Mum hit out at SEND provision at Northallerton School

Emma Stapylton said that she has "battled" with Northallerton School and Sixth Form since her son Charlie was in year seven.

After seeing another of her children, who is neurotypical, enjoy their time at the school and pass with "flying colours", Emma thought it would be the case with her son Charlie, but says the problems started soon after he started at the school. 

Northallerton School & Sixth Form College gates (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) With issues including not handling his educational needs properly, Emma alleges that the school has "failed" her son - which has seen him suffer anxiety and mental health issues, due to the inconsistency in his education. 

Next year, Charlie will sit his GCSE exams, with his mum worried that he will struggle to pass them unless one-to-one tutoring and other teaching methods are used. 

Emma now feels that she's "hit a brick wall" after having to face the issues with her son's education for "a long time" - which has led to Charlie having just 15 per cent attendance during the most recent academic year.

The outside of Northallerton School & Sixth Form College (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) She said: "If you have no SEND issues, you'll do fine at the school, but Charlie has slipped through the net of education and is suffering now.

"I've had to go to the school and have conversations with them about my son's attendance, which were 'under caution', despite the bigger issue being that the school haven't taken the time with him.

"They haven't explored the reasons why his attendance is low, and just thought he was acting out - but he's a SEND child with needs.

"They haven’t taken the time with him or put in the necessary referrals."

The Northallerton School & Sixth Form sign (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Over the last several months, Emma has become so frustrated at the lack of action from the school, and the Trust behind the school, the Areté Trust, that she has created a Facebook page named 'The Areté Trust are failing our children'. 

Used as a group to bring together parents of children with SEND, Emma has used it to collect the views of parents - with a poll that she conducted of parents showing that SEND provision wasn't 'up to scratch'. 

Despite the creation of the Facebook group and Emma's issues with the school, she hopes that this will spark positive change in SEN provision at Northallerton School - with Emma and other parents attending the school last Friday (September 27) to voice the concerns they have. 

The front of the Northallerton School & Sixth Form grounds (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) "All I can hope is that change happens, and our concerns are heard. While Charlie needs the help now, I hope it can help other parents who have children at the school," Emma added.

"I want to know how and why they take on children with SEND but don't have the facilities or policies in place.

“He is suffering now along with a whole group of children who’s needs aren’t being met by the school, the parents in our group are all having similar issues with exclusions, mental health problems, attendance levels, and lack of support in general. 

"There are four areas in the SEN code of practice and they are failing every one of them at present."

Following the meeting last Friday, Emma says that she has been promised a full response by the school and the Trust. 

Emma said: "All I can ask for is that they act upon this meeting, and we move forward for the benefit of our children."

In response to Emma's issues, Northallerton School and Sixth Form have urged parents to get in touch with them directly if they have any issues, and want to build a more inclusive school in the future. 

Northallerton School & Sixth Form (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) A spokesperson for the school said: "We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the parents who joined us on Friday evening. Your engagement and insights regarding our shared commitment to supporting students with SEND are truly appreciated.

"We thoroughly enjoyed the meeting and are dedicated to fostering ongoing communication with all parents. If you have any concerns or would like to discuss anything further, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Mrs Rahn, our Headteacher.

"We’re excited to invite all parents to join us on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 5pm.

"This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet our dedicated staff and connect with colleagues from the Areté Learning Trust School Improvement Team. We can’t wait to see you there."

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Alongside the school's comments, the Trust has highlighted that it wishes to collaborate with parents and the school to make an 'inclusive environment'.

A spokesperson for The Areté Trust added: "As a trust,  inclusion means developing a sense of belonging for all - staff, students and parents/carers; to support the presence, participation and progress of students.

"The meeting on Friday, September 27 was a great opportunity for parents/carers from Northallerton School to express their views, and engage with school and trust staff.

"We believe that such collaboration will positively influence the way that our provision for all students, including those with SEND is designed, commissioned and delivered."