Witham: Dad fears son, 5, been left to "slip through the net"

9:30am Wednesday 19th December 2012 in News

Witham: Dad fears son, 5, been left to "slip through the net" Witham: Dad fears son, 5, been left to "slip through the net"

The dad of a five-year-old boy permanently excluded from school feels he has been “thrown on the scrap heap.”

Cameron Steed admitted his son Logan’s behaviour was not always acceptable at Witham’s Powers Hall Infant School but believes there is little support to set him back on the right track.

Logan was expelled on November 13 after allegedly kicking a member of staff in the face.

His dad says he is yet to find out exactly what happened.

Despite having no behavioural issues at home, Logan was excluded up to ten times last year and up to five times this term.

See this week's Times for the full story. 

Comments (94)

10:12am Wed 19 Dec 12

Votisit says...

You are both making assumptions about this boy without knowing the full facts. The father admits that his childs behaviour at school is not great. But he also explains that he is no problem at home. So why the difference? He also goes on to say that the school have not explained the incident properly.

Surely the school should have given a full account of why the boy was excluded?

Something doesn't add up here but why blame the boy and the father exclusively without further information?
You are both making assumptions about this boy without knowing the full facts. The father admits that his childs behaviour at school is not great. But he also explains that he is no problem at home. So why the difference? He also goes on to say that the school have not explained the incident properly. Surely the school should have given a full account of why the boy was excluded? Something doesn't add up here but why blame the boy and the father exclusively without further information? Votisit

10:32am Wed 19 Dec 12

BtreeDoorMen says...

Hi Votisit

Assumptions can only be made form the detail (or lack of) in the article, but it appears balanced to me ...

This child has been excluded FIFTEEN times ... this means 14 incidents have passed before the father starts asking for support?

Get a grip ... no one is blaming the boy, you can't blame a 5 year old for misbehaviour on such an epic scale over TWO TERMS. Sorry but clearly there's an issue here and inactive, irresponsible parenting.

Schools cannot have the responsibility of kids behaviour when it affects their peers "kicking a teacher in the face" - a five year old?!

The school is most likely conducting an internal enquiry and submitting a report to it's governors, as they as they are remitted to. Nothing strange there.

Shame the headline wasn't "I'll sort my son out, hope your kids werent affected".
Hi Votisit Assumptions can only be made form the detail (or lack of) in the article, but it appears balanced to me ... This child has been excluded FIFTEEN times ... this means 14 incidents have passed before the father starts asking for support? Get a grip ... no one is blaming the boy, you can't blame a 5 year old for misbehaviour on such an epic scale over TWO TERMS. Sorry but clearly there's an issue here and inactive, irresponsible parenting. Schools cannot have the responsibility of kids behaviour when it affects their peers "kicking a teacher in the face" - a five year old?! The school is most likely conducting an internal enquiry and submitting a report to it's governors, as they as they are remitted to. Nothing strange there. Shame the headline wasn't "I'll sort my son out, hope your kids werent affected". BtreeDoorMen

10:49am Wed 19 Dec 12

Votisit says...

Hi BtreeDoorMen,

I do agree with many points you are raising, but it does state that the father thinks there is little support so I imagine he has already sought help for his son and found few resources. That doesn't make him irresponsible if he is doing his best. We don't know from the article if the father has already exhausted all avenues in trying to deal with his son's behaviour at school and is now at a loss as to what to do next.

Some children behave like little demons at school for various reasons that have nothing to do with home life or home education. There are many gifted children out there who are called "school refusers" they absolutely refuse to attend school and even dropping them off with the teacher doesn't guarantee that they will stay in school once the parent has gone home. Nothing wrong with them, they just can't handle school life.

You are probably right about the internal enquiry but this should have been done immediately so that the father has the full facts as to why his son was finally kicked out.

The boy obviously has issues, but sometimes I feel we are all too quick to judge and blame lack of parenting. That's all. I'm not saying I'm right, I'm just saying that he might not deserve the comments and if he is reading them he may be frustrated by the lack of understanding given the lack of facts.
Hi BtreeDoorMen, I do agree with many points you are raising, but it does state that the father thinks there is little support so I imagine he has already sought help for his son and found few resources. That doesn't make him irresponsible if he is doing his best. We don't know from the article if the father has already exhausted all avenues in trying to deal with his son's behaviour at school and is now at a loss as to what to do next. Some children behave like little demons at school for various reasons that have nothing to do with home life or home education. There are many gifted children out there who are called "school refusers" they absolutely refuse to attend school and even dropping them off with the teacher doesn't guarantee that they will stay in school once the parent has gone home. Nothing wrong with them, they just can't handle school life. You are probably right about the internal enquiry but this should have been done immediately so that the father has the full facts as to why his son was finally kicked out. The boy obviously has issues, but sometimes I feel we are all too quick to judge and blame lack of parenting. That's all. I'm not saying I'm right, I'm just saying that he might not deserve the comments and if he is reading them he may be frustrated by the lack of understanding given the lack of facts. Votisit

11:03am Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

Do any of you have personal experience with this school because I do. He in my opinion is better off out of there
Do any of you have personal experience with this school because I do. He in my opinion is better off out of there catherinedon

11:04am Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

This school is massively failing children and the LEA, OFSTED, MP, Department of education, autism support, welfare officer, home ed officer, heda of comissioning for special needs all know as I have made them aware. I removed my child before she got the chance to permanantly exclude him as she had already given him 2 fixed term exclusions but refused to refer to behaviour suport or to apply for stat assessment aswe requested as tthis was what other experts reccomended. I applied myself and indeed my child now has statement and is home schooled. worst year of our lives as we watched our beautiful 5 year old boy with autistic spectrum disorder deteriorate and become unbearably distresses. He has been home schooled since last March and autism support team, Lea , SENCAN and homeschooling officer are happy with the care and education he is receiving at home. This was a very difficult choice for us with 4 children and 2 jobs as paediatric intensive care nurses but this is our child and his welfare, education and mental health our priority. In this country is is the legal duty of parents to provide an education for their child that is suited to their ability and any additional needs. Leaving my child in this school would have meant that I was failing in my duty as parent.
This school is massively failing children and the LEA, OFSTED, MP, Department of education, autism support, welfare officer, home ed officer, heda of comissioning for special needs all know as I have made them aware. I removed my child before she got the chance to permanantly exclude him as she had already given him 2 fixed term exclusions but refused to refer to behaviour suport or to apply for stat assessment aswe requested as tthis was what other experts reccomended. I applied myself and indeed my child now has statement and is home schooled. worst year of our lives as we watched our beautiful 5 year old boy with autistic spectrum disorder deteriorate and become unbearably distresses. He has been home schooled since last March and autism support team, Lea , SENCAN and homeschooling officer are happy with the care and education he is receiving at home. This was a very difficult choice for us with 4 children and 2 jobs as paediatric intensive care nurses but this is our child and his welfare, education and mental health our priority. In this country is is the legal duty of parents to provide an education for their child that is suited to their ability and any additional needs. Leaving my child in this school would have meant that I was failing in my duty as parent. catherinedon

11:18am Wed 19 Dec 12

Votisit says...

Catherinedon,

Your points strengthen my argument of not judging the father and son before knowing the full facts.

I'm sorry you had to go through all of that in order to get your child a proper education, it sounds like an extremely stressful experience with no support from anyone useful.
Catherinedon, Your points strengthen my argument of not judging the father and son before knowing the full facts. I'm sorry you had to go through all of that in order to get your child a proper education, it sounds like an extremely stressful experience with no support from anyone useful. Votisit

11:26am Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

Thank you Votisit yes it was truly awful but through I have had the good fortune of having some very suppotive friends who know exactly what the situation was. As a parent of 2 children with additional needs I am used to people judging and making false assumptions so those people I don't let that bother me. However to be placed in a situation where the very people who could help refused to was just unbelievable. My child was fortunate enough to have a speech and language therapist visit him on a couple of ocassions at school and as she is health and not education she felt happy to tell em exactly what she saw. In her view my child became someone she hardly recognised anymore. She tried so hard to provide evidence that would make people listen. Another issue with this school is the huge turn over of staff. from Sep to March when I removed my son the class were on their 5th teacher. My daughter who previously went to school there also has one year with 5 teachers.
Thank you Votisit yes it was truly awful but through I have had the good fortune of having some very suppotive friends who know exactly what the situation was. As a parent of 2 children with additional needs I am used to people judging and making false assumptions so those people I don't let that bother me. However to be placed in a situation where the very people who could help refused to was just unbelievable. My child was fortunate enough to have a speech and language therapist visit him on a couple of ocassions at school and as she is health and not education she felt happy to tell em exactly what she saw. In her view my child became someone she hardly recognised anymore. She tried so hard to provide evidence that would make people listen. Another issue with this school is the huge turn over of staff. from Sep to March when I removed my son the class were on their 5th teacher. My daughter who previously went to school there also has one year with 5 teachers. catherinedon

11:34am Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

This was our experience of that school
I feel that I have tyo comment. I had to remove my autistic child from this school as they refused to apply for statutory assessment as reccomended by paediatricians, educational psychologist, speech and language therapist. They sat and watched him deteriorate and each time I tried to discuss this with then they reduced his hours of care further. In the end I applied for statutory assessment myself and the LEA granted my child a statement of 22 hours per week. I know exactly what people will say. That children cant hit teachers. I completly agree this is why I phoned behavior support at the LEA and asked them to come help my son. The said that they were very happy to come and see him but needed school to refer which the head refused to do. I have been asked by many people why I have not gone to the press. The reason is that meeting the needs of my child was my priority. The little boy who started school happy was reduced to a child who chewed the sleeves off his jumper and daily wet himself. When I applied for a statement and complained to the school . I quoted the education act that says parents of children with special needs should be treated as experts in their child's care. The response from the head of governors was totally shocking she wrote (and I can supply all written evidence) 'while you say that parents are the experts school staff have the skills, knowledge, expertise and resources that parents do not have' This school had no skills or expertise in recognizing my child's needs. In the end I managed to get the head of commissioning for special needs involved in my case. She send an expert in autism in to school to see my son which resulted in him being assessed as upper end complex needs and receiving a statement. Following all of this the head excluded my child 2 times. In the end I removed my child and am home educating him. The LEA have said that they have never had a case before where the schools assessment on a child was so different to all other experts involved. They have told me that they will no longer trust information coming from this school. Due to this the LEA organised autism training for the school. This situation is totally disgusting and many many people know about it including LEA, Autism support, MP Pritti Patel , police SENCAN, OFSTED. What they have said to my husband and I is totally shocking they say that this has been one of the most difficult cases that they have had but that its very hard to get rid of a head teacher. THere are many many parents who are very unhappy with this school including a friend whose wheelchair bound child was excluded. Im sure the head and governors will find yet another way of shifting the blame. some of you may say that my child belongs in special school. I am happy to send him any where that can meet his needs however have been constantly advised by Autism support that he belongs in mainstream school. His needs are easily met but partnership with parents is essential. Both my husband and I are paediatric intensive care nurses and are totally shocked at the disregard shown by this school towards vulnerable children and their parents. If we treated children in our care like this we would be struck off.Next September my child will slowly return to a junior school where he will be slowly integrated back into a system that has until now failed and damaged him. I will then be taking 4 children to 3 different schools as we are denied the rite to an infant school in our catchment area that listens to parents.
This was our experience of that school I feel that I have tyo comment. I had to remove my autistic child from this school as they refused to apply for statutory assessment as reccomended by paediatricians, educational psychologist, speech and language therapist. They sat and watched him deteriorate and each time I tried to discuss this with then they reduced his hours of care further. In the end I applied for statutory assessment myself and the LEA granted my child a statement of 22 hours per week. I know exactly what people will say. That children cant hit teachers. I completly agree this is why I phoned behavior support at the LEA and asked them to come help my son. The said that they were very happy to come and see him but needed school to refer which the head refused to do. I have been asked by many people why I have not gone to the press. The reason is that meeting the needs of my child was my priority. The little boy who started school happy was reduced to a child who chewed the sleeves off his jumper and daily wet himself. When I applied for a statement and complained to the school . I quoted the education act that says parents of children with special needs should be treated as experts in their child's care. The response from the head of governors was totally shocking she wrote (and I can supply all written evidence) 'while you say that parents are the experts school staff have the skills, knowledge, expertise and resources that parents do not have' This school had no skills or expertise in recognizing my child's needs. In the end I managed to get the head of commissioning for special needs involved in my case. She send an expert in autism in to school to see my son which resulted in him being assessed as upper end complex needs and receiving a statement. Following all of this the head excluded my child 2 times. In the end I removed my child and am home educating him. The LEA have said that they have never had a case before where the schools assessment on a child was so different to all other experts involved. They have told me that they will no longer trust information coming from this school. Due to this the LEA organised autism training for the school. This situation is totally disgusting and many many people know about it including LEA, Autism support, MP Pritti Patel , police SENCAN, OFSTED. What they have said to my husband and I is totally shocking they say that this has been one of the most difficult cases that they have had but that its very hard to get rid of a head teacher. THere are many many parents who are very unhappy with this school including a friend whose wheelchair bound child was excluded. Im sure the head and governors will find yet another way of shifting the blame. some of you may say that my child belongs in special school. I am happy to send him any where that can meet his needs however have been constantly advised by Autism support that he belongs in mainstream school. His needs are easily met but partnership with parents is essential. Both my husband and I are paediatric intensive care nurses and are totally shocked at the disregard shown by this school towards vulnerable children and their parents. If we treated children in our care like this we would be struck off.Next September my child will slowly return to a junior school where he will be slowly integrated back into a system that has until now failed and damaged him. I will then be taking 4 children to 3 different schools as we are denied the rite to an infant school in our catchment area that listens to parents. catherinedon

11:38am Wed 19 Dec 12

parent80 says...

As a parent at this school. sorry I have to say.this is the correct decision. why should children suffer in their education because of the behavior of a child who has not apparently been taught better by their parents.
All I know is the affect a this child had on other children around him in the school. I don't hear anyone saying poor child for them!!!!!
As a parent at this school. sorry I have to say.this is the correct decision. why should children suffer in their education because of the behavior of a child who has not apparently been taught better by their parents. All I know is the affect a this child had on other children around him in the school. I don't hear anyone saying poor child for them!!!!! parent80

11:43am Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

parent 80 with regards to my childs behaviour I went in many time saying that this could not continue as he was disrupting other children. He needed to be seen by behaviour support or autism support and needed a statement but head refused all. so sometime us parents are trying to protect the other children in the class and the staff but the head is refusing. I completely agree with you that your child has a right to an education without fear but some children need more support and with this their behaviour can improve hugely. Other schools can and will do this but this one refused
parent 80 with regards to my childs behaviour I went in many time saying that this could not continue as he was disrupting other children. He needed to be seen by behaviour support or autism support and needed a statement but head refused all. so sometime us parents are trying to protect the other children in the class and the staff but the head is refusing. I completely agree with you that your child has a right to an education without fear but some children need more support and with this their behaviour can improve hugely. Other schools can and will do this but this one refused catherinedon

11:50am Wed 19 Dec 12

Votisit says...

I think Braintree Times has uncovered a can of worms with this article.

Catherine, good for you for disclosing the huge problems you have faced with this schools headteacher and governors.

I hope Braintree times looks into this for you and gives it the space in their newspaper I feel it deserves.
I think Braintree Times has uncovered a can of worms with this article. Catherine, good for you for disclosing the huge problems you have faced with this schools headteacher and governors. I hope Braintree times looks into this for you and gives it the space in their newspaper I feel it deserves. Votisit

11:51am Wed 19 Dec 12

Votisit says...

p.s. my first comment now looks odd as BtreeDoorMen has deleted his original statement.
p.s. my first comment now looks odd as BtreeDoorMen has deleted his original statement. Votisit

12:01pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

Votisit I reported a comment from someone as the language was offensive. Thank you so much for the kind comments. No one asks to have a child with additional needs and It is a tough emotional road its always lovely when you meet the few people who are kind.
Votisit I reported a comment from someone as the language was offensive. Thank you so much for the kind comments. No one asks to have a child with additional needs and It is a tough emotional road its always lovely when you meet the few people who are kind. catherinedon

12:05pm Wed 19 Dec 12

kevinandperry says...

i know exactly how you feel having the same problem with my son has asd and is treated like a naughty child when in fact he cant help the way he is and the school thinks punishing him daily will change his condition and on the verge of a permant exclusion at the moment with no other school to go to he has lost so much schooling because of it
i know exactly how you feel having the same problem with my son has asd and is treated like a naughty child when in fact he cant help the way he is and the school thinks punishing him daily will change his condition and on the verge of a permant exclusion at the moment with no other school to go to he has lost so much schooling because of it kevinandperry

12:08pm Wed 19 Dec 12

kevinandperry says...

also it is not bad parenting as i have a daughter that is doing excellent at school before anybody else tries to judge my parenting skills
also it is not bad parenting as i have a daughter that is doing excellent at school before anybody else tries to judge my parenting skills kevinandperry

12:12pm Wed 19 Dec 12

BtreeDoorMen says...

Votisit wrote:
p.s. my first comment now looks odd as BtreeDoorMen has deleted his original statement.
I havent actually it may have been removed?
[quote][p][bold]Votisit[/bold] wrote: p.s. my first comment now looks odd as BtreeDoorMen has deleted his original statement.[/p][/quote]I havent actually it may have been removed? BtreeDoorMen

12:12pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

Omelette i find your comment about this little child's hair very offensive.
Omelette i find your comment about this little child's hair very offensive. catherinedon

12:15pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

Kevin and perry dont feel the need to justify your parenting to anyone its a tough job. Have you spoken to the LEA (SENCAN) about your son. His experience at school sounds so sad poor fella
Kevin and perry dont feel the need to justify your parenting to anyone its a tough job. Have you spoken to the LEA (SENCAN) about your son. His experience at school sounds so sad poor fella catherinedon

12:15pm Wed 19 Dec 12

BtreeDoorMen says...

catherinedon wrote:
Votisit I reported a comment from someone as the language was offensive. Thank you so much for the kind comments. No one asks to have a child with additional needs and It is a tough emotional road its always lovely when you meet the few people who are kind.
There may have been terse remarks, but offensive? Please.

I still stand on the fact that having some guy up there on the front page of a news / web portal claiming 'it's all their fault' is irresponsible at best, negligent in parenting at worst.

Both the site and parent neglect to mention actual details so we are left to punch and parry .... good old debate!
[quote][p][bold]catherinedon[/bold] wrote: Votisit I reported a comment from someone as the language was offensive. Thank you so much for the kind comments. No one asks to have a child with additional needs and It is a tough emotional road its always lovely when you meet the few people who are kind.[/p][/quote]There may have been terse remarks, but offensive? Please. I still stand on the fact that having some guy up there on the front page of a news / web portal claiming 'it's all their fault' is irresponsible at best, negligent in parenting at worst. Both the site and parent neglect to mention actual details so we are left to punch and parry .... good old debate! BtreeDoorMen

12:16pm Wed 19 Dec 12

csteed85 says...

The Yellow Peril wrote:
I agree. Kids learn good manners from their parents (if the parents know how to behave themselves). I am sure the kid is a pain in the backside and the parents just want to make someone else accountable for his terrible and unacceptable behaviour.
It's been really interesting reading some of the comments here, so I figured I'd add a few responses/replies.

I had made it quite clear to the school and the newspaper that this wasn't about blaming anyone. I'm not someone who excuses my sons behaviour and obviously my first port of call was to work with the school to do what I could to prevent it from happening.

We introduced various tactics at home from rewards for good behaviour to more education time at home when there was poor behaviour in school.

I had spent time in the school to support the staff (and also to try and get a feel for what was going wrong) and during each of my visits, there were no problems.

I noticed that someone commented that my son is probably a "pain in the backside", when in actual fact he's the opposite - he's a caring, happy child and a much loved member of the family.

I'm in no way excusing his behaviour but I am disappointed at the support and the options open to him - he's 5 years old and should be in full time education.
[quote][p][bold]The Yellow Peril[/bold] wrote: I agree. Kids learn good manners from their parents (if the parents know how to behave themselves). I am sure the kid is a pain in the backside and the parents just want to make someone else accountable for his terrible and unacceptable behaviour.[/p][/quote]It's been really interesting reading some of the comments here, so I figured I'd add a few responses/replies. I had made it quite clear to the school and the newspaper that this wasn't about blaming anyone. I'm not someone who excuses my sons behaviour and obviously my first port of call was to work with the school to do what I could to prevent it from happening. We introduced various tactics at home from rewards for good behaviour to more education time at home when there was poor behaviour in school. I had spent time in the school to support the staff (and also to try and get a feel for what was going wrong) and during each of my visits, there were no problems. I noticed that someone commented that my son is probably a "pain in the backside", when in actual fact he's the opposite - he's a caring, happy child and a much loved member of the family. I'm in no way excusing his behaviour but I am disappointed at the support and the options open to him - he's 5 years old and should be in full time education. csteed85

12:24pm Wed 19 Dec 12

kevinandperry says...

yes i constantly spend time in meetings and endless phone calls to people trying to find him the help he needs he will soon have no school to attend which is a shame as he is very bright boy feels like he is being mis understood about his behavior and me being treated like im some kind of bad parent ..you soon know who your real friends are when you have a special need child nobody thinks about how my daily struggle is with him x
yes i constantly spend time in meetings and endless phone calls to people trying to find him the help he needs he will soon have no school to attend which is a shame as he is very bright boy feels like he is being mis understood about his behavior and me being treated like im some kind of bad parent ..you soon know who your real friends are when you have a special need child nobody thinks about how my daily struggle is with him x kevinandperry

12:40pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

c steed lovely to see you comment You have my sympathy. I truly have been where you are and am now homeschooling. Good luck with the battle. You are brave to go to the press. I really wanted to but was so exhausted by the whole statementing process which I had to do on my own and the attitude of the head that there was no energy left. At the time i didn't feel strong enough for peoples false assumptions about my family and parenting. How dare anyone call your child 'a pain in the arse' He is lucky to have family who love him and are only fighting for what he deserves. You have my every good wish. Kevin and Perry yes endless meetings and phone calls its a very rocky rollercoaster again my every good wish for your family
c steed lovely to see you comment You have my sympathy. I truly have been where you are and am now homeschooling. Good luck with the battle. You are brave to go to the press. I really wanted to but was so exhausted by the whole statementing process which I had to do on my own and the attitude of the head that there was no energy left. At the time i didn't feel strong enough for peoples false assumptions about my family and parenting. How dare anyone call your child 'a pain in the arse' He is lucky to have family who love him and are only fighting for what he deserves. You have my every good wish. Kevin and Perry yes endless meetings and phone calls its a very rocky rollercoaster again my every good wish for your family catherinedon

12:41pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

oops sorry slight mis quote :)
oops sorry slight mis quote :) catherinedon

12:44pm Wed 19 Dec 12

kevinandperry says...

thank you for your kind comment i shall be fighting all the way on this one ..and good luck to you and your son i know exactly how you are feeling xxx
thank you for your kind comment i shall be fighting all the way on this one ..and good luck to you and your son i know exactly how you are feeling xxx kevinandperry

1:41pm Wed 19 Dec 12

Terry85 says...

how the hell did a 5 year old manage to kick a teacher in the face.
how the hell did a 5 year old manage to kick a teacher in the face. Terry85

1:54pm Wed 19 Dec 12

kevinandperry says...

had a similar thing happen to my nephew whom has asd he used to get under the table when in a meltdown and teacher tried to drag him out from under the table resulting in him kicking out at her and hurting her ..teacher was very understanding and realized it was her fault and should have left him alone to calm down and it was the wrong thing to do to force him out and the matter went no further .all kids who have asd react in different ways they are not purposely violent just need to be understood and treated with understanding
had a similar thing happen to my nephew whom has asd he used to get under the table when in a meltdown and teacher tried to drag him out from under the table resulting in him kicking out at her and hurting her ..teacher was very understanding and realized it was her fault and should have left him alone to calm down and it was the wrong thing to do to force him out and the matter went no further .all kids who have asd react in different ways they are not purposely violent just need to be understood and treated with understanding kevinandperry

3:18pm Wed 19 Dec 12

The Yellow Peril says...

catherinedon wrote:
Omelette i find your comment about this little child's hair very offensive.
You seem to find everything offensive. Lighten up and let others have a viewpoint (or a sense of humour - which is clearly lacking) that just might be different from yours.
[quote][p][bold]catherinedon[/bold] wrote: Omelette i find your comment about this little child's hair very offensive.[/p][/quote]You seem to find everything offensive. Lighten up and let others have a viewpoint (or a sense of humour - which is clearly lacking) that just might be different from yours. The Yellow Peril

3:25pm Wed 19 Dec 12

The Yellow Peril says...

Seems like every other kid in Witham has some form of learning disorder. Seriously, I know so many people who have frightfully disruptive children and so many people on here are saying the same thing. Is it something to do with the gene pool? Is it poor diet (e-numbers)? Is there something in the water? How ironic that the River Brain runs through our town?

Sorry Catherine, but something tells me you will be offended again!
Seems like every other kid in Witham has some form of learning disorder. Seriously, I know so many people who have frightfully disruptive children and so many people on here are saying the same thing. Is it something to do with the gene pool? Is it poor diet (e-numbers)? Is there something in the water? How ironic that the River Brain runs through our town? Sorry Catherine, but something tells me you will be offended again! The Yellow Peril

3:51pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

yellow peril absolutely you are entitled to your opinion. so if someone wants to say that that child has stupid hair then you are absolutely entitled to just as I am entitled to find it offensive One in 10 children nationally is autistic. I dont find prejudice against children with additional needs and their parents at all humorous. As for the river brain running through Essex why is that ironic? Are you suggesting that children with social communication disorders like autism are not intelligent ? Clearly you are not very enlightened.
yellow peril absolutely you are entitled to your opinion. so if someone wants to say that that child has stupid hair then you are absolutely entitled to just as I am entitled to find it offensive One in 10 children nationally is autistic. I dont find prejudice against children with additional needs and their parents at all humorous. As for the river brain running through Essex why is that ironic? Are you suggesting that children with social communication disorders like autism are not intelligent ? Clearly you are not very enlightened. catherinedon

3:53pm Wed 19 Dec 12

AnnetteCa says...

My kids went to this school, my daughter had physical problems and my son had behavioural problems. Our difficulties were with the Junior school. It just seemed it was far too much trouble for them to have to deal with anything not in the "normal" range. My sons problems only started once he was mixing with other children, I felt he was borderline autistic but I could never get the help I needed to find out why he behaved as he did, only now as a young adult and still having some problems he has been diagnosed as having social phobias.

Now I live in Canada and my partner works in Education. Here, autistic children go to mainstream school and get all the help they need to stay in school and get an education, even the most affected/non verbal etc child will have their needs met at school here.

Parents need help and support, not blame.
My kids went to this school, my daughter had physical problems and my son had behavioural problems. Our difficulties were with the Junior school. It just seemed it was far too much trouble for them to have to deal with anything not in the "normal" range. My sons problems only started once he was mixing with other children, I felt he was borderline autistic but I could never get the help I needed to find out why he behaved as he did, only now as a young adult and still having some problems he has been diagnosed as having social phobias. Now I live in Canada and my partner works in Education. Here, autistic children go to mainstream school and get all the help they need to stay in school and get an education, even the most affected/non verbal etc child will have their needs met at school here. Parents need help and support, not blame. AnnetteCa

3:58pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

yellow peril absolutely you are entitled to your opinion. so if someone wants to say that that child has stupid hair then you are absolutely entitled to just as I am entitled to find it offensive One in 10 children nationally is autistic. I dont find prejudice against children with additional needs and their parents at all humorous. As for the river brain running through Essex why is that ironic? Are you suggesting that children with social communication disorders like autism are not intelligent ? Clearly you are not very enlightened.
yellow peril absolutely you are entitled to your opinion. so if someone wants to say that that child has stupid hair then you are absolutely entitled to just as I am entitled to find it offensive One in 10 children nationally is autistic. I dont find prejudice against children with additional needs and their parents at all humorous. As for the river brain running through Essex why is that ironic? Are you suggesting that children with social communication disorders like autism are not intelligent ? Clearly you are not very enlightened. catherinedon

4:00pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

oops posted twice in error sorry
oops posted twice in error sorry catherinedon

4:01pm Wed 19 Dec 12

Hello1 says...

What a shame that one parent has used this story and completely turned it around to her own agenda. The cases are not related in any way. Just an excuse again to shout from the rooftops about her poor child. You've been screaming this long......no ones listening!
What a shame that one parent has used this story and completely turned it around to her own agenda. The cases are not related in any way. Just an excuse again to shout from the rooftops about her poor child. You've been screaming this long......no ones listening! Hello1

4:03pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

absolutely linked exactly same school, child also excluded, also tried to work with school
absolutely linked exactly same school, child also excluded, also tried to work with school catherinedon

4:04pm Wed 19 Dec 12

The Yellow Peril says...

catherinedon wrote:
yellow peril absolutely you are entitled to your opinion. so if someone wants to say that that child has stupid hair then you are absolutely entitled to just as I am entitled to find it offensive One in 10 children nationally is autistic. I dont find prejudice against children with additional needs and their parents at all humorous. As for the river brain running through Essex why is that ironic? Are you suggesting that children with social communication disorders like autism are not intelligent ? Clearly you are not very enlightened.
Catherine. Don't you think it's strange how many children these days are deemed "special needs". When I was at school in the 70s it was incredibly rare to have disruptive children because kids were brought up with manner and feared the consequences of their actions and ADS and the like did not exist and yet nowadays it is rampant. Disfunctional family units, unhealthy diets and poor parenting simply must play a part in this phenomenon.
[quote][p][bold]catherinedon[/bold] wrote: yellow peril absolutely you are entitled to your opinion. so if someone wants to say that that child has stupid hair then you are absolutely entitled to just as I am entitled to find it offensive One in 10 children nationally is autistic. I dont find prejudice against children with additional needs and their parents at all humorous. As for the river brain running through Essex why is that ironic? Are you suggesting that children with social communication disorders like autism are not intelligent ? Clearly you are not very enlightened.[/p][/quote]Catherine. Don't you think it's strange how many children these days are deemed "special needs". When I was at school in the 70s it was incredibly rare to have disruptive children because kids were brought up with manner and feared the consequences of their actions and ADS and the like did not exist and yet nowadays it is rampant. Disfunctional family units, unhealthy diets and poor parenting simply must play a part in this phenomenon. The Yellow Peril

4:05pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

and actually two other parents have also spoken about their experiences on here. Its called a discussion
and actually two other parents have also spoken about their experiences on here. Its called a discussion catherinedon

4:09pm Wed 19 Dec 12

Hello1 says...

No it's called one sided ranting. If it were a discussion it would be balanced!!
No it's called one sided ranting. If it were a discussion it would be balanced!! Hello1

4:10pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

yellow peril I presume you mead ASD so you are saying that in the 70's ASD did not exist? Wow. yes it did . I would love to have a discussion with you about it but as I have already been accused of highjacking this page which honestly was not my intention I wont. This article is about a child who has been excluded and there is no mention of special needs or no assumption on my part that there are any. My comment were made purely out of experience with the same school.
yellow peril I presume you mead ASD so you are saying that in the 70's ASD did not exist? Wow. yes it did . I would love to have a discussion with you about it but as I have already been accused of highjacking this page which honestly was not my intention I wont. This article is about a child who has been excluded and there is no mention of special needs or no assumption on my part that there are any. My comment were made purely out of experience with the same school. catherinedon

4:10pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

Hello 1 feel free to balance it
Hello 1 feel free to balance it catherinedon

4:13pm Wed 19 Dec 12

The Yellow Peril says...

Catherine. What are your thoughts on the reasons for the rising cases of poor behaviour (call it what you like - everything is given a name these days to validate it as a disability so that someone can claim some sort of benefit). I have suggested poor diet, poor parenting, no manners, no proper discipline, the gene pool. Come on - discuss this please?
Catherine. What are your thoughts on the reasons for the rising cases of poor behaviour (call it what you like - everything is given a name these days to validate it as a disability so that someone can claim some sort of benefit). I have suggested poor diet, poor parenting, no manners, no proper discipline, the gene pool. Come on - discuss this please? The Yellow Peril

4:19pm Wed 19 Dec 12

Hello1 says...

The facts are that no one on here knows the facts. Schools are forced to follow correct procedures so you can rest assured that they are followed. Any one saying they were not is incorrect. There is no way around it. The parents views are very one sided and somewhat twisted to their own agendas. None of this conversation since you got involved is actually about this child but about your child....I'm sure if you had such a bad experience with this school and spoke to everyone in the world you must have tried to go to the press. I'm wondering why they didn't print your story......factually incorrect maybe!!
The facts are that no one on here knows the facts. Schools are forced to follow correct procedures so you can rest assured that they are followed. Any one saying they were not is incorrect. There is no way around it. The parents views are very one sided and somewhat twisted to their own agendas. None of this conversation since you got involved is actually about this child but about your child....I'm sure if you had such a bad experience with this school and spoke to everyone in the world you must have tried to go to the press. I'm wondering why they didn't print your story......factually incorrect maybe!! Hello1

4:23pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

Never went to the press as was too busy un doing the damage the school did. Are you representing the school?
Never went to the press as was too busy un doing the damage the school did. Are you representing the school? catherinedon

4:23pm Wed 19 Dec 12

The Yellow Peril says...

This article is about a child who has been excluded numerous times and whose behaviour has been repeatedly unacceptable. I simply don't believe he is an angel at home and a monster at school without there being some kind of mental condition being involved or, as I have already suggested, another reason for severely abnormal behaviour like diet, lack of parental discipline/consequen
ce to actions? I think you have assumed that he has special needs because why else would you immediately compare the situation to your own autistic child?
This article is about a child who has been excluded numerous times and whose behaviour has been repeatedly unacceptable. I simply don't believe he is an angel at home and a monster at school without there being some kind of mental condition being involved or, as I have already suggested, another reason for severely abnormal behaviour like diet, lack of parental discipline/consequen ce to actions? I think you have assumed that he has special needs because why else would you immediately compare the situation to your own autistic child? The Yellow Peril

4:25pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

I never assumed or suggested any extra needs just happens to be same school
I never assumed or suggested any extra needs just happens to be same school catherinedon

4:26pm Wed 19 Dec 12

Hello1 says...

Just balancing it......
Just balancing it...... Hello1

4:26pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

yes in an ideal world schools would follow correct procedures but sadly this is not always the case.
yes in an ideal world schools would follow correct procedures but sadly this is not always the case. catherinedon

4:27pm Wed 19 Dec 12

Votisit says...

Good to see your comments Cameron Steed. I suspected it wasn't as cut and dried as some would believe.

I also have every sympathy for you and can only imagine the stress this has caused you.

On a lighter note. How on earth did he kick a teacher in the face? is he secretly a ninja?
Good to see your comments Cameron Steed. I suspected it wasn't as cut and dried as some would believe. I also have every sympathy for you and can only imagine the stress this has caused you. On a lighter note. How on earth did he kick a teacher in the face? is he secretly a ninja? Votisit

4:27pm Wed 19 Dec 12

The Yellow Peril says...

and I am not joking about the unusually high numbers of autistic children in Witham. I was at a barbeque in the summer where every family had at least one child with "special needs" and almost all were claiming carers allowance for these kids. I remember thinking at the time how very odd that was that the kids rampant behaviour at a social event was so out of control and then I was told all the stories of their "special needs/autism etc. Truly shocking.
and I am not joking about the unusually high numbers of autistic children in Witham. I was at a barbeque in the summer where every family had at least one child with "special needs" and almost all were claiming carers allowance for these kids. I remember thinking at the time how very odd that was that the kids rampant behaviour at a social event was so out of control and then I was told all the stories of their "special needs/autism etc. Truly shocking. The Yellow Peril

4:33pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

I Dont receive carers allowance due to income so clearly not my motivation. seems like some people think there needs to be a motivation to have special needs children.
I Dont receive carers allowance due to income so clearly not my motivation. seems like some people think there needs to be a motivation to have special needs children. catherinedon

4:33pm Wed 19 Dec 12

howwhy says...

How about someone taking RESPONSIBILTY.Throug
h my experiance schools do not want to deal with problem children,more-over it seems to be our hands are tied.When requesting findings of any investigation schools tend to hide the truth citing confidentiality,even when it regards your child.Essex county council do not deal with primary schools.The head teacher has any FINAL SAY (fact).By going to the press the school,ECC and SOCIAL SERVICES will try and do their utmost to :- 1 blame the parents 2 discredit the parent 3 close ranks deny any responsibility. Enough is enough deal with bad behaviour in schools and teach.schools are not only supposed to teach numeracy and literacey but manners,responsibili
ty and acceptable behaviour.The authorities dont really want to prevent social disorder but cure it.PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE I THINK, but too much money and responsibilty at stake.Basically a COP OUT.Write to your MP and the Department of Education.
How about someone taking RESPONSIBILTY.Throug h my experiance schools do not want to deal with problem children,more-over it seems to be our hands are tied.When requesting findings of any investigation schools tend to hide the truth citing confidentiality,even when it regards your child.Essex county council do not deal with primary schools.The head teacher has any FINAL SAY (fact).By going to the press the school,ECC and SOCIAL SERVICES will try and do their utmost to :- 1 blame the parents 2 discredit the parent 3 close ranks deny any responsibility. Enough is enough deal with bad behaviour in schools and teach.schools are not only supposed to teach numeracy and literacey but manners,responsibili ty and acceptable behaviour.The authorities dont really want to prevent social disorder but cure it.PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE I THINK, but too much money and responsibilty at stake.Basically a COP OUT.Write to your MP and the Department of Education. howwhy

4:38pm Wed 19 Dec 12

The Yellow Peril says...

I'm not suggesting people are motivated to have special needs kids at all. You either do or you don't. But why so many? Adding to my barbeque experience, I wonder if parental absence from the home and excessive drinking/lack of attention to the kids has anything to do with it? All the parents were "good" drinkers and pub regulars.
I'm not suggesting people are motivated to have special needs kids at all. You either do or you don't. But why so many? Adding to my barbeque experience, I wonder if parental absence from the home and excessive drinking/lack of attention to the kids has anything to do with it? All the parents were "good" drinkers and pub regulars. The Yellow Peril

4:39pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

how why interesting comments thanks. I have written to so many people(not the press) up until now and no one cares. I believe its not just the responsibility of school to ensure good manners etc. This also has to come from home but ideally partnership with school would be helpful. it seem like the dad in this case really tried to work with the school
how why interesting comments thanks. I have written to so many people(not the press) up until now and no one cares. I believe its not just the responsibility of school to ensure good manners etc. This also has to come from home but ideally partnership with school would be helpful. it seem like the dad in this case really tried to work with the school catherinedon

4:43pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

IM not a pub regular, dont smoke , don't do drugs , only work one shift a week in order to be at home with my children. The day i work my husband is here to look after them. I do like a bit of chocolate so maybe that's why my children are autistic :)
IM not a pub regular, dont smoke , don't do drugs , only work one shift a week in order to be at home with my children. The day i work my husband is here to look after them. I do like a bit of chocolate so maybe that's why my children are autistic :) catherinedon

4:44pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

loving the earlier ninja comment :)
loving the earlier ninja comment :) catherinedon

4:46pm Wed 19 Dec 12

The Yellow Peril says...

I strongly disagree that it is up to teachers to instill good manners in children. Children should start their schooling knowing right from wrong and there should be adequate consequences to poor behaviour. Children these days are spoilt, ignored, used to getting something for nothing and know how to manipulate adults who are often powerless or unwilling to deal with them in a way that works.
I strongly disagree that it is up to teachers to instill good manners in children. Children should start their schooling knowing right from wrong and there should be adequate consequences to poor behaviour. Children these days are spoilt, ignored, used to getting something for nothing and know how to manipulate adults who are often powerless or unwilling to deal with them in a way that works. The Yellow Peril

4:59pm Wed 19 Dec 12

howwhy says...

So if certain elements of LIFE (like the basics, manners and respect) are not seen by TEACHERS of certain children,who by their own admission are EXPERTS in the field of EDUCATION/TEACHING can not help children who lack these basics by the general consesus are not taught at home,WHO WILL TEACH OUR CHILDREN THESE BASICS.
Oh i guess these children that lack these basics will be picked up later on in life STATING BLAME THE PARENTS.
Prevent this happening, none of us are perfect but to try and cure this problem later on in life when the human brain has been wired and developed is more costly financially and socially Take responsibility NOW!
So if certain elements of LIFE (like the basics, manners and respect) are not seen by TEACHERS of certain children,who by their own admission are EXPERTS in the field of EDUCATION/TEACHING can not help children who lack these basics by the general consesus are not taught at home,WHO WILL TEACH OUR CHILDREN THESE BASICS. Oh i guess these children that lack these basics will be picked up later on in life STATING BLAME THE PARENTS. Prevent this happening, none of us are perfect but to try and cure this problem later on in life when the human brain has been wired and developed is more costly financially and socially Take responsibility NOW! howwhy

5:04pm Wed 19 Dec 12

The Yellow Peril says...

catherinedon wrote:
IM not a pub regular, dont smoke , don't do drugs , only work one shift a week in order to be at home with my children. The day i work my husband is here to look after them. I do like a bit of chocolate so maybe that's why my children are autistic :)
I am sure you provide the perfect balanced homelife but it seems that many don't. I don't know you but I know plenty of examples of less than suitable upbringings when daily treats of sweets, burgers, ready-meals, fizzy drinks, lack of exercise and all the other things I have mentioned above come into play.
[quote][p][bold]catherinedon[/bold] wrote: IM not a pub regular, dont smoke , don't do drugs , only work one shift a week in order to be at home with my children. The day i work my husband is here to look after them. I do like a bit of chocolate so maybe that's why my children are autistic :)[/p][/quote]I am sure you provide the perfect balanced homelife but it seems that many don't. I don't know you but I know plenty of examples of less than suitable upbringings when daily treats of sweets, burgers, ready-meals, fizzy drinks, lack of exercise and all the other things I have mentioned above come into play. The Yellow Peril

5:39pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

yellow peril very flattering but am only human and would never claim the perfectly balanced homelife :) I do know what you mean but believe me its hard and judgement really doesn't help. I personally cant see the benefits in having children with additional needs. Having said that I love all my children individually for who they are. I really feel for the family in this story
yellow peril very flattering but am only human and would never claim the perfectly balanced homelife :) I do know what you mean but believe me its hard and judgement really doesn't help. I personally cant see the benefits in having children with additional needs. Having said that I love all my children individually for who they are. I really feel for the family in this story catherinedon

7:28pm Wed 19 Dec 12

kevinandperry says...

obviously yellow peril has never been educated in asd my son as a small toddler was different from other kids and he was disciplined the same as his sister whom is a polite and wonderful teenager .he never engaged much with other children was quite happy to play with strange objects and we had obsessions with certain objects ..food etc does not play any part in his behavior .we would punish him for bad behavior and reward for good and the next day he would do exactly the same thing again which he was punished for .i do not claim benefits as i work part time ,have been married for 18 years ..it took 6 years to finally find out what was wrong with him until the school referred him and another year to see a specialist and have had endless worry of what to do about his schooling .. until you have a special need child of your own you will never understand what us parents have gone through to get them the help and support they need and most main stream schools dont do that ,rather than help or try to understand their needs they will exclude him for simply not following instructions as they demand and my son is losing out of education because of it and there is nothing i can do about it
obviously yellow peril has never been educated in asd my son as a small toddler was different from other kids and he was disciplined the same as his sister whom is a polite and wonderful teenager .he never engaged much with other children was quite happy to play with strange objects and we had obsessions with certain objects ..food etc does not play any part in his behavior .we would punish him for bad behavior and reward for good and the next day he would do exactly the same thing again which he was punished for .i do not claim benefits as i work part time ,have been married for 18 years ..it took 6 years to finally find out what was wrong with him until the school referred him and another year to see a specialist and have had endless worry of what to do about his schooling .. until you have a special need child of your own you will never understand what us parents have gone through to get them the help and support they need and most main stream schools dont do that ,rather than help or try to understand their needs they will exclude him for simply not following instructions as they demand and my son is losing out of education because of it and there is nothing i can do about it kevinandperry

7:56pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

steady on kevinandperry as you may be accused of highjacking this for your own 'poor child' like I was earlier because clearly thats the big issue here isn't it
steady on kevinandperry as you may be accused of highjacking this for your own 'poor child' like I was earlier because clearly thats the big issue here isn't it catherinedon

8:27pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

looking back at hello1 comment . You say I have been screaming this long .... no one is listening. So clearly you know who I am and Im pretty certain I know who you are. Rest assured that my voice will remain loud and strong for any of my children. Fell free to continue to turn a blind eye. These are children we are adults. I will protect my children forever
looking back at hello1 comment . You say I have been screaming this long .... no one is listening. So clearly you know who I am and Im pretty certain I know who you are. Rest assured that my voice will remain loud and strong for any of my children. Fell free to continue to turn a blind eye. These are children we are adults. I will protect my children forever catherinedon

9:11pm Wed 19 Dec 12

Hello1 says...

Actually I don't know you and you don't know me so don't begin to threaten me with your "I'm sure I know who you are" with an ounce of intelligence I just worked out that you've been home schooling since last march, all of this obviously happened before this..... It doesn't take a genious to work out how long youve been ranting for!!! You have hijacked this discussions for your own ends as most of the comments are from you.....I have better things to do than answer you anymore.
Actually I don't know you and you don't know me so don't begin to threaten me with your "I'm sure I know who you are" with an ounce of intelligence I just worked out that you've been home schooling since last march, all of this obviously happened before this..... It doesn't take a genious to work out how long youve been ranting for!!! You have hijacked this discussions for your own ends as most of the comments are from you.....I have better things to do than answer you anymore. Hello1

9:18pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

still reckon I know you :) and i don't threaten people. Why would you find it threatening that I may know who you are? what you call ranting I call safe guarding but carry on calling it ranting if that helps you. no apologies that most of the comments are from me, Freedom of speech is wonderful. can I point out to you yet again that this is the very same school
still reckon I know you :) and i don't threaten people. Why would you find it threatening that I may know who you are? what you call ranting I call safe guarding but carry on calling it ranting if that helps you. no apologies that most of the comments are from me, Freedom of speech is wonderful. can I point out to you yet again that this is the very same school catherinedon

10:55pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

also in response to Hello 1 I have 3 folders of factual evidence and many professional reports so no my story is not factually incorrect. I can provide anyone with copies of the letters send by school including the one that said if my child should chose to run off it would be very difficult for staff to stop him.. I also have an apology letter following me arriving at school twice to collect my son and no one knowing where he was. I was never interested in having my story printed because make no mistake if I had wanted this it would have happened. When you say no one is listening this is not true remember that the Chief commissioner for special needs sent an expert in autism in to this school a few days after receiving my letter. She indeed phoned me and said the e mail I had sent her had brought a tear to her eye. She organised teaching on autism for this school as their inability to apply for stat assessment showed a clear gap in their knowledge and expertise in education.schools are not forced to follow correct procedures. The Lea have basically said that its up to the governors of a school to deal with the head. So basically if you have a situation where the head and the chair of governors are friends then as a parent you haven't got a hope of a hearing. what makes you so certain that correct procedures were followed you seem very sure of this? How would you know?
also in response to Hello 1 I have 3 folders of factual evidence and many professional reports so no my story is not factually incorrect. I can provide anyone with copies of the letters send by school including the one that said if my child should chose to run off it would be very difficult for staff to stop him.. I also have an apology letter following me arriving at school twice to collect my son and no one knowing where he was. I was never interested in having my story printed because make no mistake if I had wanted this it would have happened. When you say no one is listening this is not true remember that the Chief commissioner for special needs sent an expert in autism in to this school a few days after receiving my letter. She indeed phoned me and said the e mail I had sent her had brought a tear to her eye. She organised teaching on autism for this school as their inability to apply for stat assessment showed a clear gap in their knowledge and expertise in education.schools are not forced to follow correct procedures. The Lea have basically said that its up to the governors of a school to deal with the head. So basically if you have a situation where the head and the chair of governors are friends then as a parent you haven't got a hope of a hearing. what makes you so certain that correct procedures were followed you seem very sure of this? How would you know? catherinedon

11:11pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

also in response to Hello 1 I have 3 folders of factual evidence and many professional reports so no my story is not factually incorrect. I can provide anyone with copies of the letters send by school including the one that said if my child should chose to run off it would be very difficult for staff to stop him.. I also have an apology letter following me arriving at school twice to collect my son and no one knowing where he was. I was never interested in having my story printed because make no mistake if I had wanted this it would have happened. When you say no one is listening this is not true remember that the Chief commissioner for special needs sent an expert in autism in to this school a few days after receiving my letter. She indeed phoned me and said the e mail I had sent her had brought a tear to her eye. She organised teaching on autism for this school as their inability to apply for stat assessment showed a clear gap in their knowledge and expertise in education.schools are not forced to follow correct procedures. The Lea have basically said that its up to the governors of a school to deal with the head. So basically if you have a situation where the head and the chair of governors are friends then as a parent you haven't got a hope of a hearing. what makes you so certain that correct procedures were followed you seem very sure of this? How would you know?
also in response to Hello 1 I have 3 folders of factual evidence and many professional reports so no my story is not factually incorrect. I can provide anyone with copies of the letters send by school including the one that said if my child should chose to run off it would be very difficult for staff to stop him.. I also have an apology letter following me arriving at school twice to collect my son and no one knowing where he was. I was never interested in having my story printed because make no mistake if I had wanted this it would have happened. When you say no one is listening this is not true remember that the Chief commissioner for special needs sent an expert in autism in to this school a few days after receiving my letter. She indeed phoned me and said the e mail I had sent her had brought a tear to her eye. She organised teaching on autism for this school as their inability to apply for stat assessment showed a clear gap in their knowledge and expertise in education.schools are not forced to follow correct procedures. The Lea have basically said that its up to the governors of a school to deal with the head. So basically if you have a situation where the head and the chair of governors are friends then as a parent you haven't got a hope of a hearing. what makes you so certain that correct procedures were followed you seem very sure of this? How would you know? catherinedon

11:12pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

so sorry I have double posed again .Dont know how to remove sorry
so sorry I have double posed again .Dont know how to remove sorry catherinedon

11:21pm Wed 19 Dec 12

catherinedon says...

its a serious possibility
its a serious possibility catherinedon

12:02am Thu 20 Dec 12

howwhy says...

The Head Teacher is The Authority.Their decision is final.
The Head Teacher is The Authority.Their decision is final. howwhy

8:46am Thu 20 Dec 12

The Yellow Peril says...

kevinandperry wrote:
obviously yellow peril has never been educated in asd my son as a small toddler was different from other kids and he was disciplined the same as his sister whom is a polite and wonderful teenager .he never engaged much with other children was quite happy to play with strange objects and we had obsessions with certain objects ..food etc does not play any part in his behavior .we would punish him for bad behavior and reward for good and the next day he would do exactly the same thing again which he was punished for .i do not claim benefits as i work part time ,have been married for 18 years ..it took 6 years to finally find out what was wrong with him until the school referred him and another year to see a specialist and have had endless worry of what to do about his schooling .. until you have a special need child of your own you will never understand what us parents have gone through to get them the help and support they need and most main stream schools dont do that ,rather than help or try to understand their needs they will exclude him for simply not following instructions as they demand and my son is losing out of education because of it and there is nothing i can do about it
Ok. How do you know that diet doesn't play any part in your kid's behaviour? The nutrition (or potentially the lack of it) that you put into your kids' bodies feeds all the organs, incuding the brain and I strongly believe that there has to be a reason why so many kids these days have all these problems which quite frankly did not exist years ago. It is a modern phenomenon like why are so many kids obese these days when they didn't used to be? I also believe the small gene pool in towns like Witham play a part - I know so many people who are married to people they are directly related to. So Kevin and Perry (and that speaks volumes) why is your kid and so many others got these problems?
[quote][p][bold]kevinandperry[/bold] wrote: obviously yellow peril has never been educated in asd my son as a small toddler was different from other kids and he was disciplined the same as his sister whom is a polite and wonderful teenager .he never engaged much with other children was quite happy to play with strange objects and we had obsessions with certain objects ..food etc does not play any part in his behavior .we would punish him for bad behavior and reward for good and the next day he would do exactly the same thing again which he was punished for .i do not claim benefits as i work part time ,have been married for 18 years ..it took 6 years to finally find out what was wrong with him until the school referred him and another year to see a specialist and have had endless worry of what to do about his schooling .. until you have a special need child of your own you will never understand what us parents have gone through to get them the help and support they need and most main stream schools dont do that ,rather than help or try to understand their needs they will exclude him for simply not following instructions as they demand and my son is losing out of education because of it and there is nothing i can do about it[/p][/quote]Ok. How do you know that diet doesn't play any part in your kid's behaviour? The nutrition (or potentially the lack of it) that you put into your kids' bodies feeds all the organs, incuding the brain and I strongly believe that there has to be a reason why so many kids these days have all these problems which quite frankly did not exist years ago. It is a modern phenomenon like why are so many kids obese these days when they didn't used to be? I also believe the small gene pool in towns like Witham play a part - I know so many people who are married to people they are directly related to. So Kevin and Perry (and that speaks volumes) why is your kid and so many others got these problems? The Yellow Peril

9:01am Thu 20 Dec 12

kevinandperry says...

my son does not eat junk food and it has been proven that sugar etc and food coloring's do not cause asd or adhd and i do not live in witham ..i always wondered about the jabs he had as a baby as it is about then that his behavior changed but can not be proven ..my sons diet is fine he loves his veg...if you want to harp on about diet ask the government what crap and chemicals they put in every day food even bread that every body eats...and why so many people have food intolerance,i do avoid certain foods with him as they contain to many E nos which can make him worse but even with a balanced diet he will still be AUTISTIC nothing will change that
my son does not eat junk food and it has been proven that sugar etc and food coloring's do not cause asd or adhd and i do not live in witham ..i always wondered about the jabs he had as a baby as it is about then that his behavior changed but can not be proven ..my sons diet is fine he loves his veg...if you want to harp on about diet ask the government what crap and chemicals they put in every day food even bread that every body eats...and why so many people have food intolerance,i do avoid certain foods with him as they contain to many E nos which can make him worse but even with a balanced diet he will still be AUTISTIC nothing will change that kevinandperry

9:12am Thu 20 Dec 12

kevinandperry says...

What causes autism?

Scientists aren’t certain about what causes ASD, but it’s likely that both genetics and environment play a role. Researchers have identified a number of genes associated with the disorder. Studies of people with ASD have found irregularities in several regions of the brain. Other studies suggest that people with ASD have abnormal levels of serotonin or other neurotransmitters in the brain. These abnormalities suggest that ASD could result from the disruption of normal brain development early in fetal development caused by defects in genes that control brain growth and that regulate how brain cells communicate with each other, possibly due to the influence of environmental factors on gene function. While these findings are intriguing, they are preliminary and require further study. The theory that parental practices are responsible for ASD has long been disproved.
What causes autism? Scientists aren’t certain about what causes ASD, but it’s likely that both genetics and environment play a role. Researchers have identified a number of genes associated with the disorder. Studies of people with ASD have found irregularities in several regions of the brain. Other studies suggest that people with ASD have abnormal levels of serotonin or other neurotransmitters in the brain. These abnormalities suggest that ASD could result from the disruption of normal brain development early in fetal development caused by defects in genes that control brain growth and that regulate how brain cells communicate with each other, possibly due to the influence of environmental factors on gene function. While these findings are intriguing, they are preliminary and require further study. The theory that parental practices are responsible for ASD has long been disproved. kevinandperry

10:18am Thu 20 Dec 12

The Yellow Peril says...

Maybe not parental practices if the route cause is present before birth, ie it's in the genes. Goes back to my query about the local gene pool and possibility of defects in the parents' genetics. I don't want to be rude but the people I know who have children with behaviourable problems all have their own issues, like alcohol abuse, sub-standard intelligence, over-eating or anorexia and other emotional or mental issues.
Maybe not parental practices if the route cause is present before birth, ie it's in the genes. Goes back to my query about the local gene pool and possibility of defects in the parents' genetics. I don't want to be rude but the people I know who have children with behaviourable problems all have their own issues, like alcohol abuse, sub-standard intelligence, over-eating or anorexia and other emotional or mental issues. The Yellow Peril

10:27am Thu 20 Dec 12

kevinandperry says...

well our family does not fit with any of them options my husband is a member of Mensa and went to a grammar school and no one of them things in your group fit any one in my family present or past !!!!!!
well our family does not fit with any of them options my husband is a member of Mensa and went to a grammar school and no one of them things in your group fit any one in my family present or past !!!!!! kevinandperry

10:37am Thu 20 Dec 12

The Yellow Peril says...

Why are you called Kevin and Perry? Unless of course that is actually your names?
Why are you called Kevin and Perry? Unless of course that is actually your names? The Yellow Peril

10:44am Thu 20 Dec 12

csteed85 says...

I fear that some of these discussions are getting away from the main point here…

Regardless of what has happened, he is 5 and there should be options open to him.

People who have difficulties with their weight are now supported by having specially built ambulances (and hoists!) to support them to hospital appointments, prisoners have support offered to them when they finish their sentence to help prevent them from re-offending, large families where neither of the parents work are supported financially… every day we read about support given to those that need it for some reason or another…

A 5 year old, regardless of parents, disability, diet etc. should not be in this situation, he, like others that need it, should have support in place.
I fear that some of these discussions are getting away from the main point here… Regardless of what has happened, he is 5 and there should be options open to him. People who have difficulties with their weight are now supported by having specially built ambulances (and hoists!) to support them to hospital appointments, prisoners have support offered to them when they finish their sentence to help prevent them from re-offending, large families where neither of the parents work are supported financially… every day we read about support given to those that need it for some reason or another… A 5 year old, regardless of parents, disability, diet etc. should not be in this situation, he, like others that need it, should have support in place. csteed85

12:27pm Thu 20 Dec 12

venturoboy says...

Why should a disruptive pupil such as this be allowed to drag down the education other pupils receive?

Why are they both smiling in the photo? it doesn't look to me like the father takes it seriously enough.
Why should a disruptive pupil such as this be allowed to drag down the education other pupils receive? Why are they both smiling in the photo? it doesn't look to me like the father takes it seriously enough. venturoboy

1:07pm Thu 20 Dec 12

The Yellow Peril says...

Mr Steed, what support exactly are you looking for? What do you want someone to do to put your boy on the right track and make his behaviour acceptable? Clearly his grossly disruptive behaviour is likely to continue if he returns to school and this is not fair on others, including the staff.
Mr Steed, what support exactly are you looking for? What do you want someone to do to put your boy on the right track and make his behaviour acceptable? Clearly his grossly disruptive behaviour is likely to continue if he returns to school and this is not fair on others, including the staff. The Yellow Peril

2:36pm Thu 20 Dec 12

kevinandperry says...

can i ask yellow peril what you expect the parents to do then every child no matter what disability is entitled to a proper education if i decided not to send my son to school i would be put in prison for it .i sick to death of do gooders who know nothing ...bet you never had any kids of your own ..
can i ask yellow peril what you expect the parents to do then every child no matter what disability is entitled to a proper education if i decided not to send my son to school i would be put in prison for it .i sick to death of do gooders who know nothing ...bet you never had any kids of your own .. kevinandperry

2:42pm Thu 20 Dec 12

kevinandperry says...

venturoboy wrote:
Why should a disruptive pupil such as this be allowed to drag down the education other pupils receive?

Why are they both smiling in the photo? it doesn't look to me like the father takes it seriously enough.
have you either thought how hard it is to get a child in a special need school for one they need to have a statement of education with out that they have no chance and even when they do get a statement there are no places available as these schools do not hold waiting lists and are brimming ..i blame the government myself for allowing special needs kids into main stream schools not the children ...what would you do if the shoe was on the other foot
[quote][p][bold]venturoboy[/bold] wrote: Why should a disruptive pupil such as this be allowed to drag down the education other pupils receive? Why are they both smiling in the photo? it doesn't look to me like the father takes it seriously enough.[/p][/quote]have you either thought how hard it is to get a child in a special need school for one they need to have a statement of education with out that they have no chance and even when they do get a statement there are no places available as these schools do not hold waiting lists and are brimming ..i blame the government myself for allowing special needs kids into main stream schools not the children ...what would you do if the shoe was on the other foot kevinandperry

3:15pm Thu 20 Dec 12

The Yellow Peril says...

Whether or not I have children is irrelevant. However, when you choose to bring a child into the world it is ultimately your responsibility (although this may come as a surprise to many who think that society is responsible to fund it, house it, educate it and teach it basic good manners and behaviour). There are no guarantees that the child will be blessed with good physical and mental health and that's the chance you take. It's all about what you're "entitled to" isn't it? What have you contributed to society first to be "entitled" to anything?
Whether or not I have children is irrelevant. However, when you choose to bring a child into the world it is ultimately your responsibility (although this may come as a surprise to many who think that society is responsible to fund it, house it, educate it and teach it basic good manners and behaviour). There are no guarantees that the child will be blessed with good physical and mental health and that's the chance you take. It's all about what you're "entitled to" isn't it? What have you contributed to society first to be "entitled" to anything? The Yellow Peril

3:24pm Thu 20 Dec 12

kevinandperry says...

worked dam hard all my life worked from the day i left school having at one point 3 part time jobs and looking after 2 toddlers as well as doing free time helping at brownies and sunday school and never claimed a penny in benifits does that answer your question yellow peril
worked dam hard all my life worked from the day i left school having at one point 3 part time jobs and looking after 2 toddlers as well as doing free time helping at brownies and sunday school and never claimed a penny in benifits does that answer your question yellow peril kevinandperry

3:28pm Thu 20 Dec 12

The Yellow Peril says...

My questions weren't necessarily directed at you personally. People who use the "entitled" word are generally those who believe they are owed things in life.
My questions weren't necessarily directed at you personally. People who use the "entitled" word are generally those who believe they are owed things in life. The Yellow Peril

3:35pm Thu 20 Dec 12

kevinandperry says...

yes i do agree with you on that one sometimes think to myself why do i go to work when i would be better of claiming all these benefits and getting help with everything but then that was the way i was brought up to work hard and look after your own family but yes just sometimes people do need a little extra help with things in there life at some point due to no fault of there own..life is not always that simple ,
yes i do agree with you on that one sometimes think to myself why do i go to work when i would be better of claiming all these benefits and getting help with everything but then that was the way i was brought up to work hard and look after your own family but yes just sometimes people do need a little extra help with things in there life at some point due to no fault of there own..life is not always that simple , kevinandperry

3:40pm Thu 20 Dec 12

The Yellow Peril says...

and I agree that raising children can be incredibly trying and some are better at it than others but when I see people who have young children spending hours getting off their heads in the pub when they could be spending quality time with their children, they really can't be surprised when the kid doesn't turn out perfect. For the avoidance of doubt, I am not suggesting that anyone on this site is one of those people but they are the ones I see and know have problem children - perhaps they are escaping the children and drowning their sorrows!
and I agree that raising children can be incredibly trying and some are better at it than others but when I see people who have young children spending hours getting off their heads in the pub when they could be spending quality time with their children, they really can't be surprised when the kid doesn't turn out perfect. For the avoidance of doubt, I am not suggesting that anyone on this site is one of those people but they are the ones I see and know have problem children - perhaps they are escaping the children and drowning their sorrows! The Yellow Peril

6:51pm Thu 20 Dec 12

radishot says...

powers hall school has a reputation for not being able to deal with disruptive pupils.All they seem to do is escalate the problem instead of trying to resolve it. my stepson had problems at this school a few years ago, he had a behavior problem so when he was aggravated he was locked in a small room on his own unsupervised .Now tell me this is the way to deal with said situations.
powers hall school has a reputation for not being able to deal with disruptive pupils.All they seem to do is escalate the problem instead of trying to resolve it. my stepson had problems at this school a few years ago, he had a behavior problem so when he was aggravated he was locked in a small room on his own unsupervised .Now tell me this is the way to deal with said situations. radishot

9:30pm Thu 20 Dec 12

venturoboy says...

When i was at school we had a grading system - essentially your class was placed in a group... Top, middle and bottom - each group also had a top, middle and bottom so you were placed in a class that matched your ability. I was top of middle so generally above average but no steven hawkins.

Towards the end of my school years this model was changed to Top and Middle... why? because it was politically incorrect to stigmatise those in the bottom group - people of the bottom group then dragged down the middle classes - i saw it with my own eyes.

So radishot looking back i would say the best thing to do would be to put all the disruptive pupils in the same class and reward well behaved children with a good education. If your child gets put in the naughty class you cannot blame anyone but yourself.
When i was at school we had a grading system - essentially your class was placed in a group... Top, middle and bottom - each group also had a top, middle and bottom so you were placed in a class that matched your ability. I was top of middle so generally above average but no steven hawkins. Towards the end of my school years this model was changed to Top and Middle... why? because it was politically incorrect to stigmatise those in the bottom group - people of the bottom group then dragged down the middle classes - i saw it with my own eyes. So radishot looking back i would say the best thing to do would be to put all the disruptive pupils in the same class and reward well behaved children with a good education. If your child gets put in the naughty class you cannot blame anyone but yourself. venturoboy

8:29am Fri 21 Dec 12

The Yellow Peril says...

I see Mr Steed now has his sorry story in the Metro. This time we see the mother, who was 17 when she had Logan. So you have a kid bringing up a kid - no wonder he has problems. Yes, I know there will be people out there saying that they had their children as teenagers and what a shining example of society they turned out to be. But actually I doubt it. I know people who think they have done a great job of parenthood who are basically too thick to know any different if it came up from the pavement and slapped them in the face. Mr Steed, you are quickly losing any sympathy the public might have had.
I see Mr Steed now has his sorry story in the Metro. This time we see the mother, who was 17 when she had Logan. So you have a kid bringing up a kid - no wonder he has problems. Yes, I know there will be people out there saying that they had their children as teenagers and what a shining example of society they turned out to be. But actually I doubt it. I know people who think they have done a great job of parenthood who are basically too thick to know any different if it came up from the pavement and slapped them in the face. Mr Steed, you are quickly losing any sympathy the public might have had. The Yellow Peril

10:03am Fri 21 Dec 12

F650CS says...

www.ofsted.gov.uk/pr
ovider/files/2142379
/urn/114944.pd This school has required improvement for far too long in my opinion. How many years will ofsted continue to try to improve schools when all the while children are attending sub standard schools. so even if we as parents do the right things at home with our children we then send them to a school hat 'requires improvement'
www.ofsted.gov.uk/pr ovider/files/2142379 /urn/114944.pd This school has required improvement for far too long in my opinion. How many years will ofsted continue to try to improve schools when all the while children are attending sub standard schools. so even if we as parents do the right things at home with our children we then send them to a school hat 'requires improvement' F650CS

10:04am Fri 21 Dec 12

F650CS says...

www.ofsted.gov.uk/pr
ovider/files/2142379
/urn/114944.pdf
www.ofsted.gov.uk/pr ovider/files/2142379 /urn/114944.pdf F650CS

10:05am Fri 21 Dec 12

F650CS says...

clearly I need to go back to school to learn more IT. Hope you can find this link
clearly I need to go back to school to learn more IT. Hope you can find this link F650CS

10:21am Fri 21 Dec 12

F650CS says...

https://www.google.c
o.uk/#hl=en&sugexp=l
es%3B&gs_rn=1&gs_ri=
hp&tok=TKGfZh7fJXuPI
T0_wlHnzQ&cp=26&gs_i
d=5b&xhr=t&q=claire+
edwards+powers+hall&
pf=p&tbo=d&sclient=p
sy-ab&oq=claire+edwa
rds+powers+hall&gs_l
=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.
r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.
&bvm=bv.1355534169,d
.d2k&fp=914516313c4c
4039&bpcl=40096503&b
iw=1920&bih=936
https://www.google.c o.uk/#hl=en&sugexp=l es%3B&gs_rn=1&gs_ri= hp&tok=TKGfZh7fJXuPI T0_wlHnzQ&cp=26&gs_i d=5b&xhr=t&q=claire+ edwards+powers+hall& pf=p&tbo=d&sclient=p sy-ab&oq=claire+edwa rds+powers+hall&gs_l =&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or. r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf. &bvm=bv.1355534169,d .d2k&fp=914516313c4c 4039&bpcl=40096503&b iw=1920&bih=936 F650CS

10:24am Fri 21 Dec 12

F650CS says...

last unsuccessful attempt. Just copy and paste original link to see the ofsted inspectors follow up visit that clearly says nothing has changed since the inspection where they were told that they 'need improvement'
last unsuccessful attempt. Just copy and paste original link to see the ofsted inspectors follow up visit that clearly says nothing has changed since the inspection where they were told that they 'need improvement' F650CS

3:05pm Fri 21 Dec 12

keith_l says...

Venturoboy - I think you are confusing the different phases of education. Primary schools typically have only one, or at most two, class(es) per year group. There is no "setting" until the secondary phase.
Venturoboy - I think you are confusing the different phases of education. Primary schools typically have only one, or at most two, class(es) per year group. There is no "setting" until the secondary phase. keith_l

2:13pm Fri 4 Jan 13

Rose77 says...

Good grief, I cannot believe that people think teachers should be 'teaching' manners... I believe they should be reinforcing manners, which should be learnt in the five years before a child starts school! Teachers are NOT childminders or babysitters, they have studied hard at university and incurred significant student debt in the process. They deserve respect and all parents and carers have a duty and responsibility to ensure that by the time their child starts school, they have the basics in place - this includes good manners, good behaviour, an understanding of right and wrong, confidence, independence, are able to respect their peers and those senior to them (i.e. teachers!) so that teachers can focus on what they are meant to do - teach! Not act as UN Peacekeepers amongst a class of 30 with a number of unruly children. Becoming a parent is a huge responsibility and doesn't stop when a child starts school.
Good grief, I cannot believe that people think teachers should be 'teaching' manners... I believe they should be reinforcing manners, which should be learnt in the five years before a child starts school! Teachers are NOT childminders or babysitters, they have studied hard at university and incurred significant student debt in the process. They deserve respect and all parents and carers have a duty and responsibility to ensure that by the time their child starts school, they have the basics in place - this includes good manners, good behaviour, an understanding of right and wrong, confidence, independence, are able to respect their peers and those senior to them (i.e. teachers!) so that teachers can focus on what they are meant to do - teach! Not act as UN Peacekeepers amongst a class of 30 with a number of unruly children. Becoming a parent is a huge responsibility and doesn't stop when a child starts school. Rose77

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