Self defence laws - children

Zoetoes

**curlywurly** wrote: »

It is difficult to combine work alongside dealing with schools isn't it (assuming you work school hours). I was constantly frustrated by being offered appointments at 2pm (it's a bit like dealing with doctors and dentists who don't appreciate that a 2pm appointment means a whole day off work for some people).

Thinking ahead, will the two lads be in the same senior/upper school? If so you may need to get your thinking cap on to see if you can come up with any suggestions as to how to keep them apart. It is not necessarily the case that the two schools will liaise in relation to who will be in which class.

But that's a job for AFTER you have seen the Head.

Be brave, you know you can do it. Try to stay calm and state the facts. Take with you a list of the incidents if you possibly can, along with any questions you have. If you're anything like me, the moment you walk in you will forgot a lot of what you went there to say! Do your best not to be fobbed off, particularly if it's the last day of term? You ideally want a bit of a plan of action so your lad doesn't have it hanging over him 'til Jan.

Good luck.

I don't think they will be in the same high school, thank god.

I was just thinking I better write stuff down or I'll walk out thinking I forgot to say this and that.

I want it sorting ready for January so he can go to school happpy.

**curlywurly**

Just thought of something else. Take notes of what you are told/what is agreed. It's easy to forget, even after a few hours, when you are in an emotional state. And if you feel it appropriate, record (in writing I mean) the agreed plan of action, next steps etc. You will need to have this info to hand if you are to take it further.

Curly xx

meritaten

another piece of advice zoetoes - even though the children are under 11 - it does not mean that a complaint cannot be made to the police.
you should be taking pictures of any wounds to your child - keep them - that will strengthen your case. if you had to take your child to A&E in the past because of 'unexplained injuries' which occured in school, use those too.
Please post back and let me know what happens.
YOU should not be trying to rearrange your schedule (or your sons) to avoid these bullies. The school has a 'duty of care' to keep your son safe - use that phrase! often!

Zoetoes

I suggested he write down how he felt today and tonight which he has done, I felt sad reading it. I think it is necessary for the head to understand.

starsteel

The laws on self defence aren't nearly as complicated as you'd think. You can use reasonable force in defence of yourself and others. If you have reasonable belief that you're about to be attacked you can react defensively and pre-empt it, or you can use reasonable force to stop an attack.

Of course, you need to be able to calmly and rationally explain the reasoning behind how you chose to act, or react. That's where children are at a huge disadvantage and there's also the problem of schools believing that they're a law unto themselves!

Zoetoes

meritaten wrote: »

another piece of advice zoetoes - even though the children are under 11 - it does not mean that a complaint cannot be made to the police.
you should be taking pictures of any wounds to your child - keep them - that will strengthen your case. if you had to take your child to A&E in the past because of 'unexplained injuries' which occured in school, use those too.
Please post back and let me know what happens.

There hasn't been any serious injuries, some bruises, cut elbow today, things like that. He does have tummy ache tonight though.

It's also the taunting, after the incident today they were in the room with the mentor but she had to leave the room for a few minutes and the kid was quietly saying things to him. When the mentor came back in my son asked if he could go in another room on his own which he was allowed to do.

Zoetoes

Also, the school hadn't phoned me about today, I got a phone call from another mum who had been in the school and saw him sitting in the library on his own, upset. I'm sure the school would have spoken to me tomorrow but really I think I should have been made aware today.

Money_maker

I found Parentline to be very helpful in issues like this. Just someone to vent to can help collect the thoughts and work out a response.

Bennifred

Meriten is right - the school has a "Duty of Care" to your son.

I would say to the Head that they have a duty of care and you expect them to ensure his safety whilst in their care. At the moment they are failing to do that. I would also say that if your son is physically attacked (assaulted!) again then you will be involving the police. And make sure you do!

Zoetoes

Lots of good advice on here, I knew I came to the right place! Thanks