1 |
First and foremost special needs
families should NOT be under a mistaken belief that statements of
SEN in Wales, or EHCP's in England are not available. They are available
and are all about protecting and providing support for children with
special needs. Do not necessarily believe the word on the street
as it is often wrong and does not represent the true legal position.
If you are without such a plan or statement write to your local authority
and request an assessment. |
2 |
Be on the alert for changes in your
child's behaviour. Record any unusual behaviour and speak to them
about what might be worrying them. Often the child may not speak
to those most close to them. In which case ask someone to take your
place to give your child an opportunity to voice his or her concerns
and report back. |
3 |
Record each and every instance of
bullying in a diary. Record the day, time, location, circumstances
names etc. as soon as you are able to do so, recording also when
you wrote it down. This will undoubtedly become increasingly important. |
4 |
Report the bullying to the school. Not only by telephone
but be sure to follow what is said in writing. Record in writing the
promises to take action which might be made. Write back to the school
to reiterate what was said and what action is being proposed. |
5 |
Ensure that the action proposed is carried out by pointing
out any mistakes or omissions. Record this in writing in the diary
also. |
6 |
Regularly ask for copies of the school records relating
to your child. Be sure to check whether each incident is recorded in
the school file and is accurate. If reports are not recorded ask for
them to be recorded. Check the records for appropriate accuracy. |
7 |
Ask for meetings to be minuted. If not ensure that
you write back afterwards setting out your understanding of what was
agreed in a letter or email. |
8 |
If the school has prepared minutes ask for copies and
check that the notes are accurate. Check in particular that it records
the action plan correctly. |
9 |
Check the school anti bullying policy and check to
ensure it is being complied with. If it is not, write to the school
to say so. |
10 |
When reporting bullying to a school, ask to ensure
that each incident, whether in school or on way to or from school,
is recorded in an incident record. Ask for copies of this to be placed
in the school pupil records (your childs file the same file that you
routinely ask for up to date copies of.) |
11 |
If your child's health is affected (either mental or
physical), take your child to the GP. Follow medical advice. |
12 |
Remind the head teacher of his or her duty to ensure
proper discipline in the school. Ask whether disciplinary action is
being taken against any culprits. If not ask why not. If you are unhappy
with the answer say so and record what you say in writing, send a copy
to the school. |
13 |
If your child appears to be the victim of a crime report
it to the police. Record the crime reference number. Remember bullying
may also be a crime. Regular emotional harassment or physical assault
can be a crime (Protection from harassment Act or Offences Against
the person Act). |
14 |
If non compliance with the plan is observed, or if
the situation appears to highlight serious failures, report the failures
in writing to the school. Ask them to take appropriate steps to intervene
if situation is being ignored. |
15 |
If the child is unwell and unable to attend school
for medical reasons. You can ask the local authority for home tuition
pending recovery. |
16 |
If the child is too traumatised to return to school
always seek medical advice and recognition of medical unfitness to
attend school. If so ask local autjority for a new school and or home
tuition (EOTAS). If new school is requested also ask that they arrange
and pay for transport to the new school. Again put all requests in
writing whether you have spoken to the authority or not. |
17 |
Take photographs of any injuries and date them. |
18 |
If other children or persons witnessed incidents ask
them whether they would be prepared to put their statement in writing. |
19 |
Check your child's social media accounts and messages.
Monitor his or her mobile phone to check for bullying and evidence
on the phone or computer. Record the evidence by taking copies (screen
shots). Then report it to school in writing. |
20 |
Do not rely on oral conversations. Make sure everything
gets recorded in writing. |