A CHILD allegedly called ‘Mr Autistic’ by a headteacher has been told the school is no longer able to support him.
Last week, the Radcliffe Academy Trust confirmed it was investigating a complaint that the headteacher at the Meadowbrook College site in Marston used the term towards a Year 11 student, who has Asperger’s Syndrome and ADHD.
The child’s parent – who wishes to remain anonymous – said the alleged incident took place on January 17.
A spokesperson for the Radcliffe Academy Trust, which oversees Meadowbrook, told the Oxford Mail that the matter is being addressed through its formal complaints procedure.
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It is alleged by the parent that her son had been vaping, and after getting a second vape out, was told to sit in the hall and called ‘Mr Autistic’.
The parent added that her son was suspended between January 17 and 19 after being caught vaping, and was instructed not to return until January 31.
An email sent from the school to the parent, and forwarded to the Oxford Mail, confirms the cancellation of a reintegration meeting for the student.
The email adds that Meadowbrook has ‘unfortunately come to the decision’ that it is ‘unable to continue to support’ the student with an alternative educational package.
The parent told the Oxford Mail: “I can’t believe they’ve done this, it’s like they’re throwing their toys out the pram.
“They’ve used his disability to insult him and get rid of him, it’s not fair.”
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In the meantime, a mainstream school which pays for provision to Meadowbrook is supporting the student and trying to find alternatives.
The parent added: “The school has been really good, the assistant headteacher got some English and Maths work round for him, but it’s all we have at the moment.
“He’s got his GCSEs in the summer, this is just more disruption for a child who struggles anyway.
“It’s the social aspect as well, not being around his peers and friends.
“It’s not doing his confidence very good, he feels let down.”
An audio clip previously obtained by the Oxford Mail contains a female voice saying ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘I didn’t mean to do that’.
The clip was shared by the parent and is said to have been secretly recorded after the alleged incident.
The Year 11 student started at Meadowbrook in September, with his mum saying that despite a positive start at the school, the alleged incident has ‘broken’ trust between him and the school.
A spokesperson for the Radcliffe Academy Trust said no further comments or statements will be made by the trust.
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