A mum is refusing to send her daughter back to her school after a row over medical care.
Alethea Grant claims Akeira Rouphine has been left an “emotional wreck” as a result of the school’s ‘mismanagement’ of her needs.
The eight-year-old pupil at Quarry Mount Primary suffers from severe eczema which means she repeatedly has to apply cream all over her body to soothe her itchy, cracked skin.
Miss Grant, of Woodhouse, says her daughter has been denied the care she needs, with staff failing to help her apply the lotion; or find her an appropriate place to do it, then complaining she is missing out on lessons by applying it too often.
The 27-year-old said her daughter was “distraught” at headteacher Jackie Twaites’ suggestion that she could apply the cream in the classroom during lessons.
And she said until recently – when a screen was provided to shield the little girl from public view – Akeira had to strip off in the school office to apply her cream while strangers walked in and out of the room.
Miss Grant said: “It’s broken her spirit, she’s an emotional wreck, crying all the time.
“She’s getting bullied.”
Since developing the skin complaint several years ago, the little girl has needed hospital treatment for infections including the potentially deadly superbug MRSA.
Miss Grant believes the school should have secured funding for a special needs co-ordinator to deal with her daughter’s care. She added: “They’re not looking after my child’s welfare, so I’m not sending her back there.”
Ms Twaites said: “Our priority is the wellbeing of all children at our school, and in this case, some members of staff have gone above and beyond their roles, to ensure Akeira’s needs are being met.
“With the support of Akeira’s mother I am happy to investigate ... additional funding, however this can be a lengthy process and cannot be guaranteed. It is imperative that Akeira continues to attend school to make sure she is not missing vital days of her education.”
Comments