FOX Hill Primary School has apologised to a Bracknell family after it admitted teachers discriminated against a child with special educational needs.

The child, who has now left Fox Hill, was wrongly excluded at the Pond Moor Road school on two occasions in September 2020, which were the basis of a tribunal claim from the child's family. 

On the first occasion, he was involved in an incident with another child but only he was excluded.

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On the second occasion, the school failed to provide an appropriate safe space and adequate support for the boy.

Fox Hill and the parents of the child were set to thrash out their arguments at a special educational needs tribunal in September of this year but both parties came to an agreement outside of court.

Although other complaints were lodged by the family, these were not set to be investigated at the tribunal and were not accepted by the school.

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In a letter from the school to the family, seen by the News, headteacher Mrs Sarah Coxell apologised to the family for the way their son was treated.

She also says the school and the local authority (Bracknell Forest Council) has ‘learnt lessons’ from these incidents, with the school's behaviour policy being amended to ensure it complies with the legal requirements surrounding exclusions.

Leaders at the school have also received training around understanding special educational needs following the fall out.

The child’s mother, who did not wish to be named, told the News: “I am really keen to encourage other parents to stand up to school and to take action if they feel something isn’t right.

“Fox Hill, the governing body and Bracknell Forest Council has consistently failed my son.

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“His experience at this school has caused him significant emotional harm, which now affects him socially, he finds it hard to trust his friends and adults.

“He lives in fear of constantly being told he is naughty or “dumb’ which is the terminology he uses.

“He feels he is under threat of being blamed for things he has not done. Forming valuable relationships is now difficult for him but slowly with the great teachers he has now he is starting to flourish.

“Thankfully his new school has been amazing.

“It's been such a difficult few years I would not wish this experience on anyone let alone a small boy who just wants to be cared for and helped.”

The News asked Bracknell Forest Council to comment on behalf of Fox Hill.

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In response, Timothy Wheadon, Chief Executive, said: “A thorough review has taken place following the concerns raised by a family at Fox Hill Primary School.

“The school has offered significant support in this case and continues to support children with additional needs. A number of actions are already in place following the review.

"Following discussions between both parties, an agreement was reached and the case has been settled outside of the tribunal process."