A student faced permanent exclusion from college for allegedly breaching the school’s vaping policy. The incident occurred when a peer, after persistently requesting to share the student’s vaping pen, collapsed on campus and required hospitalization. This happened in the presence of a teacher, and the vaping pen had been purchased earlier that morning. The exclusion was particularly alarming for the family, as the student was preparing for critical A-level exams. The parents suspected potential discrimination, citing prior incidents of differential treatment by the teacher who recommended the exclusion. Adding to their concerns, the student reported that the vaping policy being referenced did not exist, and vaping among students and staff on campus was reportedly commonplace. The Solution As an advocate from Wisdom Tree Communities, I was brought in to review the case and support the family in challenging the exclusion. My approach involved the following steps: 1.Clarifying the grounds for action: I advised the family that while their concerns of discrimination were understandable, the focus should remain on whether the exclusion adhered to the college’s policies and procedures. 2.Investigating the vaping policy: A thorough review revealed that the college did not have a published vaping policy on its website, undermining the basis for the exclusion. 3.Uncovering inconsistencies: It was discovered that the student had been vaping with a member of staff at the time of the incident, raising questions about the fairness of the exclusion. 4.Drafting a formal challenge: On behalf of the family, I drafted a letter to the college. The letter contested the grounds for exclusion, emphasized the absence of a clear vaping policy, and identified the staff member reportedly involved in vaping on campus. The Outcome The intervention led to a positive resolution: the student was reinstated during the final week of term before the Christmas break. This allowed them to sit their mock exams, and they went on to successfully pass their A-levels. This case highlights the critical role of advocacy in holding educational institutions accountable, ensuring transparency, and protecting students’ rights. By challenging unjust decisions, Wisdom Tree Communities was able to restore a student’s opportunity to complete their education and achieve their goals.

A parent attended our workshop as part of a program delivered with a partner organization. This parent was grappling with significant challenges: their child, who had been a victim of bullying for years, was now facing permanent exclusion from a second school due to fights. In addition to these behavioural issues, the child had undiagnosed special educational needs (SEND) that the school had failed to acknowledge, further exacerbating the situation. The child’s mental health had deteriorated, and they had completely shut down, leaving the parent feeling unheard and powerless in their attempts to advocate for their child. The Solution The workshop provided the parent with a supportive environment to learn effective strategies for addressing their child's challenges. Key areas of focus included: 1.Navigating communication with the school: The parent was equipped with techniques to articulate their child’s needs effectively and hold the school accountable for addressing them. 2.Understanding bullying and mental health impacts: The session highlighted how bullying can affect a child’s behaviour and mental well-being, empowering the parent to advocate for a holistic approach to support. 3.Fostering open communication with their child: Practical tips were shared on how to help the child feel safe and supported enough to express their feelings and experiences. The Outcome The workshop proved transformative for the parent and their child. By the end of the session, the parent felt confident in their ability to approach the school with a clear plan for addressing the child's educational and emotional needs. They also gained insight into their child’s experiences of bullying and learned how to create a safe space for open communication at home. As a result, the parent reported a renewed sense of empowerment and a stronger connection with their child, setting the foundation for improved outcomes in both the child’s education and mental health.

A Year 4 child faced permanent exclusion from school due to persistent disruptive behaviour in class and biting incidents involving both a peer and a teacher. The parent had repeatedly raised concerns about their child’s behaviour, seeking support from the school’s Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) as advised by the form tutor. Despite nine attempts to schedule meetings, all were cancelled by the SENCo, leaving the parent distressed and without recourse. Compounding the issue, the school argued that since the child did not have an official diagnosis of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), they were not obligated to consider SEND as a factor contributing to the child’s behaviour. This lack of acknowledgment, combined with the absence of adequate support, left the child at risk of permanent exclusion and the parent frustrated and overwhelmed. The Solution The parent was referred to Wisdom Tree Communities for advocacy support. As an advocate, the initial step was to inform the parent of their right to seek legal advice, given the seriousness of the permanent exclusion threat. Additionally, the school was reminded of its legal obligation to provide support to children suspected of having SEND, even in the absence of an official diagnosis. The advocacy process involved: 1.Drafting a formal letter: A detailed letter was sent on behalf of the parent to request a meeting with the SENCo, stating the family’s reliance on a parent advocate. 2.Escalating the issue: When the school cancelled the meeting again, the matter was raised to the safeguarding lead of the local authority. A chronological record of events was presented, emphasizing the school’s responsibility to support the child and ensure access to the curriculum. 3.Holding the school accountable: By involving the local authority, the focus shifted to the school’s legal obligations, ensuring that their actions—or lack thereof—were scrutinised. The Outcome This multi-faceted advocacy approach resulted in a breakthrough. The school, under pressure to demonstrate compliance with their legal responsibilities, finally engaged with the family. This marked a significant shift, as the school could no longer avoid addressing the child’s suspected SEND needs and behavioural challenges.