My DS attends a comp that is fairly average but improving. He has become very anxious about going and has missed nearly two weeks in total so far. The issue seems to be the general noise level in the classroom and also teachers shouting at other pupils. His stress levels seem to rise during the day and he just doesn't seem to cope with it all. He then just couldn't face going in and was so distressed about it that I let him stay home. Fortunately his dad has been able to look after him when I am at work.
DS didn't have any issues like this at his primary and his attendance was very good. I've always been strict about him not missing school, unless he was actually properly ill. Although he didn't know any other children when he started at the comp, he has made friends and he isn't being bullied. He is very bright and has said he is bored sometimes though I am not sure this is the key issue - he is in the top set for Maths and it is a high achieving group so there are other bright children there.
I have had two meetings with the pastoral care person. She suggested that DS write down what he was anxious about - he was reluctant to write down that certain teachers shout a lot. Half the meeting was about attendance - ie if he doesn't attend you will get in trouble with the local authority unless you get a medical note for his absence. But I don't really want to go to the GP as DS isn't anxious outside school. And since the school is the problem then shouldn't they offer some solution to this? They suggested a mentoring session once a week. Apart from that, I was pretty much told, if he doesn't attend then he needs to leave. The school didn't seem to be aware of any anxiety until I told them about it which doesn't make me feel confident either.
Does anyone have any advice? We are looking at other schools but this will take time as we have ruled out the two other local comps and will have to look further afield or consider moving somewhere else. Meanwhile DS has to stay where he is - and may miss more school.