It's Halloween and we thought it was a good time to call out a haunting phrase that gives us nightmares...
"Ghost Children "
Used by Robert Halfon, MP, and the Children's Commissioner, Rachel de Souza to describe children so-called "missing" from Education.
As if children simply vanished from education in completely mysterious circumstances. As if the government has no idea why.
The truth is our children didn't ‘disappear’. As many heartbroken, distressed and exhausted parents asking for help will testify.
We have come across so many SEND families that have tried to gain support from schools, LA, services, and professionals.
Every child has a story unique to themselves, yet the experiences of LACK of service are scarily the same...read our terrifying tale below - if you dare.
GHOSTED NOT GHOSTS
School denies issues - your children apparently ‘fine’ when there
Your child's mental health tells a different story
But you're turned away because your child doesn’t have a diagnosis...
Long assessment times increase while you wait
Emails unanswered calls not returned
We will be in contact as soon as we can
Demand for our provision is high at this time
Safeguarding social workers, the wrong service
The people that claim they are supporting you get nasty
The Attendance Officer, says "just get them in school"
In place of support, you experience parent shame -
"Mum - we suspect it is YOUR anxiety that is to blame"
Help is refused, appeal and you'll likely win - but time's against you
As children "not fine in school" just can't go in
Authorities ask for "evidence" and medical notes that GPs don't provide...
The clock ticking on as your family tries to survive
Fines, prosecution, and even prison
With children, not ghosts, but here
So, we tell the government that there’s no such thing as Ghost Children
But we're sick of being GHOSTED by YOU
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If you have any SEND horror stories you want to tell us, we're here to listen - you can message us at
maddieandsusan.noschoolfines@gmail.com
Maddie and Susan
PS. We love today's illustration - kindly done by Claire, one of the fantastic Not Fine In School moderators - thank you, Claire!