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As the summer holidays draw to a close and thoughts turn to the year ahead – an increasing number of parents will have their fingers crossed that “this year will be different” and that the 6-week summer break will have been all that was needed for a positive start to the school year.

For parents, it can be hard to comprehend the difference from their school experience, to the one young people have now.

– Government priority on academia over hands on subjects and creative arts.
– The after effects of the Pandemic.

– Mobile phone use.

 

The above and the atmosphere they have created, are some of the reasons we are seeing a rise in school absenteeism and neurodivergent assessment.

 

Simply put, many young people who could manage in a school environment 20 years ago, cannot today.

Whilst I truly hope that “this year is different” for all those holding out for it – the truth is, it is often unlikely. A change in teacher or even school could absolutely make a difference for some, but it will not be enough for many.

 

My three key pieces of advice if you reach that point are:

 

1. Work with the school as much as possible and ensure you get everything in writing (after an important phone call, send an email immediately with the key points and ask them to reply to confirm you have understood correctly).
Keep a diary of all phone calls (or attempted contact), emails, meetings etc with who attended, the purpose and outcomes.
Be assertive (not aggressive).
Know your rights and advocate for your child.

2. Recognise when your young person is telling you that school is affecting their mental and physical health. It may not be with words. It could be with aggression, isolation, self-harming, restrictive eating.

3. Get support. This could be from the many online forums and groups or from local organisations and charities.
If record keeping and writing is challenging, ask a friend or trusted person to help.

One thing is for sure – you are not alone.