School ‘not following care plan’ for Isaac

The six-year-old is part of the Banksia unit, which caters for students with physical and intellectual disabilities, at Figtree Public School.

He has been diagnosed with autism, 1q21.1 syndrome (a rare chromosomal disorder), a chronic colonic disorder and is on intensive therapy to prevent bowel obstruction.

He also has hearing problems, is developmentally delayed and, although there is no clear medical reason for it, has rejected solid food since he was a baby and has to be fed through a gastronomy tube.

‘‘He loves going there and looks forward to kicking the ball around,’’ Isaac’s father Mark said.

‘‘We’re not fussed on what he achieves so long as he gets the experience of being there.’’

But Mr Davis and his wife did not send Isaac to school last Thursday or Friday out of concern the school was not adequately following Isaac’s health and personal care plan.

‘‘We’re not sending our son at this stage because our son’s health is our priority,’’ Mr Davis said.

A spokesman from the Department of Education rejected these claims, saying that the school was constantly working with the Davis family to develop the plan for Isaac’s changing needs.

‘‘A comprehensive health and personal care plan has been developed to support this student’s welfare and learning at Figtree Public. The school is following the plan,’’ he said.

Mr Davis, in particular, claimed the school was not properly filling out the record of Isaac’s eating patterns and bowel movements, which the parents need on a daily basis to adjust his bowel medication.

‘‘Last year he was hospitalised for nearly eight weeks in the Sydney Children’s Hospital and they had to do some emergency surgeries,’’ Mr Davis said.

‘‘If he gets unwell and we need to take him to the hospital we can look back on the communication book and tell the doctor what he’s eaten and if he’s been to the toilet.’’

The department spokesman said the school had been keeping these records at the behest of Isaac’s parents and doctor for the past two years.

‘‘The school has been monitoring and recording the student’s bowel movements for the last two years and will continue to do so. Adjustments were made to the plan in relation to toilet breaks at the direction of the doctor,’’ he said.

‘‘Regular adjustments are made at the advice of doctors. The school has been working with this student’s father and doctor to update the plan.’’

The spokesman said a meeting with the school and Mr Davis was set for this week.