Published on 12, July, 2020
Good morning all
I am desperate, My Son James is 14 and was diagnosed with ADHD and Asperger's last year. I have struggled to get James into school. He is currently in year 9. We are a single parent family as my husband passed away 12 years ago and it is just me, James and his older sister. I sometimes manage to get him into school but over the last year, he has been 95 per cent absent. The school have put alot in place for him and he has hall passes, late pass, time out pass and places to go if he is overwhelmed. but James in school, is ok. He likes his friends and once i get him into school, he is ok. The issue is getting him out to school in the morning. I have tried absolutely everything from strong routines, rewards and consequences for non attendance. I now have the school threatening me with fines or worse, prosecution unless this changes. We have been referred to CAHMS and i am also seeking another assessment for the Austim privately which is funded as part of my employment.
When you question James on anything school related, ask him to explain what is stopping him from getting to school, the answer is always the same " I don't know, i will go in tomorrow". He promises the earth to go in and then the same thing happens again in the morning. I have called the doctors, social services and the education department at the council for help and all i get is there is nothing they can do....
My Stress levels are through the roof. The pending action is not helping and will not help the situation. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hello NAS93317,
I'm sorry to hear that you have had such a difficult time getting your son to school consistently. Please visit our online advice and guidance which explains more about getting extra help in school, assessments, education plans, reviews and school transport.
Extra help at school in Wales
Extra help at school in Scotland
Extra help at school in Northern Ireland
Extra help at school in England
If you require further support, you may like to contact the following organisations:
Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland
The Children’s Law Centre provides a free legal advice service and legal representation for children and young people.
The NI Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) and their work is focused on making sure children and young people have access to their rights in their day-to-day lives, so they have the best opportunity to reach their full potential.
England
If you need support with an appeal against a decision about a child or young person’s educational needs, your local tribunal administration may also be able to help:
First-tier Tribunal (special educational needs and disability) in England
Special Educational Needs Tribunal for Wales
Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (Northern Ireland)
First Tier Tribunal for Scotland Health and Education Chamber
All the best,
ChloeMod