Norfolk mum says families with SEND children are suffering from regular school exclusions
New research has found that almost every primary school pupil being excluded has a disability or learning difficulties
The mum of a boy with special educational needs (SEND) in Norfolk is telling us that children and parents are both suffering, due to regular exclusions from primary school.
It's after research from Chance UK found that almost every primary school pupil facing exclusion has a disability or learning difficulties.
Work from the national charity also suggests nearly a hundred per cent of those suspended don't go on to pass their GCSEs in Maths and English.
"That trauma is going to stay with him"
Lucie Oakes lives in Norwich: "These regular exclusions will be detrimental to my son's future.
"Whether it's getting a job, going to college or being in a relationship, that trauma is going to stay with him, as he was meant to be protected by his peers, but wasn't.
"I knew it was close to going back to school because he had massively over-stimulated on Saturday night, to the point that I had things thrown at my head and was being spat at. I had to lay on top of him, to restrain him so he wouldn't hurt himself or anyone else".
"Many times he was excluded by 9.30 in the morning"
She says schools need to change how they treat those with SEND needs:
"Instead of giving him a chance to calm down, apologise and reflect, they said he had to go home right away because of something he'd done.
"Many times he was excluded by 9.30 in the morning.
"If children are being regularly excluded then that means parents, like myself, have to leave their jobs.
"That means mental health issues and other negative things develop and that's not going to help them support their child."
What is the Government doing to help?
The Government says £850 million is going to Councils this year- to improve SEND provision.
They say this funding is part of the £2.6 billion investment between 2022 and 2025, which will create 60,000 new places for SEND children across the country.