. Children's Services are arguing he no longer needs to be under Child Protection.

Does anyone out there have experience of Exclusion - particularly when it is linked to a mental health condition (the Anxiety is the biggest issue).

Thanks

OP posts:
Ohyesiam · 13/08/2017 18:15

What is the exclusion for?

QuiteLikely5 · 13/08/2017 18:17

What is the reason for his exclusion? And why was he on a CP plan

fairgame84 · 13/08/2017 18:20

Does he have an EHCP?

If he gets permanently excluded then the LEA have to find somewhere for him to go, they can't just forget about him. He may be placed in a PRU depending on what is available in your area.

AndNowItIsSeven · 13/08/2017 18:21

How old is he?

Lowdoorinthewal1 · 13/08/2017 18:25

Two questions- does he have an EHCP and have you identified a specialist setting you would like him to go to?

If the answer to either is no I would sort that out. You can apply for EHCP yourself, although Lord knows why the school wouldn't have done this already or be willing to do it. If you haven't considered the alternatives do so as this will give you something to aim at- sadly a PX may actually help.

Polter · 13/08/2017 18:32

How old is he?
What sort of school is it (state/private)?
Where are you (England, Scotland, Wales and NI have different SEN systems)?

Polter · 13/08/2017 18:33

Is there a CP plan in place?

Ceto · 13/08/2017 18:35

Have a good look at the Department for Education's guidance on exclusion - www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-exclusion - particularly what it says about the steps to be taken before excluding a child with SEN.

You may also find it useful to talk to the School Exclusion Project - schoolexclusionproject.com

RippleEffects · 13/08/2017 18:40

Does he have an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP)?

You can apply for one as parents, you can do it now even though school isn't open.

Exclusion could be to your advantage because it makes (should make) county have to act and pay attention to your childs needs.

My county has a school inclusion team. If you contact your local council they may have one. You may be able to get hold of someone who can talk you through the local process.

We have a local families information service, many but not all areas do too. Ours has an SEN expert who was fabulous at walking me through all this stuff and seeing the wood for the trees.

MsGameandWatching · 13/08/2017 18:40

He won't just be "placed" in a PRU without your agreement and this option may not be suitable for him. I had to Home Ed my similar child, he's doing well now but I have to say life would be far easier if he was in school.

Polter · 13/08/2017 18:43

EHCPs are only England, OP needs to give more info to get appropriate advice/links.

eatingtomuch · 13/08/2017 18:52

Definitely need more info. If he has an EHCP, you need to contact the LA SEN and ask which schools they have consulted with. Paperwork can be sent out over the holidays.
The LA should have an SEN parent partnership (or similar) contact them for support at meetings.
Request that specialist schools are consulted and he is moved in preference to exclusion.

Katiekatie37 · 13/08/2017 18:53

Does he have an ehc plan? Why was he on CP register? DD was excluded and for her it ended happily as she was placed in a specialist school with small class sizes, very pastoral and amazing staff. Her behaviour both at home and new school improved no end and she enjoyed going. I know not all outcomes are as good but be open minded. I was initially very much of the mindset that I fought to keep her in mainstream, that her behaviour would escalate at a school for children with behavioural difficulties plus it has a reputation. I was wrong and wish I'd given in months earlier.

Chestervase1 · 13/08/2017 18:53

Get him a social worker. Call your local authority.

Polter · 13/08/2017 18:55

"Get him a social worker"

Yes, because that's easy and will solve everything Hmm

Original poster
SunshineHQ · 13/08/2017 21:13

OK, to answer the questions:

He is 10, and will be going into Yr 6.

We are in England. It is a large state Academy primary school.

CP plan was put in place because of issues over contact with Ex. Dad used to hit and kick DS a lot when he was younger. Last physical incident was 2015, but their relationship is still very difficult at times. However, with no ongoing evidence of abuse, Children's Services are not able to act. Court Contact Order in place for 2.3 nights per week. Ex still very angry over it all.

OP posts:
Original poster
SunshineHQ · 13/08/2017 21:14

He has had a social worker since Dec. His sister DD8 is much happier now, but DS had just steadily deteriorated.

OP posts:
eatingtomuch · 13/08/2017 21:16

Does he have an EHC plan?

Original poster
SunshineHQ · 13/08/2017 21:17

Draft EHCP received in May. Ex and I have both agreed on preferred specialist school (St Dominic's Godalming), but LA need more evidence before committing to cost.

As I type that, I suppose being excluded would count as more evidence?

OP posts:
converseandjeans · 13/08/2017 21:17

Don't know much about the process, but you might find that if he goes to a smaller more specialist school then he may get more care and attention than he does currently. He may thrive. I am sure there is an obligation to provide an education.
Poor kid having a violent Dad. Is he still seeing him?

SadLampshade · 13/08/2017 21:20

Sadly SunshineHQ, an exclusion may be in his best interest as it may force the LA to act immediately, rather than try and prolong it over weeks. If they are trying to name his current provision, I think it would take much longer to get it changed to a more suitable provision.

SadLampshade · 13/08/2017 21:21

And it absolutely frustrates me to my core that I find myself saying an exclusion may be in the child's best interest, but that's education for you - and a huge lack of funding...

Original poster
SunshineHQ · 13/08/2017 21:22

Yes - he is still seeing his Dad. Don't get me started on that...

I still can't believe how much contact Dad was awarded, without even being made to go on Anger Management.

I also don't understand why Dad is so keen to get the contact (2.3 days - but he wanted full 50/50), when the two of them just clash so terribly.

OP posts:
Original poster
SunshineHQ · 13/08/2017 21:25

I actually think he would thrive at St Dominic's longer term. I just can't believe he has to be Excluded first, when so much of this isn't his fault.

OP posts:
zzzzz · 13/08/2017 21:26

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.