Name
Your Address Here
(Date)
School Details
Dear Sir or Madam,
Re: (Child’s name and child’s date of birth)
Notification of Mental Illness
If you are awaiting a diagnosis – simply write underneath the header above, (undiagnosed – awaiting confirmation of Appointment) I am writing as the parent of the above child to request that my Son’s Mental Health condition be acknowledged, accepted and adjustments to School Policies be made in line with the Discrimination and Mental Illness - Equality Act 2010.
Recent behaviour, threats regarding (his/her) attendance and lack of support towards my child are classed as Indirect Discrimination under the Act and I therefore wish for consideration is given for the following:
Use the space below to write about recent events:
Example: My (Son/Daughter’s) is suffering from a Mental Health condition called School Refusal. School Refusal is an extreme anxiety which manifests itself in a child’s daily routine which in this case is school. My child reacts to these extreme feelings of fear in a physical response as any person would as their anxiety becomes intense. Such physical responses can see a child with School Refusal kicking, screaming and physically refusing to enter the grounds of the school in response to this overwhelming fear, the closer to the school premises they get. I have taken the necessary steps to contact my child’s GP who is Dr Metcalf Forrage Road Surgery and have a referral with CAMHS (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Team). We are now advised that an appointment with a Psychologist will follow but this can take up to 3-4 months.
(David’s) attendance has become reduced and this is due to the severe anxiety he experiences almost 16-24 hours a day. The physical symptoms include (Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sleep disturbances, violence, panic attacks, distress, stomach pain, low mood, depression etc Only put here what you’re child experiences) I have researched the condition and understand that School Refusal has a strong link to Autistic Spectrum Condition which is a Special Educational Needs supported condition. It must be noted that the anxiety side is a mental health condition to which the law protects. There is no reasoning with a child much like an adult with a severe phobia, so rewards stickers, removing the ‘PlayStation’ or mobile phone has no effect. I understand that the psychological team will be able to work with (David) to hopeful help him resume his schooling, but that recovery may take a very long time. They offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy but I understand it will be down to me, (David) and yourselves to put theory (CBT) into practice at a gentle pace.
Have you spoke to the School already about these details? Who did you speak to and what was said?