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Can my daughter stay in at lunchtimes as a reasonable adjustment - School refusal/ASD

NAS78463

Hi there,

My 7 year old daughter (diagnosed ASD and likely also ADHD) started primary school last September and Ive not felt very happy with the support in place. They don't seem to get my daughter and this has resulted in several days or so of refusing school. She really struggles with the social nuances at lunch and break times and would feel much happier if she could stay in and draw or do some crafts or something. I've mentioned this and they say they can only do this if a teacher is present and so not very often, maybe once every few weeks. I just wondered if this could be a reasonable adjustment to request as I'm sure it will help with the school refusal. Any thoughts on this would be super helpful. Thanks

Parents

  • Reasonable adjustments are a funny thing because both parties have to agree on what is reasonable and they often don't. I would say that it is reasonable and that most schools make provision for a quieter space (although not necessarily for 1 child) or at least have clubs that may suit certain children better than a busy playground. It is more difficult 1:1 as they have to staff it and there's certain restrictions to prevent teachers losing their lunch time etc. However, if it is causing school refusal I would say the school definitely have a responsibility to put something in place. I would suggest calling a meeting with the school to discuss options. Really if they refuse a reasonable adjustment, they need to come up with an appropriate alternative.

Reply

  • Reasonable adjustments are a funny thing because both parties have to agree on what is reasonable and they often don't. I would say that it is reasonable and that most schools make provision for a quieter space (although not necessarily for 1 child) or at least have clubs that may suit certain children better than a busy playground. It is more difficult 1:1 as they have to staff it and there's certain restrictions to prevent teachers losing their lunch time etc. However, if it is causing school refusal I would say the school definitely have a responsibility to put something in place. I would suggest calling a meeting with the school to discuss options. Really if they refuse a reasonable adjustment, they need to come up with an appropriate alternative.

Children
  • in reply to Expecto_Patronum

    I would have thought it to be reasonable, but a young child does need to be supervised and so they're right that a teacher needs to be around to watch over him.

    It does sound as though they're not geared up for SEND children, have you asked them what provisions they make in general for SEND children? If they give you a load of rubbish, then I'd seriously think about changing schools to one where they have a better understanding of his needs.

    I seem to remember spending a lot of time alone in the playground at junior school and having my crisps pinched by other kids because I wasn't "sharing".