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My initial reaction is have they applied for a Statement? If your son is this difficult to manage, what strategies are in place to help him be INCLUDED????Things I'd expect them to have tried before stopping him from participating: Attachment figure (NOT teacher) available to him at ALL times Full detailed protocol which ALL STAFF are aware of, for dealing with incidents (keeps it predictable and helps him feel safe)USe of specialist support from within the LA to help them find creative ways to deal with him (Ed Psych, Family of schools SENCO, Virtual School Headteacher) Alternative, positive provision IN SCHOOL to make him feel wanted when a challenge is too difficult.If you are getting nowhere with the school, ultimately you may have to cut your losses. There's a lot to be done before giving up though. Make sure they are accessing any therapists etc for advice (eg if your lo works with CAMHS?).If they are not offering the right support, he needs moving up a stage on their SEN register, and if needed a Statement. Your PArent Partnership can help you to apply. It's straightforward really but you need plenty of evidence about how he doesn't cope in ALL areas to have a good chance of getting the statement.Do ask if there's anything else I can help with.Phoebe x

this is illegalcontact parent partnership, ispsea and drcit may be worth applying for DLA - to point out your child has a disabilityit is illegal for schools not to allow your child full participation

He's recently changed schools and in his last school was on stage 3 of a statement, he was assessed by an ed. psychologist with recommendations of ensuring he had opportunities for positive social interaction. This seems to have been lost in translation on the move to his new school.I've approached the school about my concerns SS have also went in and challenged their decision. Apparently they have completed a risk assessment and can therefore not allow him in the playground at break time due to the risk he poses. I have been told that by doing the risk assessment this makes what's happening legal. We had a feeling they were going to drag this decision out to the end of term. It's so unfair how our kids are treated in education.

NO! A risk assessment is there to minimise the risk - I do them all the time.My risk assessments would say things like if hits out an adult must be around at all times to intervene before it goes too far, or to help calm if behaviour is spiralling. Along with supporting to build appropriate friendships.As soon as health and safety is mentioned people think it's ok to exclude which is what they are doing.I would go back and quote the equality act to them them which says adjustments must be made, if they won't then they don't want to and I would look for a more supportive schoolNot all schools are bad but the good ones are few and far between Suze x

Thanks Suze That's really good to know, I was lead to believe the risk assessment was their get out of jail card. Our problem with changing school is that he's just recently moved due to location (came to us 6 months ago) so as much as we'd love to change we're not in a position to do so. It was a struggle to get him into the school and the only reason we chose it was due to its outstanding reputation in the area, it's small and on meeting them and discussing his challenging behaviour they assured us they would do everything they could for him.

If you want to pm me with some of your concerns I'll give you some more specific suggestions of what I'd do so you can go in with solutions.It is hard in school keeping everyone safe but it can be done.Or perhaps it's just me who likes both the challenge and the feeling of pride when I see young people grow and feel safe Suze x

Hiya,Sounds like the school my son used to go to?My son was also excluded from a few things one they moved him out of the class.Then they isolated him which made him worse then he was reduced to part-time hrs.He was excluded from sports day,excluded from class photograph,swimming,playground.In the end I had virtual school,SW,behaviour support,ed psych,HT,senco it's was the worse meeting ever that I blew and,walked out I was so angry HT,senco told a pack of lies.Within one week I phoned HEad of LEA who wouldn't speak to me unless I put it in writing,I told them if I didn't speak to him I would turn up at his office lolIn the end my son went back full time but different teacher and,class. We did get a statement,and on the recommendation Ed psych told us to take him out of school as they just didn't want to work with her or my son.Since we left there has been a few more parents having the same problems with the school.I think it's all down to the HT,if they are wanting to help in our case she never.

The outstanding schools are the worse for not accepting any challenges. All the children well most where high achieving so HT told me several times.Parents where also very unkind..

Hi Marjorie,Sounds very similar indeed, I just hope and pray we don't get to the stage you did sounds like a horrendous time for you and your son. I think your right regarding the Head, if they are willing to work alongside you then life for all involved would be a heck of a lot sweeter. I'd love to know what the real reasons are behind the decisions made and lies/over exaggerations that are made. All those great schools out there who go that extra mile are worth their weight in gold. Kids have a right to full time education and if they are not coping then help them to cope, stop excluding them it's emotionally damaging, they've been through enough in their short lives.I'm glad your son is in full time and I hope they continue to meet all his needs.

There's an article in AUK mag this month about schools behaving illegally. That's how this sounds. It didn't say what you should do about it.I would speak to your local parent partnership - they are really hot on the legalities and will be supportive.I cut my losses and found a special school which has been fantastic.