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Attendance Issues

Caring Dad

Hi

I'm very new on here and reasonably new to the fact my child has Autism. My son is in the process of being diagnosed, they seem to think there is definitely something there to further investigate.

To get to point. My son started school in September and since then has had several peroids of time off. Mostly through catching persistent bugs that have circulated around his class but some because of referrals.

Over this time we have had communication with the Headmistress about the issue and she seemed to have understood our problems. As when he has a bad case of illness he tends not to deal with it as well as other children. He is very irratable and doesnt want to do things he would normally love doing. This leads him to miss school.

Then this morning we get a letter stating that because his attendance is at 85% they have called in educational welfare officer and a meeting will be set up. this almost shocked me as i assumed if the school had a problem they would have approached my wife or I to discuss it, no conversation has took place. 

Before thismorning I assumed that the school understood my beautiful sons issues and would work with us to get the best help he could within school but this has left a bad taste in my mouth.

I just would like some advice from people who may know abit more on this issue or on an Autistic childs education needs.

I don't want to get angry or lose confidence in school but how is this action designed to help him?

for me it stinks of keeping the schools good statistical grade for attendance and not for the wellbeing of my child.

  • This has always been around, because of the connection between truanting and anti-social behaviour. Keeping the young in school means the authorities know where they are, including any "bad" ones.

    It might be disguised as concern about children's welfare and things like absences looking bad on long term school record, in the old days when most people went straight to a job or aprenticeship from school.

    Nowadays unfortunately it has become rather impersonal, driven by computers and strict rules, coupled with the present Governments aptitude for silliness.

    I looked at NIDirect www.nidirect.gov.uk/.../school-attendance-and-absence.htm (hand transcribed so hope it works), the new flash (stupid) website, and there is absolutely nothing about disability as a factor in absence. Bullying gets a mention. But someone with health problems or disability, or both - surely that deserves a mention.

    But then what do you expect from a Government made up of "public school boys" with little grasp of reality?

  • Thank you for your reply crystal. 

    My shock is subsiding now bit like you said the sour taste remains. I just would have thought that the headmistress (who had been open to discuss his being ill before) would not let us know there was a problem.

    Yes I did kind of expect something to be said as he did have time off but you would have though she would have approached me to discuss it. This seems very heavy handed to me.

    I suppose at least I can air my sons issues now to them.

  • Hi again - read your 1st post + responded, read your 2nd + it seems the school isn't quite as gd as 1st thought.  I wd agree with you, it wd have been much better if the Head had spoken to you.  It leaves a sour taste + makes you question things in general.  Also, if your GP is understanding about your son/autism then perhaps a word with him, possibly a letter?

  • Oh and thank you for the VERY helpful links too. 

  • Hi,

    thank you for your reply. 

    I shall definitely take up your advice. 

    It just amazes me that everyday i pick the lad up I could have been took aside for them to discuss the matter or even for me to have explained in more detail.

  • I would very quickly get in contact with your local parent partnership office for advice:

    http://parentpartnership.org.uk/find-your-pps/

    Also, contact IPSEA: http://www.ipsea.org.uk/How-we-can-help

    Speak to someone in your LA that is the head of childrens' services, so they can see you are being proactive.  Follow-up with an email or letter confirming the content of the conversation.

    If you have an ASC support service in your area I would also make contact with them about it.  Copy all letters into the EWO.  Record any meeting you attend, in secret preferably.

  • Just to add,

    Yes he has had some time off and I know how much pressure schools are under to keep high attendances, but how is sending a genuinely ill child with developmental issues to school beneficial for him?