IPSEA: disability discrimination in schools

Advice and model letters: first stop for parents Helplines Assessment and statements of SEN: what you can do Exclusion support sheets How to complain Disability discrimination in schools Back to home page	Disability discrimination in schools
	In collaboration with the Equality and Human Rights Commission, IPSEA offers a casework service for the parents of children with disability who have been discriminated against at school. You can also find a self-help support sheet below. Please contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission Disability Helpline by one the following methods: England FREEPOST MID02164 Stratford upon Avon CV37 9BR Telephone: 08457 622 633 Textphone: 08457 622 644 Fax: 08457 778 878 Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9:00 am-5:00 pm; Wed 9:00 am-8:00 pm Wales Equality and Human Rights Commission Helpline Wales Freepost RRLR-UEYB-UYZL 1st Floor 3 Callaghan Square Cardiff CF10 5BT 0845 604 8810 - Wales main number 0845 604 8820 - Wales textphone 0845 604 8830 - Wales fax 9:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday to Friday After providing you with initial advice, the helpline will refer you on to an IPSEA case adviser if appropriate.	IPSEA +
Do you think your child has been discriminated against?	When can I complain? If your child has a disability and you believe that they have been treated unfairly at school because of their disability. First check whether your child is disabled within the meaning of the Disability Discrimination Act by using this checklist (PDF file). They may have been unfaiirly treated, for example: if they have been refused admission to a school, if they have been excluded from school, if they have been denied services at school which other children have received. Should I speak to the school first? Yes, definitely. Speak to the headteacher and explain what your child's disability is and why you think they have been discriminated against. What if the headteacher is not helpful? If you are not happy with the headteacher's response, send your complaint in writing to the Chair of the School Governors: `The Chair of the Governing Body, Mendlewick County Primary School …………………………………` `Dear Mrs Watson,` `(child's name), (date of birth)` `I am writing as the parent of the above child, who is a pupil at your school.` `(Child's name) is disabled as a result of having Autism (Down's Syndrome, ADHD, Dyslexia, etc) and I believe that he/she was discriminated against at school because of his/her disability.` `This is what happened: ………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………` `I have spoken to the headteacher about this, but I was not happy with his/her response, which is why I am writing to you. I have been advised that I am able to make a claim of discrimination under the Disability Discrimination Act, but I would be much happier if you would deal with my complaint at the next Governors' meeting.` `I look forward to hearing from you.` `Yours sincerely,` `…………………………………………………` What if the Governors do nothing? If you are not happy with the Governors' response you can 'make a claim of discrimination' against them. You can get advice on doing this by ringing: The Equality and Human Rights Commission Disability helpline on 08457 622 633. When should I 'make a claim of discrimination'? You must do this within 6 months of the incident you want to complain about.	You can download this advice and the model letter as a Word document: Support Sheet: Complaining when your child has been discriminated against Checklist – is my child disabled?
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