Can I have your opinions please

[TheCandidPinkSquid]

My 11-year-old daughter, who is in year 6, has been diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, social anxiety, separation anxiety, and selective mutism. Getting her to school has always been a challenge, but with the school's reasonable adjustments, we were able to manage. However, in year 6, the pressure of SATs exams added to the difficulties. After the Easter holidays, when the SATs preparation intensified, she became resistant to going to school, and some days it was impossible to get her out of the house. The school agreed to have the well-being coordinator come and collect her, but even that didn't always work. Following discussions with the head teacher, they decided to remove all expectations regarding SATs preparation and sent the practice papers home for us to work on with her. Despite this, it remained challenging to get her to school, and she only attended on average 3 out of 5 days leading up to the SATs. During SATs week, she managed to come to school every day and complete the test papers with reasonable adjustments in place. Afterward, we had a meeting with the head teacher, who informed us that unless our daughter attends school every day until the school residential trip, she will be excluded from the trip. The head teacher expressed concerns about how she would manage during the trip if she struggles to attend school some days. While I understand their concerns, it is disheartening to think that my daughter could be excluded from this experience for something beyond her control - simply for being herself. I suggested to the school that I could travel and stay nearby for the duration of the trip, so that if she needs me, I can easily collect her. This would provide her with reassurance and the opportunity to try the residential experience with her friends. However, the head teacher refused to reconsider their decision, citing safeguarding reasons for the exclusion. I understand the importance of safeguarding, but my daughter has never exhibited any cause for concern at school or on previous non-residential trips. She is compliant and copes well at school, but the stresses of her day become evident when she returns home. As I lie awake this morning, knowing that her classmates are gathering for the trip, I feel incredibly sad that my daughter is missing out on this experience. As her mother, I am naturally emotional about this situation. So my question is, do you think the school's decision is fair? Should my daughter have been allowed to go on the trip if I stayed nearby? Can this be considered discrimination?

Thanks for reading!

Your poor DD. Complain. The school has acted dreadfully discriminating against DD.

Have you spoken to the SENCO of the secondary school DD will be attending? Is she receiving an enhanced transition? Does she have an EHCP?

Hello, thank you for responding. Today, I tried to distract my DD and have some fun with her, but she still looks very sad. Unfortunately, there isn't much I can do for her right now, but I really don't want another child to go through the same thing in the future. It feels like she's being punished for something that she can't control.

Yes, I'm currently in the process of discussing her transition to secondary school with the school. We're also going through the EHCP assessment process. However, the head teacher informed me that this is the first time she's dealt with an EHCP for anxiety and doesn't seem too optimistic about getting the desired outcome for her.

Is the LA sticking to the EHCP timescales and has all the necessary advice been sought? If the LA refuses to issue an EHCP, you should appeal.

Fortunately, they are yes. Initially, the assessment was denied, but I was not going to accept that. So, I wrote to our MP and was on the verge of pursuing mediation when I received an email informing me that the SEND resolution officer had reversed the decision. It feels like a never-ending struggle, as soon as you overcome one obstacle, another one appears in front of you!