Loco parentis - problem on school trip

[DominicMum]

My son has Aspergers syndrome and returned from a school trip 5 days away. Whilst away, there was a problem where without supervision he got into an argument and damaged hotel property. Do you know who is legally responsible for the damage? Looking at loco parentis - I think the school should have supervised better (they cope very well at school), but failed. Any advice?

Thanks for yr posts and support. Those with children with aspergers children will recognise this was a meltdown provoked by a another child teasing my child. Meeting with school this morning. Insurance will be on the list. Could be a three way split. Us, school and parents of other child. Other child was moved after incident as all were on notice to not wind up my child. Be interesting to understand the cost and if it's £50 or £thousands! Will let u know. Aspergers syndrome brings many gifts and also some challenges.

That sounds like a fair outcome, hope it's £50, not thousands!

Quick update. Don't know costs yet. There was a long pause when I suggested three way split. Waiting to see if it's worth the argument to take forward. Either way working with my son to ensure he understands that whilst he's responsible for his actions so are others who deliberately targeted him to wind up.

I think that's an excellent point.

I think that sounds good, they can't expect you to agree to paying if they haven't even given you costs, and if another child has deliberately targeted your ds to wind him up, I think they should be responsible too.

That's why I only paid for half of the door. It was seen as a learning opportunity for all.

If it were my child I'd pay for the damage.

It depends on the circumstances.
I was just grateful that of the four that cornered my lad to torment him, bait him and attempt to give him a thumping, no one ended up being thrown through the first floor window. Only the door.

Hoover just offering to pay is like saying my child has Aspergers therefore must be in the wrong. My son broke a much older child's water gun that was apparently £30 which the other parent felt I should replace, until I pointed out that her son was 14 and sprayed my 6yr old to a point where he was screaming and that my oldest then 9 at the time may have overreacted by pinning her 14 year old to the ground and smashing his gun but if she wanted to see what the police though I was very happy to find out. This happened in a public park and we did not know the other child so there was no element of a 'game' going on just a basic assault by a bully.

I seem to remember hearing that in loco parentis was being replaced by some law, so is or will be no longer the legal basis for how teachers should care for and discipline children. In case you want to found your whole argument on that. But I presume any new law would involve good supervision.