DS (5,ASD) has been finding school really difficult but I've been getting the old 'he's fine when he's here' line from the school. Had a terrible meeting before half term with class teacher, senco & headteachers where they saidvthey don't believe what I say about DS being anxious about school, even though he's refused to go on 2 different occasions for 7 days altogether.
So this morning DS got really upset about going to school but I knew that if I didn't get him there they'd think I was keeping him off on purpose. I told DS he had to tell the teacher himself that he didn't want to go. DS agreed to do it & was absolutely brilliant - wouldn't set foot inside the building, didn't respond to any of the teacher's tactics but was completely insistent he wasn't going in. When the teacher asked what he doesn't like about school he said "just school".
In the end she gave up & we came home - going to try again tomorrow when it's ICT. I think she might be starting to believe me. DS is normally really compliant away from home, so I 'm really pleased he was able to advocate for himself.