Case Study: Boy with ADHD Not Excluded from London Independent School

How Dan maintained a relationship with the school

Dan wrote the letter in such a way to seek to maintain a positive relationship with the school, so that no negativity would result from the case. The school’s lawyers became involved, and a further agreement was reached to review the situation again towards the end of the academic year.

He later received the best school report ever

With more understanding and measures put in place by the school, together with further help that the parents had put in themselves at home for their son, the situation at school stabilised and their son managed to successfully complete the year and come back for the next school year.

By the time of the next school report, when our case had been long since closed, we received a phone call from the boy’s mother informing us that “all was well” and that her son had had the best school report that he had ever had. The relationship with the school was kept positive throughout the process, and the child’s needs and requirements were then met.

What are reasonable adjustments schools should make for disabled pupils?

Schools have a legal obligation under the Equality Act to support in all reasonable adjustments, and that includes all aspects of the school day.

Reasonable adjustments are not set out in law but examples could include:

- A visually impaired child is placed in a seat to accommodate their field of sight.

- Adjusting the snack policy to allow a child with diabetes to have high-sugar snacks

- Adapting the school uniform policy to allow children with sensory needs or allergies

- Traffic light cards being available to children who need extra time

- Coloured paper for children with dyslexia

- Allowing laptops for exams and classes for children with dyspraxia or dyslexia

-  Allowing disabled children to sit exams in a smaller room, who struggle with sensory processing

Treating disabled children equally may mean doing things differently for them, to ensure they are all on a level ground with the other children. Whilst schools aren’t legally obliged to provide adjustment for children who aren’t classified as disabled, many still will work to provide support when and if needed. They are however obliged to help any children with a disability, and they should work with the pupil and their family to agree to all necessary support.

What is a school exclusion?

School exclusion is when a pupil is removed from their school and not permitted to return for a period of time (known as fixed term) or permanently. Permanent exclusion should be a last resort for schools, so the exclusion process should be thorough.

How we can Help

The most important thing to remember if you and your child are going through exclusion and has been expelled or you fear they might be, is that you can contact us as quickly as possible. Our SEN Solicitors are recognised as leaders in the field by independent legal directories, as we have extensive experience and expertise in investigating the circumstances surrounding a school exclusion/expulsion. We will work tirelessly on your behalf to get justice where your child has been wrongfully excluded, whether on the grounds of inconsistent evidence, procedure or discrimination.

Contact us today, and let us help you in communicating with your child’s school to prevent it from getting that far. Call us on 0808 239 9764.