Reinstate Henry's Full Access to St Nicolas Primary School Facilities

The Issue

Henry, my son and a student since reception at St Nicolas Primary School in Abingdon, is living an unexpected isolation nightmare.

Henry is taught 1.1 by his own teacher in isolation in a portacabin at school.

Due to being subject to "Alternative Provision," Henry's right to engage with his peers and experience an inclusive educational environment has been stripped away.

The school seems to have washed its hands, feeling Henry is not their responsibility anymore.

He can't join in with any school activities or even go inside school buildings. No Christmas or Easter Service, no Year 6 residential, no PE or music.

Henry doesn’t have any behaviour needs, he is a model pupil with excellent behaviour and attitude to learning. He has physical disabilities and medical needs.

This form of education is far from suitable. Studies, including those from the Department for Education, demonstrate the negative impacts of Isolation Teaching, particularly in children's mental health. It significantly increases feelings of depression, anxiety, and lowers self-esteem.

Understanding these impacts, it's heartbreaking to see Henry segregated from his peers. We fear this experience could lead to long-term consequences for his wellbeing and self-perception.

Just as every child, Henry deserves a fair and equal education in a supportive environment encouraging his growth, not hindering it.

We thus request the school's officials to reassess their stance and reinstate Henry's full access to the school.

Please join us in advocating for this change. Sign the petition for Henry's right to an inclusive education. Let's shine the spotlight on the impact of the country's SEND crisis together.

You can read more about Henry's situation on this BBC news article - Boy taught 'in isolation' because of SEND issues

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The Issue

Henry, my son and a student since reception at St Nicolas Primary School in Abingdon, is living an unexpected isolation nightmare.

Henry is taught 1.1 by his own teacher in isolation in a portacabin at school.

Due to being subject to "Alternative Provision," Henry's right to engage with his peers and experience an inclusive educational environment has been stripped away.

The school seems to have washed its hands, feeling Henry is not their responsibility anymore.

He can't join in with any school activities or even go inside school buildings. No Christmas or Easter Service, no Year 6 residential, no PE or music.

Henry doesn’t have any behaviour needs, he is a model pupil with excellent behaviour and attitude to learning. He has physical disabilities and medical needs.

This form of education is far from suitable. Studies, including those from the Department for Education, demonstrate the negative impacts of Isolation Teaching, particularly in children's mental health. It significantly increases feelings of depression, anxiety, and lowers self-esteem.

Understanding these impacts, it's heartbreaking to see Henry segregated from his peers. We fear this experience could lead to long-term consequences for his wellbeing and self-perception.

Just as every child, Henry deserves a fair and equal education in a supportive environment encouraging his growth, not hindering it.

We thus request the school's officials to reassess their stance and reinstate Henry's full access to the school.

Please join us in advocating for this change. Sign the petition for Henry's right to an inclusive education. Let's shine the spotlight on the impact of the country's SEND crisis together.

You can read more about Henry's situation on this BBC news article - Boy taught 'in isolation' because of SEND issues

The Decision Makers

Martin Reeves
Martin Reeves
CEO, Oxfordshire County Council
Andrew Spooner
Andrew Spooner
Headteacher, St Nicolas Primary School Abingdon

Supporter Voices

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