Mum facing prosecution for autistic daughter’s school absence

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

Sacred Heart RC Primary School, Kingsway

A mum who is facing prosecution because her autistic daughter was off school is calling for help from the authorities.

Angela Robinson, from Milnrow, says her 10-year-old daughter suffers from violent panic attacks and that her suffering has led to absence and lateness to Sacred Heart RC Primary School.

Rochdale Council has provided extra support for daughter Bethany-Jo, who is a pupil at the Kingsway school, but has also said that they must continue to promote regular school attendance.

Mum Angela told the national news: “She won’t sleep because it plays on her mind, then I struggle to get her out of bed of a morning. I literally have to carry her, there’s no way she’ll move.

“I’ve had broken bones from her, she doesn’t mean to do it, she just fires like a rocket.”

Gillian Barratt, head of schools at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The school and the council have worked hard to take good account of the child’s needs to enable her to make the best of the educational opportunities on offer at Sacred Heart Primary.

“However, we take seriously our duty to promote regular school attendance to support all children and young people in achieving their full potential. That means, occasionally, penalty notices are issued by the local authority on behalf of schools. We also ensure that appropriate and personalised support is provided to families to ensure that their children attend school regularly.”

Sacred Heart RC Primary School was not available for comment.