Oct 16, 2021, Norwich Evening News: 'Disaster from start to finish': Parents slam school for failing kids https://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/education/norwich-mum-slams-special-school-for-failing-daughter-8411808
An exasperated city mum has spoken of her autistic daughter's battle for a decent education, calling her time at an inadequate special school "a disaster start to finish".
Norwich mum Jane Wisbey secured a placement for her daughter at Acorn Park residential and day school (APS) in 2017, following the then 15-year-old's rejection from 20 other schools — all because they couldn't handle her epilepsy, ADHD and autism.
But while her daughter was able to "thrive" socially, Ms Wisbey says she feels the now 19-year-old, who left in July 2021, has learned more through home schooling in the last few months than she did during her four-year stint at APS.
She claims constant staff turnover from 2019 onwards ruined her daughter's education, who was sent nothing but "worksheets" well below her intellectual ability as substitute for "lessons" in residential accommodation….
"It was a disaster start to finish, though I can't fault the residential team for massively improving her social skills."…
In relation to both of their former students, a spokeswoman from APS said staff had done their best to meet the pupils' needs….
"The orders given to us by the judge following the case with Chloe are being followed in full."
But Ms Knight, 48, said no ruling would ever be justice enough for Chloe, who went without a formal education for nine months from January-September, suffered debilitating depression following her "unjust" exclusion and even contemplated suicide.
The tribunal found Outcomes First Group Ltd, the body responsible for APS, discriminated against Chloe when it moved her to a new class in October 2020 without consulting her, failed to accommodate her return following a half-day exclusion on November 25 — and then kicked her out the school entirely on December 21 without sufficient notice, claiming they couldn't meet her needs….
In fact, the judge ruled that the school "evidently could" meet Chloe's need — and only got rid of her because they couldn't cope with her mum's "persistent criticism" of its provision.
As a result, APS management has been ordered by the court to arrange training for staff to avoid discriminating against disabled pupils, and girls in particular, and send a copy of the judge's decision to Ofsted, the Department for Education, Suffolk County Council and the Human Rights Commission.
Ms Knight explained: "The school had me down as a 'difficult mum', and my daughter a 'naughty child'.
"But she has autism, ADHD, sensory processing difficulties and pathological demand avoidance. Of course she's going to act out when nobody is listening her….
"After they excluded her, it took us forever to get a new placement, and she's only started her new school full time in September this year, having spent months doing minimal learning online.
"I had to quit my job to look after her and she's having to resit Year 10 because of the setbacks. It was a disgrace."
What have the councils said?
Janet Willicott, the SEND expert and Public Health fellow who represented Ms Knight in court, said she is doing her best to keep pressure on the school following the ruling.
Earlier this year, she presented a report to APS — which currently has 84 pupils, and for which fees start at £62,500 [$86K] — outlining the testimonies of 13 parents who were furious with how management had treated their children.
Suffolk County Council, which previously suspended placements to the school because of concerns, did not respond to requests for comment….
What's the solution?...
For county councillor Mike Smith-Clare, Labour's lead for children and young people, solutions could lie in the timely production of educational health and care plans (EHCP), appropriate transport to and from schools and access to qualified staff.
He added: "Too many learners have been cut adrift and had their needs ignored.
"SEND provision has been underfunded for years, with those most in need receiving the least investment."
