A mother of a 7-year-old boy launched legal action against his school as her son was forced to wear a fluorescent bib to let teachers know he has autism.
42-year-old Joanne Logan said she had launched the case so that other children who have autism are not singled out as ‘different’ from their classmates.
She has taken Cherry Lane Primary School in West Drayton, London to a disability tribunal, claiming the act has discriminated her 7-year-old Charlie.
“just want to make sure that no other autistic child needs to be put through what we did and it needs to be challenged – and if this case, if it’s won, could change that,” Joanne expressed.
“I have had a lot of people say they’ve had similar. It can affect a child as they get older – they realize they’re different.
“They know all these things. They just want to be accepted… we need to stop singling out our disabled kids.”
The mother-of-five previously said she was angry and described the alleged actions of the school as ‘discrimination’ and ‘disgusting.’
“Looking back on it I think the classroom teacher mentioned a bib during the week – but I didn’t really think about it, it didn’t click until Charlie said something.
“When he came home on Thursday he said about wearing a bib at break times – and I was like, “Oh? – what kind of bib?” and he told me it’s silver and yellow, and he said: ‘My teachers have said I have to wear a bib so that they know where I am at break times’.”
Joanne added: “I knew during lunch break he’s not always allowed out because he has been accused of hurting the other children, I know there’s an issue there which the school have to work with me on.
“But they seem to think the best way to deal with it is to make him wear a bib so that teachers know that he’s autistic.
“I wasn’t informed about this by any means! They decided to do this and it’s disgusting – it’s discrimination”.”
She continued: “As far as I’m aware in the mainstream part of the school Charlie is the only child made to where a bib. I’m so upset – I can’t believe it’s even allowed. I’m totally fuming.
“I’ve told Charlie he must never wear the bib, whatever they say to him, he should never put it on.”
In a statement the school said Ms. Logan was informed about the bib. A spokesman said: “Decisions made concerning the welfare of all Cherry Lane pupils are done so on an individual needs basis.
“We always have their safety at the forefront of our practice to ensure that some vulnerable children are constantly supported. Visibility tabards (reflective vests) are used for a variety of reasons in our playground.
“Parents are always consulted prior to actions taken regarding the individual needs of their children. Should a parent change their mind regarding our practice, we work with them accordingly.”
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