DD furious with gym teacher

meritaten

I would like your opinions on the advice I gave to my DD today.
DD phoned me saying that she was going to make a complaint to the LEA (or whatever they are calling themselves now), and the reason is:

Her daughter (my GD1 and this is how I will refer to her), has been on crutches since the middle of the summer holidays. she started Comp in September and has always taken in an 'Excuse me' note. except that on Tues DD forgot to give her one.
GD1 has a problem with her ankle which is STILL waiting for diagnosis (don't ask - her consultant is away sick and physio cant do anything without diagnosis and only the consultant can order the MRI scan needed). she is in a lot of pain and needs her crutches and painkillers.

her gym teacher, however, because there is no note THIS week, tells GD1 to put her crutches down and walk up and down the gym. then orders her to take her trainers and socks off and 'diagnoses' that there is no problem. but she did Limp a lot so was excused today - but she was told she had to do swimming in the school pool on Thursday as it was 'good hydrotherapy'.
DD was ballistic! Swimming has been banned for GD1 as there is a fear there is 'nerve damage' and it would be the worst thing to do.
DDs husband teaches Sports Science at the local University - he is gobsmacked! he trains gym teachers in first aid and he says they are definitely not to the standard of 'diagnosing' injuries!

DD is hopping mad and wants to complain to the LEA - I tell her that although she has spoken to the head of student support (the gym teacher involved hasn't returned her phone calls) - she needs to write to the head teacher.
Oh and this problem WAS discussed with GD1s head of year and DD was assured that GD1 would take gym lessons in the library until further notice. but, DD used to send the note in anyway.
I don't think DD should complain to the LEA, she wasn't happy with the conversation with the head of student support. I think she should now go to the head teacher -who is fully aware of Gd1s problems.

GD1 may not look like a typical athlete - but she is actually very very good. she plays netball for a local team and surfs - in all weathers! she was really looking forward to perhaps playing for the school - that was her goal. and she is really upset because she thinks the gym teacher doesn't believe her ankle problem is real.
What do you think is the right way forward? a formal complaint to the head and governers? or straight to LEA?

GobbledyGook

She needs to speak to the Head Teacher. In my experience most of the time the LEA will want to see what the school have done to try and resolve before getting involved.

daveyjp

If the school is an academy the LEA probably won't be interested as they don't manage them, so you need to follow the school's complaints procedure.

I also wouldn't accept a three month wait for a diagnosis on a problem which requires constant use of crutches.

lostinrates

Only a doctor ( or one of the more qualified nurses, dentist, or vet;)...) can diagnose.

This is a very, very important point.


In your case I would advise your daughter to see the headmistress but to reiterate what a VERY serious transgression this is. As you say, your sil may often have been in this position himself, where he is certain its something but he CANNOT diagnose. To do so would be reckless, potentially full of risk both for him should someone be letitgious and for the person should they take the advice.

theoretica

Head and then chair of governors - much better to go to a person than a committee.

And a pep talk to GD1 about saying no when really important!

andygb

I think that the gym teacher is way out of their depth and "winging it".
Go straight to the headteacher, explain the situation and get them to lay off until a PROFESSIONAL diagnosis has been done.
If they refuse or try to talk down, then say that you will have no other choice but to approach the LEA about the situation.

Spendless

If your DD looks on the school website it may tell you what the complaints procedure is. I know I've seen it on my kids (secondary) school site. It might be slightly hidden under 'school policies' but worth a look, though I agree with you and she needs to complain to head, or head of year first.

meritaten

theoretica wrote: »

Head and then chair of governors - much better to go to a person than a committee.

And a pep talk to GD1 about saying no when really important![/QUOTE]

I agree - but GD1 is a very obedient type of girl. if a teacher says jump - she will do it.

GobbledyGook

meritaten wrote: »

I agree - but GD1 is a very obedient type of girl. if a teacher says jump - she will do it.

Perhaps a pep talk in being organised would serve her better then? If she can't speak up to teachers then she needs to make sure she's got her notes and the likes.

Although perhaps better for your DD to write a letter telling them GD1 has not to do PE until she telephones the school to say otherwise? I wouldn't suggest a letter to say otherwise as there's a chance they'll offend GD1 by suggesting they'd worry about a letter not reaching them (which is understandable, even if it's unfair to that specific child).

meritaten

GobbledyGook wrote: »

meritaten wrote: »

Perhaps a pep talk in being organised would serve her better then? If she can't speak up to teachers then she needs to make sure she's got her notes and the likes.

Although perhaps better for your DD to write a letter telling them GD1 has not to do PE until she telephones the school to say otherwise? I wouldn't suggest a letter to say otherwise as there's a chance they'll offend GD1 by suggesting they'd worry about a letter not reaching them (which is understandable, even if it's unfair to that specific child).

The school were told before GD1 started there in September that she couldnt do Gym for the foreseeable future. DD was told that wasn't a problem - she could go to the library. DD sent notes anyway (just in case).
I didn't really want to say this - but GD1 has Aspergers - and she does exactly what she is told to do. which the school is well aware of.
Since Tuesday, GD1 has complained her foot is cold and her toes are numb - this could well be because she was forced to walk without her crutches. She is also in a lot more pain and has an emergency appointment with her physio - who advised my DD by phone NOT to let her have 'hydrotherapy' in the school pool.

lostinrates

meritaten wrote: »

GobbledyGook wrote: »

The school were told before GD1 started there in September that she couldnt do Gym for the foreseeable future. DD was told that wasn't a problem - she could go to the library. DD sent notes anyway (just in case).
I didn't really want to say this - but GD1 has Aspergers - and she does exactly what she is told to do. which the school is well aware of.
Since Tuesday, GD1 has complained her foot is cold and her toes are numb - this could well be because she was forced to walk without her crutches. She is also in a lot more pain and has an emergency appointment with her physio - who advised my DD by phone NOT to let her have 'hydrotherapy' in the school pool.

Have they taken her to A and E? Worsening situation like this seems pretty serious, potentially serious enough for another consultant to want her to have imaging. Surely any doctor in the consultant lead dept could request the imaging? ( or a and e could make a request to radiology possibly....) . Its not THAT consultant you need its any suitably qualified and concerned person. I'm not a huge fan of running to a and e but this is a worsening situation in obviously very concerning situation.

In Wales can you go to England if short lists are shorter? You could possibly even get a private MRi on that basis in England, not sure, my mri s are private.

Meritaten, I would not be worrying about the lea, but I can see why your daughter's emotions are running high.


Seriously, I would take the little girl in for more medical advice.