How would you react to this?

Question

I work in a primary school and 2 children in the class I work in have been told they can't go on a school trip because of their special needs and the trip isn't appropriate for them. I'm really pissed off about it because the teachers within the year group I feel should have picked a trip appropriate for them rather then telling them they can't go. I didn't have any say in it as I'm just an assistant to one of the children. I'm now organising something off my own back for them since I can't believe whats happened. As a parent how would you feel if this was your child? I think the parents of these children have been really accepting of it, I don't have children but if this was my child I'd be phoning the local newspaper up telling my story... maybe I'm just over reacting! They are 7 and 9 years old

I can't tell you about their condition because of confidential reasons but its because of their physical side of things, the trip is in the countryside with hours of walking and un-even ground. Their parents are really un-happy about it and as I work with the girl her mum came to me and actually cried which is why I hate the idea so much.. its bad enough having a child with need without having to deal with this too

The person who told me to grow up need to get a life for not having a sensitive side.

Answer 1

I am afraid I don't agree!

When my kids have a School trip they are asked for a contribution of £5-£7.
I can't always afford this, so if I can't afford to go, do you think the rest of the class should stay behind because of my son?

If the school trip is not suitable for a disabled child then it is not suitable. Other children should not miss out because of it. The school has to make a decision and it made it. It may seem unfair but you have to cater for the majority. You can't hold back the education of others, that isn't fair either!
Allowing a disabled child to enter a main stream school is a wonderful achievement for both the school and the attending child. However as a main stream school it has the welfare of the other students to consider and allowing a 'special' child to attend should not disrupt the others.

Maybe you should have a chat with the head of the school and voice your opinions. I would also be careful about organising things off your own back if you are an assistant. You may get into trouble if you don't have permission.
You are the 'assistant' not the teacher... tread carefully!

good luck

Answer 2

As a retired teacher, I can sympathize with you in your comments. If the teachers couldn't find something that was suitable for all the children then they should not have gone at all. OR they should have made separate special arrangements for something special for the two students to do. Physical limitations should not be a cause today for not allowing the special students to be included.

I believe your teachers were wrong in what they did. But then knowing how prejudice some teachers are I can understand their actions. They were still wrong and you can tell them I said so.

Answer 3

You sound like a really caring person. I like the fact that you are not willing to talk about these kids in a personal way.

I honestly don't think that you can do anything about this situation unless you want to make yourself unpopular with the other teachers or even cost yourself your job.

I suppose it is up to the children's parents to complain. If they wish to do that, then tell them you will stand by them.

Otherwise, continue to make other arrangements for a day out for these two kids. Make a list of places that would be OK for them to visit and give it to the other teachers for future reference.

Hope you enjoy your day out with the two special children.

Answer 4

i agree, its a horrible feeling being left out. Imagine those poor kids faces when they see everyone else going for the trip except them! a trip should be planned in such a way that it involves everyone! please let us know why exactly the trip isn't "appropriate" for them?? what "special needs" do they have??? that way we can suggest trips that include those two..please include this as additional details asap..

additional
ppl like tarot tate are so retarded. anyways, can't u talk to the school board?? cant they pla something to include those two as well? does every trip have to include walking? Its just so sad.. the kids could have nannies along to take care of them but shouldn't be left out.. and leak it to the newspapers. public outrage will do wonders... i really feel bad for those two kids. they probably get bullied and teased at school and now they are left out of trips. yeesh.. its just sad.

Answer 5

I would be extremely upset!! Why are doing the children that way? They should have picked a more appropriate trip so that all of them would be able to go. I would contact the local paper, news channel, etc. to have that changed.

Answer 6

Are you certain the teachers really violated the federal laws supporting "special" people, or are you making that presumption because the two "special" children won't be attending. Maybe the parents of these children don't want them to attend.

Grow up.

Answer 7

If it were my children that were told that they couldn't go have fun and everyone else could, I would be upset. The teachers should have picked something that everyone could participate in rather than alienating two special needs children.

Answer 8

I have a special needs child and yes they ARE violating federal law! If everyone would read tarotepete's answers to questions asked by people who are scared, worried or hurting. this person is unbelievably heartless and cold... A b***h to say the least!

Answer 9

if that was my child that couldn't go on a school trip, "just because of a learning disablelity" i would definitly be pretty hurt and upset, I'd be calling the Princiable *sorry can't spell* and if that did work id call the School Board!

Answer 10

I would be extremely upset. I would let them know. I would keep my child out of school on that day and take him/her out and have fun.