My DD is in mainstream school. Got her EHCP in Sept 2023. She has been on the verge of permanent exclusions quite a few times. However, we feel that since the EHCP things have improved, she is attending lessons, albeit not the mainstream ones. She has 1:1 for Maths/English and 1:1 TA support first thing each morning to set her up for the day.
Since January she has already been excluded - not her fault - problem with friendship and although reported to school twice (as they are to be aware of potential triggers) the situation exacerbated whereby she was excluded. The other child/children were not, thereby failing her. No idea what they did once they were aware of the issues. Although her 1:1 TA emailed staff, no-one picked it up in time and she was excluded.
The following week, there were unscheduled changes to her curriculum and when looking for her 1:1 TA was challenged by 6 members of staff, when overwhelmed she can report to the SENCO, but was again followed by 2 members of staff to ensure she was where she said she was. School admitted they got it wrong but the damage has been done, as when she reacted, again being challenged by staff, accused of truancy for not being in class - rooms were full, locked, or being used by someone else so she had nowhere to go, she was immediately threatened with exclusion.
She reports being "screamed at" by staff and then reported for being verbally abusive. Her scheduled timetable was also upended as she was told she couldn't go to the class as it was full (isolation unit for behavioural matters),
I quickly saw that although she is getting positive feedback from the tutors/TA, the school are not looking at the underlying cause of the behaviours (as per the EHCP) and immediately punish her - most, if not all, caused by external factors ie friendship groups/staff not following EHCP.
Deputy Head has told me twice that she wasn't suspended due to "persistent disruption", "verbal abuse of staff etc" but more her "extreme" reaction, not following instructions. He also made reference to her being so angry, her body would not co-operate ie slipped when walking downstairs, shoe falling off - not sure if there is a name for this type of thing. I am sure she can't be excluded for this - I specifically made reference to her being prejudiced and gave an example of a child with Tourettes being punished for spitting/swearing/lashing out when overwhelmed. It also contradicts the reasons given for the suspension on the letter.
I asked for an EHCP meeting to discuss concerns. Incidentally I have only just received details of what provision they have in place and a copy of her Support Plan. No collaboration with parents/child - I've raised this as a concern quite a few times, and in a meeting with the SEN Governor.
I asked that the SEN Governor attend the "informal" EHCP review as I was scheduled to have a follow up with her in the New Year anyway but school are saying a SEN Governor would not be invited to these?
The Headteacher, has now requested an "urgent" EHCP review - no idea why? The Deputy Head told my DD that he/her TA and the SENCO "can't deal with you" although the TA has denied this as DD was extremely upset. The SENCO/TA are the 2 key people she can go to (trust) if she's overwhelmed and needs a calm space. School are now saying they can't guarantee her a safe place.
I have asked for a separate "informal" EHCP review specifically to talk through the concerns and also to meet with the teachers etc. However, school are being obstructive, saying they have asked 1 teacher to be there and will get reports from her tutors. The English tutor is "external" but Maths is provided by school staff.
I've also been told that the meeting with the SEN Governor will take place after the "urgent" review so we can discuss the changes.
My concerns are that whilst we wait for the "urgent" review, these matters will continue/escalate as school are not following the EHCP
My questions are:
(a) can they suspend given they are now stating it was her "extreme" reactions
(b) can a SEN Governor attend an "informal" EHCP review upon request by parents
(c) can parents request that teachers involved in her day to day provision attend the meeting (4 in all) - we've never met them, been introduced to them, and may have spoken once or twice but only after something has happened.
