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I started home schooling our son in October, that is going rather well. He asks when he can work on his maths, English, reading etc, we're taking him places he would only have a rare go at (the Science Museum, The Aerospace Museum, Manchester Museum - some slightly more local places too) and just enjoying having him at home.
I know most people think I'm as mad as a box of frogs, but hey, that's their problem, isn't it?
I could no longer work at the school that couldn't (wouldn't?) deal with the bullying issues or 'personality clashes' as they called them that my son has had to go through. I was sick to the stomach of the tears (at night and in the morning). The little  lives on my street.
The day K left the school system I had been asked by a friend to take her child school. 'Fine' says I.
I see the Head Teacher that morning, 'Oh good, I'm glad he's back, he's better off at school'
Oh no, he's not. You've promised so much, but what have you delivered? Nada, zilch, nothing. His last day at school - head had kicked him several times (and bruised his back) while another child was sat on him. A Midday Assistant had not only noticed this, but reported it to the class teacher. Was my husband informed at the end of the day?
Nope.
We're having so much fun now.
|   | Subject: Am I the only one that thinks 'school' and shudders
Posted Jan 29, 2010 by Happy Nerd
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Hi. I popped over from Lil's.
Okay, what do I think?
<rant>
I think it is assault. I think the other child is a bully and is going to continue to be abusive to other people until he learns that the consequences of bullying behavior are not getting him the rewards he wants. I think the teacher who can't deal with the the physical and mental harm being done under his un-watchful eye is not responsible enough to be entrusted with children and possibly worse, tacitly agrees that bullying is acceptable behavior.
The bully is learning a lot in school - he's learning to hurt other people every day he is not taught better. Someday he may have a chance to maim or kill someone. And every adult who failed to act will share some responsibility for his crime.
Look at it this way: If I purposely kicked your son, it would be child abuse, would it not? How can what happened at school not be child abuse? File a police report, and contact an attorney.
</rant>
HN
| | Subject: Am I the only one that thinks 'school' and shudders
Posted Jan 29, 2010 by Beatrice
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Follows the trail of breadcrumbs from Lil's...
I think you're enormously brave to home school, and much kudos to you for doing it, and for making it a success so far 
I feel it's a dreadful shame, and real failure of "the system" somewhere, that you had to take such extreme measures to avoid the problem. And I'm also concerned that the bully is still there in the system - the problem hasn't gone away, you've just side-stepped it.
| | Subject: Am I the only one that thinks 'school' and shudders
Posted Jan 29, 2010 by Vip
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*also drops in from lil's*
Whilst yes, the bully hasn't been stopped at least your child isn't subjected to it. I was very lucky when I was bullied at school - once the school found out they dealt with it quickly and effectively (although I think mine was quite easy to deal with).
You have a wonderful opportunity to be with your child, to teach him the way he wants to learn, and watch him as he achieves.
Nyssabird, late of this parish, also home schools and she wouldn't have it any other way. Her Facebook is full of picures of happy, energetic kids achieving things. They are all so proud of each other!
| | Subject: Am I the only one that thinks 'school' and shudders
Posted Jan 29, 2010 by Lanzababy
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What a dreadful experience you and your son have had at that school. Certainly the situation was not being dealt with properly.
I used to be a Head Teacher and am very sorry that you came across a school system that failed. I can totally understand your reasons and feelings that you should keep your son at home and teach him yourself.
Home schooling can be lots of fun, in fact I did it myself for my two grandsons for about 6 months. They were moving between three countries at the time.
My only question would be - are there no other schools nearby that may provide a much better - and safer - and happier learning experience for your son, than the dreadful school you 'rescued' him from? I often took in children from other nearby schools, when their parents felt my school would have been better.
Sending you both some big hugs 
It's water under the bridge now, but if it was my experience, I would have photographed those bruises and filed a police report. That was a brutal assault!
Sounds like you are both enjoying the home schooling. So keep it up until it's not working anymore.
lanza, there are no more local schools. There used to be three, but in September the other two closed and were merged with one K went to, albeit over two separate sites until the new building is erected. There is one further away, however it is wildly over subscribed.
I've wanted to try my hand at home schooling for ages anyway.
The bullying malarky - yeah, I could've taken it further but, as the child lives on my street, I didn't want the aggro. I don't know whether he has found a new victim but I do know it's not one of K's friends if he has.
The school can't seem to cope with any issues relating to bullying. I've spoken recently to another parent about her daughter's experiences with a girl bully. Her daughter pulled all her own eyelashes and eyebrows out after one incident.  The child is still being verbally abused by that nasty little piece of work and still the school do nothing.
| | Subject: Am I the only one that thinks 'school' and shudders
Posted Jan 29, 2010 by Mu Beta
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...I'm going to do something unusual for me and lurk...
B
Oh, lurk away m'dear. I would be interested in your input, however. I know you work with older children (the bullies and the bullied are only year 3) but your take on this might be insightful.
| | Subject: Am I the only one that thinks 'school' and shudders
Posted Jan 30, 2010 by Mu Beta
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I will hang around a bit longer and hope this thread flourishes first...
B
| | Subject: Am I the only one that thinks 'school' and shudders
Posted Jan 30, 2010 by Vip
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On a personal note, I loved school. But then, I went to a good one.
I hardly ever went to school and it's not how I think children should live their lives, but I know at least one child who enjoys it. She's at a private school though.
I think bullying is abuse, after all if an adult bullies people at work you can take legal action against them; I don't know why children are supposed to just put up with it. They don't even have the right to move to a different place of work which is an option most adults have.
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