So this is inclusion.....

[heartinthecountry]

Just wanted to share this with everyone because it makes me hopping mad. A friend of mine has twin boys with CP. They are the lovliest, funniest boys and, although they have physical problems and some communication problems because of the CP, from my observation I would say they are of 'normal' intelligence.

My friend went to see a local school about the boys going there and the first thing she was told by the headmistress was "we do not accept academic failures at this school". Stunned, my friend asked her to explain exactly what she meant and she said "we would not accept a child who would bring down the academic standard of the school". If this isn't bad enough she was also told that should the boys attend the school they would have to stand at the back of the queue for dinner etc because the other children couldn't be held up by 2 pupils "just because they can't walk properly".

I am utterly outraged and astounded by this. Has anyone had any similar experiences? I am a believer in 'inclusion' in theory but if our children are facing this kind of ignorance and prejudice from a head teacher then what hope is there?

Sorry for the rant, just reminds me what a long way we have to go....... makes me sad

That's just awful. What sort of lessons are the children at that school going to learn re. tolerance etc. I'd second jimjams' suggestion about writing to the local paper if she can bear the publicity - might not help her case but would certainly make the school think twice.

A similaqr thing happened to my friend, although the headmaster was a bit more discrete about how he refused entry. It was a high acheiving school and her son had Dyspraxia and a statement. He was offered a place at the school but when the headmaster became aware he was statemented he refused the entry of this boy. My friend was livid but a quiet word in the MP's ear did wonders! She still didnt send him there though, who would? When you come up against that kind of attitude you wouldnt want to send your child there anyway

Definately goes against the DDA ruling

What a heartwarming story about your friend Sober now - love the fact that he was the only one to get a first and your story highlights how important it is not to judge and pigeonhole ANYONE.

This is disgusting. I really don't think your friend should let this go - I would do everything suggested here. Complain to the organisation the school belongs to, to the local MP, local paper, mention the DDA - frighten the pants off the vile old witch. See how she likes it when someone has a go at her. The thing about the dinner queue makes me feel sick. How dare she????
If I were your friend I'd want to burn her house down, but I think a really sustained campaign against her would be even more satisfying, and maybe the ignorant b*tch would learn something along the way.

oh my that is just gobsmackingly awful. I hope this nasty, ignorant piece of work gets the trouble she deserves after this. I've never had any problems with schools that we looked at, both independent and state - all 6 of them said they'd be delighted to have dd with DS. I don't think having a child with SN affects their academic ranking anyway - can't imagine that a child with a statement will have his/her sats results counted in the same way as everybody else?! And even if they do - some people really need to sort out their priorities.