Infant School pushing to report me to SS for neglect. Can they do that?

[pylonic]

My DD age 5.5 has had a poor lateness record since the beginning of Year 1. No excuses really, I only lived a 9 minute walk from school but we were late almost every day for at least 6 months. I had trouble sleeping but not to the point of Insomnia, just kept oversleeping through the alarm clock most times (dreaded snooze button).

She's also had some absence, genuine though, illness and doc's appointments.

Last year I was advised by letter that unless lateness improved the school would be referring us to a welfare officer.
3 months ago we had to move out of the village to a nearby town but no transfers in new town for DD so she still attends old school. Because I have had to rely on buses, we have been late again quite a few times, or other people that I have relied on to drive her in for me have been late traffic etc or there's been other logistical problems, so presumably the record isn't improving.

Today the head teacher called my Mum in for a word (I'm 44...why they need to call my Mummy I don't know), and the gist was as follows:

My children are being neglected because I have insomnia (I don't, I just needed to put some excuse down in the late book. Quite tame compared to other regularly late people's excuses), so they want to involve social services.

I have been seen in the village shop with my children buying chocolate bars. And that's it. I don't know what they mean by this? :/

My daughter has turned up without a cardigan on at least two occasions in 'extreme weather'. This constitutes neglect. But they are quick to complain if she's wearing a different colour cardigan to school because her two logo tops are in the wash.

She often has a chocolate drink in her lunchbox.

This is a very cliquey village, hence glad to have left it behind, but although the late record is admittedly quite dire, is it generally worthy of involving social services for neglect?

The head teacher and I "don't have a dialogue" she told my Mum, hence why she called her in to talk to instead.

I've only spoken to the head once, when I had to inform them about the children's father's DV past so that they do not let him take DD out of school without my permission.

I bristle under authority having come into my Catholic rebellion quite late in life, but I'm generally non-combative.

So I'm wondering what you think of my request, in that I want toask the head to write down all the concerns she has so I have it in writing, and then invite her to my home in order that she can ascertain for herself it is a proper, clean, comfortable and sustaining environment for the children.

I feel a bit Hmmmmm that she has gone 'running to my Mummy' instead of talking to me, the parent, especially considering this late book has been full of the same old, same old pupils including my sister's son, for the last couple of years, but I feel a bit singled out perhaps wrongly, I don't know, because of the whole single mother on benefits stereotype, DV background, and now they want social services to investigate the children for neglect.

The children's father also wants to play this card against me, so I'm just resigned to SS being involved in their lives anyway it's out of my control.

My DD is otherwise happy, bright, doing fine at school and paints happy pictures all the time.

Can an infant school really go down this route when there isn't actually any clear signs of any kind of neglect going on? It seems unfair to tar my DD with this brush and I'm also concerned how this is going to affect her In Year transfer to a school in our new town.

I think this is just a rant, it all seems to be out of my control. The head has a reputation for being an axe-grinder and their Ofsted isn't great for a village school. The conspiracy theorist in me is saying its all about the grades.

Hs anyone been investigated by SS before for neglect? What should I expect? Will it go against me in the forthcoming Vafcass report which their father wants to initiate too as part of his contact/custody case?

[AuntieStella]

This thread is 6 months old.

Unless OP updates it, there really isn't much to add as all angles (including info from OP's other threads) was discussed pretty exhaustively in January.

[MidniteScribbler]

As a teacher, there are so many red flags in the OP's postings that I would be required by law to report it. Constant lateness, child being brought to/from school by an ill grandparent and teenager instead of her parent, unsuitable clothing, poor hygiene. The OP has refused free school meals and is providing a lunch with less nutritious content. Uses lack of money for bus fares as an excuse for tardiness, but is seen buying luxury products. Add in the increasingly incoherent ramblings as the night went on, and I would question whether alcohol may be a factor. This absolutely needs to be reported, I am really concerned for the OP and her children.

[juniper9]

Ruby I think the thing is, this is all from the OP's point of view, so although it seems far fetched for social services to get involved over the incredibly minor misdemeanours that the OP has stated, there is probably far more to the picture than the OP sees or wants to admit to.

This being a deadish thread, I think most people came to the conclusion that the OP wasn't willing to listen to other people's perspectives anyway, and her story became increasingly nonsensical and garbled.

[rubyextravagance]

I have a social work background, although I left due to disillusionment so no longer work for children's services, so I can't say my views are representative of people who thrive in the profession.
The only part of what you've said that sounds like neglect is the lateness issue. Social workers should have better things to spend public money on, like protecting children being starved and beaten than to pursue your case.
I imagine buying chocolate bars implies you were seen in the shop when you should have been getting the kids to school because there is nothing wrong with buying children chocolate. Who doesn't buy their children chocolate?? It's actually better for their teeth and has a lower sugar content than a lot of these fanciful yogurt coated fruit products etc that are trendy at the moment and are considered 'healthy'.
As for contacting your mother, I am quite sure that schools can contact next of kin if they can justify your non cooperation (not attending a meeting, ignoring a letter) but definitely check your schools policy documents for safeguarding and lateness / absence, home - school agreement etc. If the school has contravened them, you should bring this evidence to light in any conversation you have with social services to show that the headteacher does not have a fair opinion of you and has not followed proper procedure, it also shows you are the sort of person who is aware of your rights and you will be treated with greater respect, so do make yourself very aware of your position with the law.
This doesn't warrant a full blown social work involvement. The only real issue is the time keeping. You'll probably be put on a CAF, with regular meetings, and be set targets. The CAF will be transferred to the new school, but this is a bonus for you as you'll be able to have a fresh start with a new head.
It's true having a DV past puts you in the dock for essentially being a 'weak personality' who is unable to protect her children. The victims continue to be victimised. Honestly, this shouldn't be relevant but it will come up in any interview you have to go to lengths to emphasis how protective of your children you are and how this factored into your decision to leave the relationship etc.
While being late probably isn't going to ruin your child's educational career (unless we are talking an hour+) schools are basically training grounds for work and teach your children the importance of punctuality so really you need to be on top of this one. Definitely explain about the buses. In fact, emphasise the bus issue with evidence (timetables etc) and if social services get involved they are able to get onto the council to speed up your transfer to another school (and you could possibly ask for help paying for a taxi).
If you are having problems getting things washed and dried on time, then more is the answer! You might want to ask politely (to make clear that you do actually care) how you can get hold of cheap / second hand uniforms as you say you are on benefits and everyone knows how expensive they are.
Chocolate drinks in lunchbox, probably only a problem if it is a regular affair after you've been warned not to. Again, this is really not a big deal (and SS will not see it as one) provided you can justify that the rest of the lunch is healthy and you have seen the errors of your way. (Considering how unhealthy dentists and many doctors consider fruit juice to be this is all a matter of fashion. Chocolate drink contains milk surely? Some schools consider malt loaf an unhealthy food, yet when you consider what is in the fruit and snack bars that they consider 'healthy' this is laughable.)

Some people are terrible at organisation, time keeping, especially in the mornings, but schools will always be upset about lateness and absences, it effects their ofsted rating!

If your children are happy and thriving this will certainly go in your favour, although that is never a guarantee so do not relax on that basis.

(you might try your best to befriend the new school, even if it's just to do a spot of volunteering)

You do want to cooperate at this point and be agreeable, simply because if a plan is put in place (i.e they carry out a core assessment) this record of involvement will stay with your DD (and you and your and HER future children) and so should suspicions of 'neglect' ever be alleged again the previous record will make them seem more serious than they may be.

Cooperation is everything I'm afraid.

[JambalayaCodfishPie]

You mean we shouldn't stick around to help the OP reach her new goal, 1000 posts?

[Perriwinkle]

I seriously think that everyone should just walk away from this thread now.

It's clear that the OP (Pylonic) has issues which mean that she'd prefer to occupy herself trying her level best to frustrate cyber strangers than trying her level best to do her best for her children. Don't indulge her any further.

She has stated that her ex partner is just waiting for her to step out of line so that he can use any little misdemeanour where the children are concerned against her in a custody battle. If that doesn't put a rocket up her arse to get herself sorted out, then I don't know what will.

Leave her alone now and just keep your fingers crossed that her kids won't suffer too much as a result of her obtuse approach to dealing with situations that directly affect their wellbeing.

[vacuuming]

I'd say even

[vacuuming]

I don't know badtasteflump, of day you are bang in course!

[JWIM]

OP I have read the entire thread. There may be several reasons for the approach you have taken in responding to other posters. I don't propose to speculate.

In response to the various questions you have posed in you original post:

"Infant School pushing to report me to SS for neglect. Can they do that?"
Yes

"So I'm wondering what you think of my request, in that I want toask the head to write down all the concerns she has so I have it in writing, and then invite her to my home in order that she can ascertain for herself it is a proper, clean, comfortable and sustaining environment for the children."
You can make the request but the Head does not have to detail their concerns to you in writing and it will be for SS to determine whether there is neglect.

"Can an infant school really go down this route when there isn't actually any clear signs of any kind of neglect going on?"
^The Infant School has a duty to report concerns. It is for SS to determine 'there isn't actually any clear signs of any kind of neglect going on'. Your opinion on what is or is not 'neglect' may not match that of SS.

"Has anyone been investigated by SS before for neglect? What should I expect? Will it go against me in the forthcoming Vafcass report which their father wants to initiate too as part of his contact/custody case? "
^I have not been investigated by SS so cannot say what you might expect and would assume it varies from authority to authority.
CafCass report - It will not reflect well on you if there is a SS involvement and you are judged to be uncooperative. The worst outcome would be that the allegations made by your exP are supported by the evidence recorded in the report^.

OP - whatever you decide to do in engaging with your current school please be under no doubt that this is serious. The possible outcomes are very much in your hands - your decisions and actions.

At the centre of this entire discussion and the actions of the school is a concern for your DD and DS. I am sure you are also concerned about their welfare.

[Floggingmolly]

Why shouldn't the school talk to op's mother? She's the one bringing the child in every day, who appears to be one of her primary care givers...
And it was explained to the mother that school aren't approaching the op because they "don't have a dialogue with her". I'm not exactly sure what that means, or whether op has quoted correctly, but I would infer they've spoken to her in the past and had the same ridiculous nonsense she's displayed on this thread in return.
Talking to her mum appears to be a last ditch attempt to get her to see reason before bringing in the big guns, why else would they warn her of their intentions?

[crunchbag]

OP, you know you need to take action. Even if your DD starts at the school at the end of your road tomorrow it will not make the current issues magically disappear. The snooze button will still be there, cardigans will still be in the washing machine, chocolate milk in lunchbox will still be frowned upon.

You got away from a violent situation, don't mess it up now.

[badtasteflump]

Ok have now scanned thread and I am way off course....

[badtasteflump]

I haven't read the whole thread, just the OP so I may be way off course...

But wanted to say that it's not on for your DD to be late 'almost every day'. She must feel totally out of kilter with the rest of the class & completely stressed out by it . And what worries me is that you don't seem that bothered about it, more that it's been brought up as an issue

Why can't you just set your alarm earlier and/or move it away from your bed so you have to get up to turn it off and can't sleep through it? IMO you need to stop focusing on being angry with everybody else and start working on getting your DD to school on time. It's not that hard!

[Vagaceratops]

How will you manage when you have 2 children to get ready for school?

[Vagaceratops]

OP. Do you feel you should be able to do what you want with your DD, as she is your daughter.

I have met a few parents like this, that because they gave birth to them, feel that they can do whatever they like with their offspring and their right to do this should not be challenged.

[Al0uise]

The poor child, i rather hope that SS intervene and help provide some stability for the child. The Mother sounds dreadful.

[EastHollyDaleStreet]

Have been following this but not commenting, but now I have to say this woman sounds quite dangerous. I don't know about anyone else but I'm really quite concerned for her mental health and her poor children. Unless she is just finding this all hilarious - and genuinely thinks she is superior. I always get up late How proud that must make her feel

[fuzzpig]

You say that all the alternatives have been ruled out but you have to accept that you might have to make some choices that you don't like, for your DD's sake.

Changing schools, having free school meals and/or quitting swimming and rainbows for a term to free up bus fares, ARE preferable to having her be late every day, not to mention the fact you are relying on an unwell 64yo and a college student (who is missing some college? Did I understand that right?) to do something which you could sort out yourself.

I do agree that maybe your past is affecting your attitude now and believe me as an abuse survivor I can empathise with that but there has to come a time when you fight your own behaviours for the good of your child, especially given the very scary situation with her father.

[EmpressMaud]

Gosh was the OP also the person from the 'nit cases' thread? They were similarly-toned threads, I'm not surprised.

I am sorry for the OP if this is genuine. She is resigned to the action being taken, and won't (can't?) take steps to improve the situation, and seems to be finding great entertainment in posters' attempts at helping.
I know nothing of state schools and SS, but I'd make a guess, from the wider picture you've given us, that it won't end there. I hope you're given the help you need.

[wheresthebeach]

OP - you enjoy fighting too much. The school spoke to your mom because that's who they see. Accept that they just want the best for your child and are worried. If you can't cope then ss will and should get involved. This is your choice.

[realcoalfire]

continued fro above. It does seem very unlikely and unprofessional theywould discuss a CP issue with a 3rd party.

[realcoalfire]

'the op's mother who can barely make it to her car IS trying to get the child to school. Perhaps the school are concerned for her too'

But that is none of the schools business.I am wondering though whether the mother has made it up to try and get her daughters arse in gear!

[AmberLeaf]

Aitch is spot on IMO.

All the posters berating the OP [however much you feel she deserves it]

As you know this is not 'regular' behavior, do you not think that the OP is obviously struggling and that it goes a bit deeper than logo'd cardigans?

I know some people have touched on the previous DV issues, but IMO that is a big part of what is going on today.

I don't see the point of having a pop at the OP, it isn't doing any good is it? in fact it is probably reinforcing her 'me against the world' mindset.

[DollyTwat]

Madam an excellent post. In amongst all the squabbling I missed the fact that the op's mother who can barely make it to her car IS trying to get the child to school. Perhaps the school are concerned for her too

[MadameCastafiore]

Sorry but reading more of this thread just makes me think you are incredibly lazy and entitled.

You would rather rely on a pensioner with a heart problem who can barely walk to her car than get you backside out of bed in the morning.

I work in CAMHS and the amount of parents we see who have had SS involvement from reception age due to low level neglect is huge. The parents always have spurious reasons for the bad, often I'll informed choices they make. They always rally against the rest of the world for picking on them, questioning everyone's right to get involved with their child's welfare without realising they are the villain of the story.

Put your big girl pants on (if you can get yourself out of bed that is) and start taking some responsibility for the welfare if your child.