Discriminating against a nine year old

Rubywoo18
Rubywoo18 Online Community Member Posts: 26 Connected
edited August 12 in Families and carers

Also my 9 year old has autism and mental health issues . I've been trying to get him back into a mainstream school and the school tha the local authority have applied to phoned me, the assistant head told me thst the year group i want my son to go in to in seltember has a lot of children with needs and that it would disrupt him if he went in to that particular class. I contacted other schools and as soon as issud he's on the spectrum they say we have space but can't take anymore children on with semh/SEND. I feel sad because I feel they've discriminating against my son and they are going against the Equality Act 2010. Does anyone have any suggestions please.

Thank you 😊

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Comments

  • Bluebell21
    Bluebell21 Online Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 13,500 Championing

    Hi @Rubywoo18 I am sorry you are having such a difficult time finding the right school for your son.

    IPSEA might be able to help you.

    https://www.ipsea.org.uk

    Take care.

  • Rubywoo18
    Rubywoo18 Online Community Member Posts: 26 Connected

    ThThank you bluebell21 I've never heard of that organisation before. I will definitely check them out.

    You take care too :)

  • Mary_Scope
    Mary_Scope Posts: 2,255 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists

    Hi @Rubywoo18

    This sounds like a really stressful situation for both you and your son, how are you both doing at the moment?

    From what you’ve described it does sounds like you’re being met with barriers that shouldn't be there, especially when schools mention they "have space" but still refuse based on his need!

    This can be seen as discriminatory under the Equality Act 2010 especially if they’re assuming your sons needs before even meeting him so it sounds like you’re doing the right thing by raising your concerns.

    It may also be worth contacting your local SENDIASS as these are the education experts who can give you free and impartial information and advice on everything to do with education such as EHCPs, tribunals, call and attend meetings with the school and sometimes allocate you a specific caseworker😊

    As Bluebell mentioned above you can also contact IPSEA directly for free legal advice around education. They run an open diary booking system for appointments. It is difficult to get one but worthwhile if you do. You can also phone them 3 days a week for shorted queries!

    Also, does your son have an EHCP, or are you currently applying for one? That can make a big difference in terms of what the local authority is obligated to provide!😊

  • Rubywoo18
    Rubywoo18 Online Community Member Posts: 26 Connected
    edited August 12

    Good morning @Mary_Scope Thank you so much for your advice. I'm really disheartened about the whole situation. My son has recently been diagnosed with high functioning autism. He has a tutor at home in term times but isn't always able to engage due to his emotional dystegulation. He has been out of main stream school since 2023 and I know I'm going to have a big challenge transitioning him from his safe place (home) to a new school. I have support from SIAS. They are helping me with the EHCP we are at the tribunal stage. He couldn't even access CAMHs enough to help him with his intense anxiety and emotional dysregulation.I will keep trying to find him a good school that will be able to support him and nurture his special interests. I haven't let him know what the schools ard doing, I don't want him to feel although he is not wanted in schools because he is neurodivergent. My son is a very bright cookie with lots of interests and skills. He is also a kind boy. Take care Mary_scope 🙂

  • Mary_Scope
    Mary_Scope Posts: 2,255 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists

    It's no problem @Rubywoo18, I hope it was helpful☺️

    Thank you for sharing all of this. It sounds like you’ve been carrying a lot so I can understand why you’re feeling disheartened.

    I’m sorry to hear that CAMHS hasn’t been able to offer the support your son needs at the moment but it is great that you have that you have SIAS on your side and are pushing forward with the EHCP! Hopefully it will feel like a big weight has been lifted once the EHCP is in place and ready to go.

    From what you’ve said, it is obvious you’re doing everything you can to protect your son’s wellbeing and confidence and it really comes through in your posts how much you love and support him and that's the best thing you can do!

    Your son sounds like a really bright and thoughtful boy and I'm sure there’s a school out there that will be able to appreciate him for exactly who he is and give him the right support when the time is right😄

  • Rubywoo18
    Rubywoo18 Online Community Member Posts: 26 Connected

    Thank you so much Mary_scope, for your advice and kind words. I really appreciate it 🙂I'll let you and the community know how we get on in the coming weeks. Have a great day.

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