THE parents of an autistic boy who was allegedly not allowed to go on a classroom trip because of his disability are to take legal action against his school.
The Mazalon family, of Leadale Avenue in Chingford, say they were told by staff at Larkswood Primary School that their 10-year-old son Euan could not go on a visit to an observation area next to the Olympic Games site in Stratford “for health and safety reasons”.
Father Aleksander Mazalon, 43, said he was only told about the decision the afternoon before the planned trip – several weeks after the school had already taken the family's £8 payment for the day out.
He said: “As parents we strongly feel that the school have discriminated against our son on the grounds of his disability.
“The school said they were concerned he might 'wander off'. They say his behaviour has changed in the last three months but I don't believe it has that much, I think it's more of an excuse.
“I'm serious concerned about this and I do believe the school has broken the equalities act.”
The family have taken the matter up with lawyers and the issue has been referred to the national Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal.
They also claim that the National Autistic Society (NAS) advised them that it appeared that the school had broken the law.
Mr Mazalon said his son had attended school trips at Larkswood in the past without any problems, although the family had agreed to withdraw him from an overnight visit to the Isle of Wight in the summer, after they were told parents could not attend.
But he said that decision did not mean his son was incapable of attending a short day trip.
He added: “Euan is very upset.
“As for the future, I really hope and pray that no other child with special needs is excluded from a school trip.”
The Guardian is awaiting a comment from the school.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel