Bit shocked by this....

[QueenOfQuotes]

well actually not sure what to think.

I've just been to one of the local primary schools with some others from church to do the assembly. The school we went to is one of the few schools in the county which has special SEN provisions. So because of this there's a higher than average number of SEN children.

For one of the songs we gave some of the children flags to wave. I was in charge of handing out 3 of the flags and went to the children who were standing holding their hand up the best.

There was one little boy who'd come in with a member of staff (who I know from the 'who's who' board is one of the SEN teachers) and was sitting next to her during the assembly. He'd been fidgetting and making little comments all the way through and the teacher kept telling him to be quiet, and sitting him down again, so I'm guessing he was one of the SEN children.

When it came to handing out the flags he was standing very nicely, and quietly with his hand in the air and I went to give him one of the flags, but the teacher who he was sitting with (who was standing behind him at this point) shook her head vigourously and mouthed "No not him" to me. So I gave the flag to another child. He was really disappointed and asked the teacher why he couldn't have one and she replied "we maybe next time".

I was a bit shocked by this (not sure whether I should be or not though) as I thought the aim was to try and intergrate the SEN children into 'normal' school life as much as possible. Perhaps he wouldn't have 'coped' well with standing at the front with the others, but I'm sure he could have stayed next to her and waved the flag.

Not reallly sure what I expect you lot to say, but I guess I just wondered if this should be normal behaviour for a teacher in charge of a (possibly) SEN child.

There was another child sat on the opposite side who when it came to answering questions with everyone else, shouted much louder than everyone else - and repeated it (just as loudly) afterwards. He also came in, and sat with, one of the teachers - but he did get a flag

It sounds very mean but maybe she had a good reason? I don't know.

I'd have asked her.

Maybe child had misbehaved previously and was warned about not having a flag, then misbehaved again?

colditz - they didn't know they'd have flags to wave until it was time to sing the song.

• maybe I'm just over reacting about it - I don't know just seemed unfair to me.

Wouldn't stress too much over it QofQ.. if you had come into DS's (mainstream but special SEN provision) school and handed out flags in assembly and had gone to give DS a flag I can imagine that DS's one-to-one might mouth 'Not him!' at you.. because he would be quite likely to slap someone over the head with it.. or have his or someone else's eye out with the stick! (Not in an aggressive manner.. it's just that Alex has to DO something (often inappropriate) with EVERYTHING.. he wouldn't have been satisfied with sensibly waving it! )

SJ x

The thing I HATED most about mainstream was that ds1 was included in nothing. Even things he could have got something out of (like tree planting- photos of all the other kids out planting trees- ds1 got a "matey's not coming" from his teacher (no she didn't know I was there)). NO assemblies, no xmas plays, no, trips out. But hey he got to walk round and round and round the school each day with a helper.

Inclusion - my arse!

And now he gets to try everything, swiming once a week, trips out once a week, donkey riding, soft play, theatre trips in the future (ha ha ha), assmeblies, plays (!!)

That's awful Jimjams!! I am so impressed with DS's mainstream school.. I was worried before he started but my worries were groundless.. he does everyhting! PE.. dance(!).. sports days... school trips (although I have volunteered to go with them on these but if I didn't he'd still go and with the one-to-one care he needs.) despite not being able to walk/stand unaided. And he is out of his wheelchair the majority of the time as well even though this makes him very hard work!

Think it's all about funding isn't it.. DS's school have a disability allowance.. and then extra for individual children as their statements suggest.

They did this to Sam, QofQ, and it reduced me to tears! It was in Church and Sam and a fiend who has dyspraxia were there together (they were always put together- a kid with AS who hates touching and a very huggy kid with Dyspraxia!). Anyway they askied who wanted to go up on 'stage' and selected every kid but Sam and friend. I happenned to be there, broke my heart. So glad he's at a diff. school.

ds1 had a full time 1:1 + outreach. Just no-one had a clue! (or training)

yeh yeh sleepjess but your ds's school has an excellent repuattaion and is overseen by my dd's special school did I mention that before

Jeez Fio... you want to have another stab at spelling that 'r' word??! (Or are there gremlins in your system!)

lookkk it was my stttuter

I do apologise Fio.. how un PC of me.. .. can't say I noticed any such impediment when we met though.. I mean aside from the accent that is..

we must do it again soon btw! I told my friend from fav I met this woman of internet and gave her your description and everything so sorry if any rumours are flying around, hehehe

FIO!!!!! I am not telling people where I am from remember, due to the stigma I now have attached due to my Very Bad Driving and subsequent Brush With The Law!

And yes we must do it again soon.. term time is awkward though I suppose..

yeh we have to do it on half term, october, would that suit? we will plan it nearer the time as I will forget........

Yes half term would be good Will discuss nearer time as am notoriously unreliable lately due to my mental life.. :/

This is relevant to Socci's thread about m/s because it is SOOOOO dependent on the school, the Head, the general staff and the 1:1