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 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. |