DS12 suspended from school

[AceofPentacles]

DS is in year 7 with an EHCP, he is academically able and makes an effort to not be "different" than his peers .
This term he and a few of his friends have been getting in trouble, first of all talking in class, then not listening to the teacher, followed by pushing into someone . The final straw has been when one of the kids abused a midday assistant in the playground and my DS told her to "shut up" when she blew the whistle. Another boy took a photo of her without consent. Sounds absolutely awful and I agree with the suspension and have confiscated all screens etc which will be the worst punishment for DS.

I have spoken at length with him, he just doesn't understand anyone else's perspective; not how the teacher would have felt, not why the head teacher has suspended him etc. He's also obsessed with this friendship group, almost like a special interest. Has anyone been through similar where their child is getting in with a wrong crowd so young ? Should the school be intervening more since they admit they can see he doesn't fully understand the "dynamics" of this friendship group? Feel panicky tbh not sure where to go with it.

Sounds like you need an early review of the EHCP. Potentially to include a greater amount of supervision at break and lunch time (and maybe movement between lessons if DS doesn’t already have that). Does DS already have SALT and OT input?

Thank you I have a meeting with the school on Monday morning, I will bring it up.

We just had a review (just me and the senco) and I asked for more classroom supervision to nip this in the bud before it escalates, but they don't have the staff they said? He doesn't have any outside provision any more either, he's currently refusing to go to any internal interventions which includes some social teaching aspect. Maybe this incident will make them act...

Provision in EHCPs is based on needs, not the school’s resources. If DS needs more supervision/1:1 then it should be in F then it must be provided. It sounds like the EHCP is poor. Following the AR you will get the right of appeal. I suggest you appeal so the EHCP better meets DS’s needs, including his need for OT and SALT.

They need to look at why DS can’t engage at the moment and adapt and amend support so DS gets to a place he can engage.

Thank you that's really helpful .