School wants me to sign disclaimer

[pinky146]

Hi all,

Ive signed up as I'm in a bit of a difficult situation with my sons school & would really appreciate some opinions. My 5 year old son has just begun primary school, he wore a medic bracelet all through nursery in the same school which states he has autism, speech & language delay and has my contact number. He wears it because he wanders off, is unaware that he's lost and would not communicate if asked. The senco also said that it would help remind lunchtime staff of his needs at break. The head has decided he can not wear it so the senco now denies saying it, they say I am labelling him as different to which I said he is different & to pretend he wasn't was unfair & ignoring his needs. They then said it was a health & safety issue so I asked to see the risk assessment. They provided me with a 2 year old check on gymnastics club & Jewellery so i think at this point they'd dropped to just fighting it being worn during PE instead of all day. We explained that it is not Jewellery & I asked if a sweat band over it at PE would help in the same way that earrings can be covered with a plaster. They've said today that he can wear the bracelet if I sign a disclaimer accepting all responsibility. I'd love to hear if anyone else has come across similar or if anyone has any advice or legal info on the matter.

[baddad]

Hi Pinky -

 

I'm unsure what you're unhappy about? The school have said they don't really want him wearing it because of H&S issues and you have said you want them to to 'waive' the H&S issue rules so he can wear it, and they've said okay as long as you sign to say that's your decision/request? That seems entirely reasonable and fair to me. If you want him to wear it but, in the event of any accident, have the school take responsibility for your decision that really does, IMO, sound unreasonable on your part. In the simplest terms, if it really matters to you that he wear it what is your objection to stating that it is your request that he be allowed to do so, and if you object to taking responsibility for any accident arising as a consequence of him wearing it why do you think the school should be willing to take that responsibilit on your behalf?

 

HTH

 

L&P

 

BD

[philipo]

on the casual, it seems like your an asd job and so is your kid!!sift through it all and you'll undertsand your problems,cheers philipo x

[Suze]

Hi, I must say I,ve never heard of any ASD child wearing one of these bracelets.I can understand why you may use it if you were going to Alton Towers for the day or somewhere like that.But is it really necessary at school? It will single him out at some point.I agree with Baddad school are following LA guidlines, and covering themselves, which is entirely understandable.Is the school an autism specialist school or mainstream??.....It is a schools duty to make all midday assistants aware of any childs SEN needs , I,m not sure a bracelet is necessary to remind staff of his communication issues.

 

 

.....................anyway..welcome to the forum hope you find lots of useful information and help here

[pinky146]

I'm not asking them to waiver h&s rules, I asked them to provide evidence that it is a h&s risk which they havent. Ive spoken to the person at the council in charge of health and safety in local schools & he didnt feel it was a big deal. The reason I want him to wear the bracelet at school is because once it's taken off he can refuse to put it back on when he wears it all the time he forgets about it.

Philipo, I don't understand. What's an ASD job?

[Mumble]

I wear a medic-alert. If you want him to wear one why not get him one that is safe for sport?

 

I have a normal silver braclet style one which I wear most of the time as it goes better with the clothes I wear and I feel more comfortable wearing it as it just looks like a silver braclet, but I also have one on a strap which is sport-safe/water-proof that I wear for swimming. This would be fine to wear all the time (sometimes I do if I forget to change it) and so would solve your PE/not putting back on issue. You can also get ones that are like those charity bands which would do the same job.

[pinky146]

Thanks mumble, It is a sports band & thank you for your post because that's what I thought it's not bulky or sharp & he wears it 24/7 bath, swimming, sports etc. I really can't see there ever being an issue with it.

[baddad]

Hi again, Pinky -

 

Sorry, I might be missing something but I still don't see what the issue is, whatever type of bracelet it is (sports or metal)... the school have said he can wear it if, effectively, you take responsibility for it. If you are unwilling to do that what are your objections, and why should the school take responsibility when you are unwilling to? To me the reasons for the school saying no - whether H&S or just because there's a school policy about jewellery or something - are irrelevant; they've agreed to waiver those rules specifically for your child and all you have to do is sign a bit of paper.

 

TBH your reaction seems to be a bit OTT - phone calls to local council etc - and I can't help feeling if something this small is creating issues between you and school within months (if he's September intake, days?) of him starting it doesn't bode well for home / school communication generally or for succesful integration(?)

 

L&P

 

BD

Edited September 17, 2011 by baddad

[bid]

The question of ASD completly aside, I'm a bit surprised at the school's attitude towards the principle of a medic-alert bracelet.

 

One of my daughters has a life-threatening medical condition, and she wore a medic-alert sports bracelet at primary school, and the school were perfectly happy about this. It may be down to the individual primary school, because hers was happy to carry her E-kit with her as she moved around the school, whereas I have heard of schools who insist on keeping them locked in the office.

 

Bid

Edited September 17, 2011 by bid

[Lynden]

I think it it were for a life threatening condition then the school would possibly treat it differently than ASD? A medic alert bracelet can mean the difference between life and death for certain conditions - not so with ASD.

 

I'm with Baddad in that I don't see an issue with signing the release forms to say you've requested that he be allowed to wear one.

 

My daughters school doesn't allow jewellery in the infant school. They can wear a plain watch when they get to the juniors but that's it, but they would allow medical bracelets for conditions like diabetes/epilepsy etc.

 

Lynne

[bid]

I think it it were for a life threatening condition then the school would possibly treat it differently than ASD? A medic alert bracelet can mean the difference between life and death for certain conditions - not so with ASD.

 

I'm with Baddad in that I don't see an issue with signing the release forms to say you've requested that he be allowed to wear one.

 

My daughters school doesn't allow jewellery in the infant school. They can wear a plain watch when they get to the juniors but that's it, but they would allow medical bracelets for conditions like diabetes/epilepsy etc.

 

Lynne

 

Hmmm, good point...hadn't thought about it like that.

 

Bid

[SSS]

Pinky,

 

Totally agree with what you are saying and you should fight this as much as you can,

I believe there would be more of a health and safety issue if you son was not allowed to wear the band during school.

And your suggestion of wearing a sweat band is more than adequate (rings are covered with tape).

 

Support your son as much as you can because no one else will.

 

My experience with schools is they are always right and can do no wrong!

They hate for us mere parents to point out their mistakes and can be very petty about this.

 

Are the school willing to take responsibly if something happens to your son when he is not wearing the band? Ask them to sign a disclaimer

 

I think your son wearing this band is a very sensible thing your are doing (well done).

 

 

SSS

[bid]

 

My experience with schools is they are always right and can do no wrong!

They hate for us mere parents to point out their mistakes and can be very petty about this.

 

 

 

I don't think that's very fair SSS!

 

Teachers are humans, who can sometimes make mistakes, but the vast majority actually go into teaching because they like kids and are enthusiastic about their subject.

 

Bid

Edited September 17, 2011 by bid

[SSS]

I don’t think is very fair either on my son,

Kids sometimes make mistakes too,

Maybe some teachers should remember that!

 

SSS

[Suze]

SSS .............you have a very negative attitude to teachers and schools, and I would be doing a disservice to all those fabulous teachers out there if I did,nt speak up and disagree with you.

.............you sound like you are encouraging Pinky to go into battle over this issue and make more of it than needs to be.Every school has an obligation to ensure the safety of children in their care during school hours.Your making a moot point , asking the school to sign a disclaimer if they refuse to let him wear his bracelet.They have,nt even refused .............I,ve worked with severely autistic kids, have one of my own on the spectrum and worked in a mainstream school as a midday assistant.I,ve never met teachers like you describe , and I also have 2 more in the educational system.But I have met plenty of nasty parents who abuse staff verbally and have seen one assaulted by a parent.The vast majority of teachers do a fantastic job!............your being very unfair.I,m sorry if you have had a bad experience but its unfair to paint all schools and teachers as bad.Its always best to try to work together where possible and keep open lines of communication.

[SSS]

suze..................................................................................................

I’ve never seen a nasty parent abuse school staff, but I have seen school staff been nasty to children.

 

Pinky will do what she thinks is best for her child’s well-being.

 

If schools have an obligation to ensure the safety of children in their care then they would have no problem signing a disclaimer.

 

I would not ask some to sign a disclaimer if I was not willing to sign a similar disclaimer.

 

I know there are plenty of good teachers but that does not mean we just sit back and accept the few bad teachers.

[Kathryn]

There are school staff from hell and there are parents from hell, and in the work I do I've seen plenty of examples of both. Rarely is malice intended on either side, but an initial breakdown in communication can easily slide into a situation where both sides become entrenched and defensive. This helps no one, least of all the child. However this is probably a discussion for another thread.

 

Looking at the OP specifically there are a couple of issues here, I think. Is this a medical bracelet or not? If so, it should be treated the same way as any other medic alert bracelet worn within the school: not to do so would be discriminatory. It is surely not for the school to judge whether or not he needs one, if he is wearing it on medical advice, can you get a supporting letter to say he needs to wear it at all times? This might help if the school don't believe he needs one and are regarding it in the same way as they would regard jewellery.

 

Regarding the disclaimer: schools have a legal duty of care to all children during school hours and I'm not sure whether they have the right to opt out of specific aspects of this. Take advice before signing a disclaimer, and be fully aware of the implications if you do so, e.g. if your child's bracelet caused injury to another child, requiring medical treatment would you be liable? Normally school insurance covers accidents on school premises, whoever is responsible, but I don't know if this would change if you signed anything. Your council contact would probably be able to advise.

 

I think it's perfectly reasonable to ask for a risk assessment and to phone up the council for additional information in a situation like this. However the softly softly approach is best, especially at this stage in your son's education and I would advise that you try and keep the lines of communication open so that you and the school can share your concerns honestly and work out something that is acceptable to both sides, after all, you all have your son's well being at heart.

 

K x

[Mumble]

Well said Kathryn I don't think anyone should be signing disclaimers on any side (other than perhaps the parent reassuring the school that if it got lost - as kiddies have a habit of doing with their possesions - the school wouldn't be asked to buy a new one). What came to my thoughts was the awful tragedy this week where a young child died falling off a school climbing frame - as far as I'm aware no one is to 'blame', as awful as it is, kids play on climbing frames and kids have accidents, but I think if we tried to have everyone accepting blame for everything in advance school experiences would be so dull as teachers would be too scared to do anything (we already see this with school trips and science experiments).

 

I'm assuming this band was bought online - if you go to the website you got it they should have a section saying it's suitable for sports - print this off and give it to the school.

[pinky146]

I have been part of the school for around 7 years now and have a very friendly relationship with them. This situation is causing a great deal of anxiety for me because if that exact point & I said right from the start that I really didn't want any bad feeling, that I understand their reasons but feel at this point in time very strongly about my sons need for it. The fact that it's not a bracelet for a life threatening illness does make it more complicated but believe it would be refused even if it was. It feels that they are standing there ground due to not wanting to back down which upsets me as I don't feel it is a win or lose argument. We have had awful situations where my son just wanders off in seconds, the journey to & from school is an issue, he also loves the release button on the school gates. I'm not saying the school can't look after him adequately, merely that I can't say what my son would do in situations if confused or distressed. Him wearing his bracelet makes me feel I'm doing my best to safe guard any situation I never believed would happen but then found myself in. The reason the council are involved is due to a meeting about my sons progress where a key worker was present, we discussed the medic bracelet & it went from there. But I must say how glad I was to have the support as I do not want to row with the school. I would never expect the school to take responsibility for him hurting himself due to wearing it, they stated that there was more equipment during PE now. I will happily sign to accept responsibility should he catch it on something but to sign an open disclaimer accepting all blame i think is unfair. Lets say worse case scenario a child hit my son & said he hurt himself on his bracelet would that still be my fault? In this day and age I would be setting myself up for any ridiculous situation to be laid at my door.I have put the situation to his dr to decide whether he thinks it is needed or not, so I suppose classing it as a medic bracelet or not. I am not pig headed on the matter if I was shown good reason for him not to wear it I would of course back down but the fact that there has been no risk shown. Children wear earrings covered with tape in PE those parents don't sign disclaimers I don't see why this is different. I agree there are some fantastic teachers but unfortunately as we find in all walks of life there are some bullies etc the power given to people in certain roles can sometimes be

[Mumble]

Just to take the topic way off topic how rule bound is your son? I worked with an autistic child (in mainstream) who was forever running away from school, and the solution was sooooo simple it still makes me thinking about it. We painted a single yellow line (just like the ones on the side of the road) across all exits from the school and told him he must not cross any of these yellow lines (emphasis the 'these' and take him to see them before the rule is generalised to the street!! ) without an adult. Worked a treat. Scarily so in fact.

[pinky146]

Thanks mumble I hadn't thought of that.

I think the world has gone mad. Its like someone has to be to blame for everything nowadays & the word accident has gone out the window which is why I daren't sign anything. It's a horrific situation, much like a story I read about a young girl bouncing a small ball that lodged in her throat & she suffocated. Absolutely awful & I'd probably hate myself for buying the ball if it was me but it's a freak accident & no blame can be applied in these cases surely, but it seems nowadays people often want to.

[pinky146]

Wow what a fantastic idea, that poor kid would freak in our school tho as we have yellow lines everywhere, hatching in playground where parents shouldn't stand. Lines for how near parents can go etc etc. It is that kind of school which is why I wasn't surprised at the situation I'm in now. And I'm positive they would refuse to do that if I asked too.pretty sure my son wouldn't understand it at the moment though which is much of my worry. If he was more aware of what was happening around him & could also communicate better I would'nt feel the strong need for it but he is very much in his own world & if something takes his fancy he just follows it without any fuss or noise. Hoping as he gets older we'll be able to explain stuff like that & feel confident he understands

[Lynden]

Actually I would agree, whilst I said I don't see an issue with signing a disclaimer I think I misunderstood. I took it to be if your son hurt himself by catching on something it would be your responsibility but I do agree you shouldn't be liable for all circumstances.

 

Lynne

[cmuir]

Hi

 

Okay, if the school don't want kiddo wearing a medical alert bracelet (for ID purposes i.e. wandering off, etc), then what will they do to ensure his safety whilst in their care? I would be inclined to turn this on it's head and put the onus on the school. For what it's worth, I think wearing a medic alert type bracelet (as long as there's no catches which might snag skin, etc) is not an unreasonable step if your child is prone to wandering off and his ability to communicate, etc is severely impaired. I do think it boils down to what the likelihood of that occurring during school hours is.

 

Caroline.

[baddad]

Looking at the OP specifically there are a couple of issues here, I think. Is this a medical bracelet or not? If so, it should be treated the same way as any other medic alert bracelet worn within the school: not to do so would be discriminatory. It is surely not for the school to judge whether or not he needs one, if he is wearing it on medical advice, can you get a supporting letter to say he needs to wear it at all times? This might help if the school don't believe he needs one and are regarding it in the same way as they would regard jewellery.

 

 

 

Hi kathryn -

I'm confused by this. Certainly I've never heard any suggestion that five year old autistic children need to wear medical bracelets in school at all times purely because they are autistic and might wander off or be unaware of (i.e.) stranger danger... I'm sure the NAS would have produced a leaflet by now if that were the case, and i think it would be discriminatory against non-autistic five year olds to not be able to wear them too, because, very few five year olds wouldn't potentially wander off or be aware of the implications.

 

The OP is saying quite clearly 'I am not prepared to put myself in a position of responsibility should anything happen to my child or anyone else as a direct result of him wearing a bracelet to school'. Why should the school, against school policy, be willing to assume that risk on her behalf? If a GP gives 'medical grounds' is he / she then taking on that responsibility?

 

While (IMO) the whole situation is slightly absurd anyway, I can see very good reasons why children shouldn't be wearing bracelets in school that far outweigh any 'medical' benefits (in this case) of doing so. In a playground fight, any metal/plastic object could injure another child, in PE it could get caught in equipment and cause injury (and tape over stud earrings is not the same thing as a sweatband over a bracelet). Would the OP feel happy if her child drowned during a swimming class after getting his bracelet caught in the pool filter because nobody wanted to cut the bracelet in case it upset her? Yes, that is absurd, but no more absurd (probably less, in fact) than a parent digging their heels in over a piece of school policy after the school have already agreed to more than meet them half way.

 

And when every kid in the school is showing up with a 'medical bracelet' of varying shapes, sizes and weights, worn as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, belly-button piercings, whatever, all carrying permission slips from GP's who really haven't thought it through but know it's easier in the long run than saying no to a parent who won't take no for an answer how on earth can the school differentiate between them?

 

Let's look at this from another angle... you're the parent of another child who's just been hit by a five year old wearing a bracelet and the bracelet has taken your child's eye out. There's a school policy saying 'no jewellery' but it has been waived for this child. Would you consider the reasons given here reasonable - with or without a GP's supporting letter - and would you be more likely to sue/seek compensation from a LEA/ School or another parent? Or as a teacher who's just lost a tooth/crown when a child having a 'meltdown' has lashed out...?

 

I do agree that schools have a 'legal duty of care' and I'm pretty sure this applies to all the kids in their care and would cover issues like school gate security etc. If a parent doesn't think a school capable of executing that duty of care without additional measures, it begs the question why they would send a child there in the first place. And yes, of course sometimes children might get out of the school gate, but that applies to all children/all school gates, and once outside the school gates I can't really see any way that a bracelet is going to reduce any risks any more than a school uniform and a name tag in the back of a jumper.

 

Again, simply, if a parent isn't willing to accept reposnsibility for the risks that might arise from wearing a bracelet, why should a school be willing to?

 

L&P

 

BD

Edited September 17, 2011 by baddad

[Mumble]

And the prize for OTT-ness goes to Baddad . "Calm down dear, calm down."

 

Maybe the OP didn't express herself that well, but I think there's been rather a lot of streching/interpretation going on here!

 

Certainly I've never heard any suggestion that five year old autistic children need to wear medical bracelets in school at all times purely because they are autistic and might wander off or be unaware of (i.e.) stranger danger... I'm sure the NAS would have produced a leaflet by now if that were the case, and i think it would be discriminatory against non-autistic five year olds to not be able to wear them too, because, very few five year olds wouldn't potentially wander off or be aware of the implications.

Recently when I've been to outdoor events I've noticed the option of getting a band put on your kiddie (autistic or not) so you can quickly be traced if they get misplaced. I think these are a great idea, though wasn't so happy at my sister's suggestion they put several on me... I suggested one round her neck...

 

For now, if this child can't communicate it seems sensible - equally parents and the school could look into other options, but the advantage of a braclet until his understanding matures is that it's always on him, whereas tags in jumpers etc. are wherever the jumper is.

 

And when every kid in the school is showing up with a 'medical bracelet' of varying shapes, sizes and weights, worn as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, belly-button piercings, whatever, all carrying permission slips from GP's who really haven't thought it through but know it's easier in the long run than saying no to a parent who won't take no for an answer how on earth can the school differentiate between them?

Hmm. Have you seen official medic braclets. Yes there are plenty of companies selling fashion jewelry which they'll attach a medic bit to, but all the advice is not to use these and stick to the normal, official more easily identifiable SOS bracelet/necklace. These are the ones recognised by the emergency services and increasingly so by the public. It would be quite simple for the school to say only plain medical braclets can be worn which would make then unappealling (which I think is your arguement). Also, the sports one doesn't have any plastic/metal - it is a velcro strap with a waterproof insert.

[bid]

Just to muddy the waters further...

 

Together with my DD's primary school we all agreed a medic alert necklace wasn't a good idea, because of the obvious risks attached to a metal chain, etc. But there was never any suggestion that the nylon strap/velcro sports bracelet version would pose any risk.

 

Mind you, yesterday at my Emergency First Aid at Work Refresher I learnt that I need to risk assess the safety pins in the Night Room first aid box

 

Bid

[Mumble]

I need to risk assess the safety pins in the Night Room first aid box

Too right, they're dangerous little ######. Sneak up on you when you're least expecting it - and if you get jabbed it comes a close second to the paper cut as the worst possible injury sustainable. I would expect at least 3 pages of risk assessment on your safety pins - for each size.

 

Actually, shouldn't you be using tape or those special bandage clips anyway?

[bid]

Too right, they're dangerous little ######. Sneak up on you when you're least expecting it - and if you get jabbed it comes a close second to the paper cut as the worst possible injury sustainable. I would expect at least 3 pages of risk assessment on your safety pins - for each size.

 

Actually, shouldn't you be using tape or those special bandage clips anyway?

 

Ahh now, that is what we all said during the 'what goes in the first aid box' interactive white board quiz! But no, legally you have to have 6 safety pins of different sizes in your first aid box, with the proviso that you risk assess for suitability for your chosen service user!

 

Bid

[chris54]

Iv been reading all this with interest.

What come to my mind, would I want my child to wear something that would signal them out even more in school. I feel the answer is no. The staff should all be informed of the child's needs therefor the bracelet serves no purpose.

If for what ever reason the child is out alone, then it is not going to protect them from "Stranger danger" Admittedly it may make anyone trying to help the child a little more concerned. What I would say would be a better way would be to have ID sewn into there clothing that would give some sort of contact details. A name label with a telephone number.

[cmuir]

Hi

 

At the risk of stirring things up, just wanted to point out that generally it's deemed okay to put a tag on pets e.g. cats and dogs who may wander off. I, therefore, don't think it's unreasonable at all in special circumstances to identify a child in some shape or form. I recall recently when my grandmother was admitted to hospital, hospital staff seeking my permission to put a tag on her – sadly, she had vascular dementia and was very confused and prone to wandering. I was pleased to give my permission, since I accept that the reality is that staff couldn't watch her 24/7). I think it's a very personal decision, and one specific to the child's dis/ability to, whether or not to have them wear a tag of some description (particularly a child who may be prone to wandering off and be unable to communicate with any adult who may find said child in distress). I think it's very much up to the parents to weigh up the risks/danger.

 

Caroline.

Edited September 17, 2011 by cmuir

[baddad]

And the prize for OTT-ness goes to Baddad . "Calm down dear, calm down."

 

 

 

I actually acknowledged that I was being deliberately absurd, because quite simply I believe that making such a big issue over such a little thing is absurd in the first place. However, the two points I've made that are not absurd are:

 

What is the problem if the school have already agreed (with one very sensible codical) to the parent's request

 

and

 

Why should the school be willing to take responsibility for a parents decision if the parent themself is not?

 

Honestly, I think that there are far more serious issues that can and undoubtedly will arise throughout a child's school years, and that if a minor molehill like this is blown into a mountain within weeks (or days) of starting what does that imply for the future?

 

L&P

 

BD

Edited September 17, 2011 by baddad

[chris54]

Hi

 

I recall recently when my grandmother was admitted to hospital, hospital staff seeking my permission to put a tag on her – sadly, she had vascular dementia and was very confused and prone to wandering. I was pleased to give my permission, since I accept that the reality is that staff couldn't watch her 24/7).

 

Caroline.

I assume you mean the radio type the Sound an alarm if the person goes to far away.

All in patients in hospital are given ID tag, new born babies are given 2 just in case one come off.

[Kathryn]

Hi kathryn -

I'm confused by this. Certainly I've never heard any suggestion that five year old autistic children need to wear medical bracelets in school at all times purely because they are autistic and might wander off or be unaware of (i.e.) stranger danger... I'm sure the NAS would have produced a leaflet by now if that were the case, and i think it would be discriminatory against non-autistic five year olds to not be able to wear them too, because, very few five year olds wouldn't potentially wander off or be aware of the implications.

 

The OP is saying quite clearly 'I am not prepared to put myself in a position of responsibility should anything happen to my child or anyone else as a direct result of him wearing a bracelet to school'. Why should the school, against school policy, be willing to assume that risk on her behalf? If a GP gives 'medical grounds' is he / she then taking on that responsibility?

 

While (IMO) the whole situation is slightly absurd anyway, I can see very good reasons why children shouldn't be wearing bracelets in school that far outweigh any 'medical' benefits (in this case) of doing so. In a playground fight, any metal/plastic object could injure another child, in PE it could get caught in equipment and cause injury (and tape over stud earrings is not the same thing as a sweatband over a bracelet). Would the OP feel happy if her child drowned during a swimming class after getting his bracelet caught in the pool filter because nobody wanted to cut the bracelet in case it upset her? Yes, that is absurd, but no more absurd (probably less, in fact) than a parent digging their heels in over a piece of school policy after the school have already agreed to more than meet them half way.

 

And when every kid in the school is showing up with a 'medical bracelet' of varying shapes, sizes and weights, worn as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, belly-button piercings, whatever, all carrying permission slips from GP's who really haven't thought it through but know it's easier in the long run than saying no to a parent who won't take no for an answer how on earth can the school differentiate between them?

 

Let's look at this from another angle... you're the parent of another child who's just been hit by a five year old wearing a bracelet and the bracelet has taken your child's eye out. There's a school policy saying 'no jewellery' but it has been waived for this child. Would you consider the reasons given here reasonable - with or without a GP's supporting letter - and would you be more likely to sue/seek compensation from a LEA/ School or another parent? Or as a teacher who's just lost a tooth/crown when a child having a 'meltdown' has lashed out...?

 

 

L&P

 

BD

 

Not sure where the confusion arises, BD. I wasn't expressing an opinion on whether a child should be wearing a bracelet at school in this instance - just attempting to address the issue the OP actually wanted opinions on: i.e. whether it is a H&S issue and whether the parent could/should be asked to sign a disclaimer by the school. If it is deemed to be a medical bracelet then presumably the risks are the same as for any other child who wears a bracelet for medical reasons e.g. asthma, and therefore the school should apply the same rules. What's wrong with that? Whether there are medical reasons for needing the bracelet, I'm not qualified to judge, neither can I speak for the integrity of all GP's I'm simply supggesting what any sensible person would do where a medical matter is concerned, i.e. to get professional advice. What's wrong with that?

 

I do agree that schools have a 'legal duty of care' and I'm pretty sure this applies to all the kids in their care and would cover issues like school gate security etc. If a parent doesn't think a school capable of executing that duty of care without additional measures, it begs the question why they would send a child there in the first place. And yes, of course sometimes children might get out of the school gate, but that applies to all children/all school gates, and once outside the school gates I can't really see any way that a bracelet is going to reduce any risks any more than a school uniform and a name tag in the back of a jumper.

 

 

The existance of the school's legal duty of care is not a matter of opinion, but fact (although I'm glad you agree). Signing a disclaimer could lead to legal muddy waters as far as responsibility is concerned, therefore I advised Pinky to check it out before she does it, as anyone would when signing any sort of contract. What's wrong with that?

 

For what it's worth I do agree with what you said in the last paragraph, parents need to be able to trust schools to do their job and one would hope a school would not need a bracelet to remind them that a child has additional need for supervision. Once outside the gates a bracelet isn't really going to be much help anyway - therefore the school need to find a way to stop him opening the gates - and any other 4/5 year old escapologist, for that matter! The best way forward in my opinion is to work with the school to find an acceptable compromise to the current situation and a way to work towards a point where her son has some awareness of risk and is able to communicate his needs to others. These are the things that will increase his safety.

 

K x

[Suze]

Hi Pinky ...just wondered how communitive your son is?.............is he completely non- verbal....does he have any speach at all?............given that he is only 5yrs and in reception and has a dx of autism I would have thought they would be keeping a very close eye on him and his movements anyhow(and if they are not they should be)When I worked as a mid day assistant we were aware of every childs SEN...and those without it who were having problems...these could range from bullying issues ...to friends falling out etc.Is it possible for the school to assign a mid day assistant to closely shadow your son if your worried about his movements at dinner.If possible if he does havesome speech it would be nice if they could build up a relationship with him.That way if he has any problems on the playground he could convey them to her.Also you could ask for Autism advice team from the LA to come in and advise school about you bracelet etc they may uphold your views.Does he have any speach/lang therapy??............if not can the school access this for you...I went through my GP when my son had it , it helped alot socially etc.

[cmuir]

I assume you mean the radio type the Sound an alarm if the person goes to far away.

All in patients in hospital are given ID tag, new born babies are given 2 just in case one come off.

 

 

In Scotland they are not. Only those where there is a possibility of wandering off e.g. dementia patients.

 

Caroline.

[chris54]

In Scotland they are not. Only those where there is a possibility of wandering off e.g. dementia patients.

 

Caroline.

Stand corrected.

 

Its normal,here (England)(at least I have never come across anyone staying in hospital who has not had a ID band on). Just wondering how they check who someone is if they are not conscious.

[pinky146]

Hi suze, hes getting much better with his speech although most can't understand alot of what he says. We have trouble alot of the time but can recognise more than before he began speech therapy. It's the communication that I worry about most, he often talks about random things & quotes his favourite films & programes. It's like he doesn't know why he's upset alot of the time. The aat didn't see a problem with it & are looking to come in and see him at some point but the school are avoiding it. I think this is why I'm so uneasy about it all, the school is well known for not providing what sen children need without a battle. The head once scoffed at a dx of aspergers & caused awful problems

ignoring it. He should begin speech therapy within school

now he's full time but still waiting on that. They defo

wouldn't assign a mid day assistant. One child was kept in

every playtime due to issues at break time, he had ADHD as well as autism. It was the worst thing for him & resulted in an explosive situation with his behaviour. If I didn't have other children at the school it would be an easy decision

[Lynden]

Stand corrected.

 

Its normal,here (England)(at least I have never come across anyone staying in hospital who has not had a ID band on). Just wondering how they check who someone is if they are not conscious.

 

Everyone in Scotland gets an ID tag, but not the electronic kind. I think that's what CMuir meant? Every hospital I've been in in Scotland anyway patients have worn ID bands.

[Lynden]

Hi suze, hes getting much better with his speech although most can't understand alot of what he says. We have trouble alot of the time but can recognise more than before he began speech therapy. It's the communication that I worry about most, he often talks about random things & quotes his favourite films & programes. It's like he doesn't know why he's upset alot of the time. The aat didn't see a problem with it & are looking to come in and see him at some point but the school are avoiding it. I think this is why I'm so uneasy about it all, the school is well known for not providing what sen children need without a battle. The head once scoffed at a dx of aspergers & caused awful problems

ignoring it. He should begin speech therapy within school

now he's full time but still waiting on that. They defo

wouldn't assign a mid day assistant. One child was kept in

every playtime due to issues at break time, he had ADHD as well as autism. It was the worst thing for him & resulted in an explosive situation with his behaviour. If I didn't have other children at the school it would be an easy decision

 

Do you have other schooling options for your little one? From what you've said about him, and about the school, it doesn't appear that it would be the best placement for him.

 

Lynne