Send pupil strangled while at school, says mum

The alleged assault is said to have taken place at Felixstowe School

A woman has urged schools to do more to protect students with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) after she alleged her son was attacked and strangled at school.

Carla, 31, told the BBC her son was set upon by pupils at Felixstowe School earlier this month, which prompted Suffolk Police to launch an investigation.

The incident left him with a large purple bruise on his back and marks on his neck, which a doctor said were similar to injuries you would see following an assault.

Felixstowe School said it has a “zero tolerance policy on bullying”. Suffolk Police said the investigation has now been closed and the school was managing the incident.

Carla told the BBC her son has been left in a state of upset after the alleged assault

Carla, who has temporarily removed her son from the school, said: “He was pushed into a fence three times and then he moved away.

“Another pupil then pushed him back on the fence and put both their hands around his neck and strangled him while he was trying to stand up.

“We were furious when we saw his injuries and as parents this is not something we would expect to happen in the care of a school.

“My son is now in a state of upset and is confused and we both feel heartbroken over the trauma he experienced. We wouldn’t wish it upon any child.”

'We're heartbroken'

According to the Anti-Bullying Alliance, 36% of Send pupils experience frequent bullying, compared to 25% of other pupils.

Carla has now called for schools in Suffolk and across the UK to implement stronger measures to ensure Send pupils were better protected.

She said: “My son isn’t sure why anyone who do such thing to him - he is very anxious and does not want to return to school as he doesn’t want to get hurt again.

“I personally feel Send children are more prone to being targeted at school and further steps need to be in place to not allow assaults like this to take place.

"I encourage anyone who has experienced similar incidents to speak up and keep doing it until someone takes this more seriously.

"We are the only advocate for our children and I will keep battling until more serious measures are put into place."

Felixstowe School said it could not comment on individual cases, but a spokesperson said: "We adopt a zero tolerance policy on bullying of any description.

"We are very proud of the relationship we have with our families and would always encourage them to contact us if they have any concerns."