Mum claims school ‘let down’ her daughter by failing to spot ADHD
SHE NOW FEARS GIRL WON’T GET EXTRA SUPPORT FOR HER GCSE EXAMS
A NOTTINGHAM mum has hit out at her daughter’s school for contributing to delays in her being diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder.
Naz Hussain, of Bakersfield, said her Year 11 daughter had been attending Nottingham Academy for more than a decade yet the school only informed her a month ago that they suspected she had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The 16-year-old had previously been diagnosed with dyscalculia, and despite her mum’s concerns she could have dyslexia as well, the school confirmed this was not the case.
Ms Hussain feels that her daughter has been “neglected” by the school, and faces taking GCSE exams without the proper support in place. She stated: “I’m not happy with them - they have let my daughter down. For all these years, how could they not see it?”
The 42-year-old mum claimed that due to previous concerns, she did go to the doctor two years ago for her daughter and collected the relevant forms for ADHD so that the teenager could be assessed. However, she alleges that these forms were handed to the school which “has lost them.”
The school needs to be involved in the process so that an education, health and care plan can be established for a pupil.
Ms Hussain confirmed that while the school suspects her daughter has ADHD, she has still not been able to get this diagnosis confirmed.
She said: “I think the school needs to be involved to refer her to the right people.” With exam season approaching, Ms Hussain has found her daughter a private tutor for one session each week, which costs £35.
She can only afford one weekly session but claims the school should be able to help with funding for additional sessions. She said: “They went back to me, they say she’s on the waiting list but the waiting list for what?
“They’ve messed my daughter around. I’ve let my daughter down, the school has let my daughter down and it’s not right. They are not getting her any extra help.”
She described the situation as being “really sad” and she is now worried about what her daughter will be able to do next if she doesn’t pass the relevant exams. Whilst some exam boards do offer additional help for students with ADHD these special arrangements usually need to be organised in advance and require a confirmed diagnosis.
Ms Hussain said that her daughter has ambitions to become a teacher.
A spokesperson from the school said: “We are committed to fostering an inclusive school environment for all pupils, including providing the necessary support for those with additional needs.
“While it would be inappropriate to comment on the circumstances and diagnoses of individual pupils, we would like to reaffirm that our leaders and student care team continue to actively work alongside our families to ensure all pupils are supported.”