Child with special needs/nappies/Infants School

[MarzipanQ]

My Grandson, 5 in October, has special needs & my daughter receivers higher DLA for him & receives input from SENCO. He started mainstream Infants School this month & the School were made aware of his problems. He is still in nappies but to make things easier for the school she arranged for the NHS Continence Service to provide pull up pants type nappies & she bought others too. Today after School his teacher said would she please send him to school in ordinary pants with loads of clothing changes as SHE was determined to overcome this problem! My daughter is very upset & I wonder just how much authority the School has in the matter. The little chap has enough difficulty adjusting to school & new circumstances due to his condition without suffering the indignity of soiling himself just to make a teachers life easier. He does have the support of a learning assistant on a shared basis with other children but it seems this lady isn't involved in this matter. Advice & help please?

[Psychick]

I would think it best to have a go between in this situation so the teacher fully understands the little boys needs. Can someone from Senco come to the school and speak to his teacher? Or does the school have a family liason officer who your daughter can go to and who can then speak to the teacher. It may also be worth having a meeting with the head teacher. Whatever route you need to take, the teacher has no right in telling your daughter how things are to be done with regards to her son. Had this been a little boy without any problems, I wouldve agreed with the teacher to a degree. But under the circumstances, this needs to be dealt with in a way that is most suitable for your grandson. Good luck to you all.

[cazzz1975]

Im sorry but I would complain, I have 2 special needs children ages 6 and 7, both in nappies full time, its very important with special needs children that toilet training be done as a whole school policy.

why is he in mainstream??, is he statemented? if so then any toilet training issue should be appropriately planned as her impatience could set him back months, point blank refuse and organise a meeting with the head teacher and senco.

disgusting treatment

[cazzz1975]

also..dont assume this teacher is right because she is a teacher, most of these "teachers" are absolutely clueless when it comes to special needs, the clue is in the fact that she thinks that the toilet training aspect will be simple...

[MarzipanQ]

My thanks to all of you for your advice & support. Your suggestions & input were exactly what I've advised my daughter to adopt & she will be using them tomorrow when she goes to School. Why does it always have to be a battle to get people in "authority" to listen to you? They have their textbooks, case examples etc but if a child doesn't slot into an exact category they have experience of then you get told " I don't see this/that/whatever a problem". SENCOS limited contact does not cover a parent's 24/7 cover so why do they politely listen but disregard your daily experience:(

[cazzz1975]

it has always been the way Im afraid, the assumption that the parent is clueless is quite a common one, I for one always make a point of highlighting the fact that the parents immense knowledge of their child should be used in partnership with any planning.

I hope it goes well for your daughter tomorrow, dont let them intimidate you!!

[daffy654]

My son gets 15 hours one on one help in school from an SSA(special support assistant),the way this is funded is that when he was statemented the LEA placed him in a specific band for his needs,each band has a set amount of funding that is provided for each statemented child to the chosen school. The SSA is not supposed to help other children within the set 15 hours. If your grandson is having to share his assistant then I think the school may be pulling a fast one and using his funding in a manner that is not allowed. Also for a child who is still in nappies they should provide a welfare assistant as SSA are not allowed to change nappies or deal with other body functions. I would get in touch directly with the LEA in your area and ask them to clarify the situation,something sounds very wrong here.

[Ice-Maiden]

I agree with Cazzz absolutely. I am in the same position as yourselves and have a lot to do with special needs children. The last thing your grandson needs is feel distressed by sudden changes, and you must insist on doing what's right for him. I chose to put my child into mainstream school, and he's just moved to senior school, still with the same friends that he knew from nursery. This has helped him a lot, and with my continued support, the teachers have learnt to support him as well. You have rights - so be firm. Good luck.

[MarzipanQ]

My thanks to everyone for messages. We WILL get there - no matter how many meetings, letters, appointments,discussions etc we are determined not to be browbeaten over the little chaps needs & education. Good luck to all those in the same boat:)

[harleybobs]

I know this does not answer your question but just incase she is'nt already she can claim a carers allowence too if he is on a higher DLA ,