Sports Day! What would you do??

[momsterBoo]

DC is 9 has always hated sports day, I have always encouraged them to give it a go with the whole saying 'it's the taking part that counts not winning'.

DC always comes last or 2nd to last, hates running & the crowds.

Received a DX of DCD last year which explains a lot. DC says it's so embarrassing taking part always feels like they are going to trip and fall (often does in general).

I have spent last 6months pleading with the school to make accommodations for them based on OT & medical reports regarding PE & athletics but it's been impossible. Also got a GP letter sent in as well stating accommodations they needed. None of which have been implemented.

Would you keep the child off school that day if you were me?

In that case also mug up on the SEND policy and challenge every point they are not following in your letter to Chair of Governors. Governing Board is supposed to hold the school to account.

If this is the first sorts day since his DX, hiw do you know they haven't got plans in place fr him?

Asd keep mine off less hassle

One year I kept my primary aged DS home on sports day. He'd had a bad cold, was still not 100% and was dreading it. And it was drizzling. So I kept him home and we had a lovely day baking and watching films 😊

The school I work in lets the kids choose which activity they want to compete in. Obviously all wants can't be accommodated but that's usually sporty kids wanted to do everything! Your DC would be encouraged to take part in something they felt happy with. We have things where the winners/losers aren't obviously visible like bean bag throwing etc. If they didn't want to they wouldn't be forced. If school won't support your child I'd keep them off

I know by years of experience by this school.

Child got private DX almost 3 years ago but as it private it was ignored.

No accommodations in PE, athletics or sports day training.

This is exactly how I feel sports day is such an old tradition and diff not an inclusive day.

Every year I watch so many children struggle it's heartbreaking.

I am all for children who love sports and want to compete and believe they equally need encouraged but others who don't want are aren't interested should not be forced

That's such a shame to hear. We try really hard to get all the kids involved but would never want anyone feeling bad. The only ones who do the traditional running type races are the ones who put themselves forward. We have a variety of events so hopefully there's something for everyone. I've even joined in myself in the past to encourage someone who's struggling. It's meant to be fun after all. Hope you have a lovely day if you decide to keep them off

No need to do that! Poor advice. Honestly, why are there so many Mumsnetters who think parents need to complain and alert OFSTED over every issue?! This has become a much bigger issue since the pandemic, and heads and senior leaders are leaving as a result of this complaints culture.

work with the school. Ask for a meeting with the SENCo to go through the report and diagnosis and explain your child’s concerns. It may take more than one meeting but remain calm and positive. A good working relationship with the school is much better than ‘kicking off’.

Absolutely I'd keep her off . Life's too short for that sort of thing and she must spend three whole year dreading it. Tell her that there will be things in life that can't be avoided but this is not one of them!

Thank you, so true

I'd be looking to address the issues, but yes I'd keep him off.....if it's something he's dreading and deeply unhappy about I personally don't believe in 'character building' when it comes to young children.

@momsterBoo You will need to get your ducks in a row for secondary school.

I would see the Head and talk about how DC with difficulties can be reasonably included. We always had one or two helping as opposed to competing.

I also agree with pp who said school need a variety of activities. Not just sporty ones for sporty dc. Most schools find team events when less effort or skill is needed.