School wants a meeting - what for?

[OutsideOverThere]

I deregged ds2 on Monday as he hasn't been happy at school for weeks - not miserable, but just, doesn't want to be there.

I emailed school explaining very clearly our reasons, saying the school was not to blame, he just prefers to be at home. I also sent the required dereg letter on paper.

Liaison person has approached me and asked for a meeting - she said the HT also wants to discuss it with me - but I'm not sure what they want to discuss.

I am there every day with ds1 who is doing well and very happy. They can see ds2 (and ds3) are fine. Ds2 would tell them if I was using him for child labour. (he would be not very useful at that)

So I'm feeling a bit like the naughty little girl, iykwim - what do you think they want to say to me? I've done the legal stuff I have to do, surely. Can anyone help me prepare so I don't come away feeling like rubbish> I have a feeling I might,.

also it's a bit bloody awkward as it means asking my mum to have ds2 and 3 - ds3 is 8 weeks old - I like to keep the childcare offer for emergencies really.

Just another thought - I don 't suppose anyone can really answer this but someone mentioned social services to me this morning. Just another mum whom the school referred a few years ago.

She said she was worried they might have suggested this to me. They haven't - but are they likely to on the basis of this?

yes our house is a tip and I'm finding it hard work with the new baby etc but we're always at school, on time, the children are pleasant, I don't shout at them in the playground or cry or anything. (she used to a lot)

Do you think they are really worried for his actual welfare if I keep him at home?

I would think it incredibly unlikely. Vanishingly unlikely. Social services are involve sometimes if a child just doesn't turn up to school because it can be a red flag for neglect. Particularly if there are other causes for concern. But that's not what you're doing. And as a school governor we most certainly wouldn't contact social services just because a child was de regged.

However, some schools do report to SS. They are not supposed to - HE is not a prima facie reason for welfare concerns, so they should only do it if there is some other reason for concern. I'd suggest you don't worry about it. Iff SS turn up, talk to them and demonstrate that there is no reason for concern (house being a tip is not a reason, as long as it is fairly clean).