A family has hit out at their local school after their 12-year-old son was expelled a year ago and has since been studying at home.
Riley Roberts received multiple warnings and temporary exclusions at Haywood Academy, in Burslem, Stoke, before the school acted and kicked him out for ‘behavioural issues’. And now, after spending 12 months away from school, his family want him back in education again and have criticised the academy’s stance, claiming their boy has not been given the assistance he desperately needs.
Mum Katey Cowans and step-dad Dan Walker, both aged 31, feel Riley needs one-to-one support in a classroom. And they think that if accepted back in school, he will turn over a new leaf, reports StokeonTrentLive.
Dan, from Burslem, said: “He was always wanting attention and pushing teachers to the limit. They couldn’t handle him.
“My partner was constantly called in to talk about his behaviour. Their answer appeared to be to always exclude him – and that didn’t help his behaviour.
“They recognised straight away that mainstream school isn’t for him, but nothing was done about it. Due to his behaviour, and how he was, I was expecting it.
“I have always said that he needs one-to-one work and a special school. It’s a joke and this should have been dealt with by now, but no-one is doing anything.”
Haywood Academy have defended their decision. A school spokesman said: “We can confirm that, in the few weeks that this young person was physically on site at the academy, all agencies and support services were engaged with which far exceeded the limits of the support plan that accompanied him.
“There are no records of parents not being satisfied by the extensive support offered to this young person. Indeed since the final incident which led to the young person no longer being able to attend, academy staff have remained in contact with the family and the agencies to support further.”
Medical tests have concluded that Riley does not have ADHD. Now Stoke-on-Trent City Council is being urged to find a school place for Riley.
“He needs to go back to school and be around people again. If he puts his head to it then he can do it,” Dan added.
“There should have been a school board review where we sat down and talked about what’s best for Riley. This should have been done last year when he was expelled.
“We waited eight months for a tutor to come out and they only spend an hour a day with him which is pointless. He is very immature and needs to be around people his age.
“He is not growing up as he is spending a lot of time with his younger brother. I am convinced that he has got something – I’ve been giving him work at home and sometimes he kicks off, he is a troubled child.
“He is always fidgeting and never sitting down in class. He needs to be in another place where it is more one-to-one with him.
“They can fine me for keeping him off school for a week – but they can keep him off for a year. I think it’s disgusting.”
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is aware of Riley’s plight and Councillor Janine Bridges, cabinet member for education, said: “We want all young people in the city to have the best possible start in life, the best education and the best life chances. We are aware of this situation and have been working with the family to help support Riley so he can re-engage with education.”
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