Parents of neurodivergent kids I need advice

[Furbabylady500]

Since my son started mainstream secondary school we've had no end of issues because they can't meet his needs nor keep him safe. It's at the point his doctor has backed us to the LA that my son no longer attends school due to medical grounds. We had our second emergency EHCP in January because he hasn't attended any classes since starting year 8 in September so we're currently waiting on the decision regarding special provision or online school, again. That waiting time is lousy but part of the process. The reason for this post is because of the schools "eye's on" safeguarding policy. Obviously I understand the need for it regarding other children but it creates further conflict for children that don't feel safe at school. I haven't deregistered him incase we need SENCO's help should we need to appeal the LA's decision the issue with that however, is that my son is expected to see them in person weekly with them knowing full well it's causing further psychological damage. I've contacted SENDIASS explaining the situation but I really don't know what else to do. Both the school and myself are stuck because we're waiting on instructions from the LA.

If DS is unable to attend school, is alternative provision in place?

Following the emergency annual review in January, if the LA propose to amend, have you had the amendment notice or if the LA intend to maintain as is, have you had formal notification of this?

Following the first early AR, did you appeal? When was it?

I wouldn’t deregister and EHE. If you do that it is easier for the LA to sweep needs under the carpet. However, I would challenge the weekly in person safeguarding visits. They aren’t mandatory. Is DS being seen by anyone else? It can easier to challenge if so, but still possible if not.

We've heard nothing back at all regarding any provision whatsoever this time round despite pushing for answers.

With the first AR it was June last year we didn't get a response until August. When DS started year 8 they reduced his timetable and were only focused on getting him in the building. Despite various meetings we weren't getting any where and I had to stay in reception to help with regulation. They eventually put him on a 6 week program to try and help with school avoidance. It was a step in the right direction but wasn't the answer. That finished just before Christmas. It was actually a positive step because it proved what we've been saying all along- he needs a smaller, calmer and more nurturing environment. So we had actual evidence for the next review meeting.

That's exactly why I don't want to de-register but they put us in an impossible situation today. My son completely shutdown during a home visit, they wouldn't leave without seeing him. The school are making out it's mandatory but after today enough is enough now. I can't do it him nor should I have to.

Thank you for your response this is new territory for us.

The AR process is as follows:
Updated advice and information must be circulated at least 2 weeks prior to the AR meeting. (Sometimes with early ARs, this is shorter in order to move things along quickly, but if you want 2 weeks, you can push for it.)
Then you have the AR meeting.
Within 2 weeks of the AR meeting, a report must be circulated.
Within 4 weeks of the AR meeting, the LA must inform you if they propose to amend or not and if they are, they must send the amendment notice at the same time.
Then if the LA is going to amend, the LA must finalise within a further 8 weeks, so max of 12 weeks from the AR meeting.

As this hasn’t happened, you need to chase the LA.

Alongside this, request alternative provision. This is separate to the early review.

The home visits aren’t mandatory.

Who do I contact regarding LA? The original caseworker no longer works with the school so I don't know who the new caseworker is. They did this last year as well.

Email the Director of Children’s Services. They may not reply directly, but it should prompt action. If it doesn’t, you have started the process of creating a paper trail should you need to take it further.

Awesome, thank you so much!

I've emailed and sent a letter to the Director of Children’s Services requesting alternate provision, also mentioned that we haven't had a response for EHCP review regarding special provision. I challenged school about "eye's on" and their response was that "the eyes on check is a requirement as part of our safeguarding responsibilities. This is not something we can remove or adapt away from entirely, as it is a statutory safeguarding expectation for all children who are not physically in school. We must visually confirm that a child is safe and well, and this applies consistently to every student in similar circumstances." So it may be a legal issue.

The school is trying to pull the wool over your eyes. There is no statutory requirement for the school to have physical eyes on at your home every week when that is detrimental to DS’s MH.