I’m writing to ask how I deal with this situation.
I teach sixth form. I was teaching a pupil today who took a really stern tone when I asked where they had been in the last lesson. I was discussing the fact all three of them weren’t there. Two I was aware of that they misread the timetable so I asked the other student “where were you” I’m autistic and my manner can be firm but it’s just not meant that way.
the student turned around and said “what do you mean where was I. I was in another lesson. There’s an issue with the system and the wrong lessons are showing up” so naturally I said “erm, can we change the tone please?” Student got very defensive and I said “let’s just leave it”
I held the student back and I said “I think there was a misunderstanding. You seemed rather flippant but I think it’s because my tone came across wrongly so I do apologise. The student also apologised. Then claimed they didn’t feel like I was fair this lesson or last lesson. I asked how. They said “just”. Student let slip “I have stuff happening at home” then said “okay I need to leave I need to go”
I then had a call from a very angry parent who emailed me saying “you need to have your senior management contact me with immediate effect and for my child’s safety they are not coming to your class”
Im just in disbelief, phoned my manager as soon as I saw it and they agreed it’s been a twisted narrative by the child and they’re going to arrange a meeting asap and for me to be there too. My issue is the “safety” element. I did nothing other than talk at the end. I now have no witness to this either.
Im not sure what to do in this situation. I don’t know how to take this. I’ve not had this before….