Welsh school apologizes for discriminatory treatment of student

A school in Port Talbot, Wales, has apologized to a student named Kian Mills after an education tribunal found that the school discriminated against him. The tribunal concluded that St Joseph's Catholic School failed to provide reasonable support for Kian, who has ADHD and dyslexia. Kian's parents, Aldon and Julie Mills, reported that their son faced many punishments at school for minor issues. They expressed concern for his well-being, leading them to withdraw him from the school in June 2024 and begin home education. Kian had received over 250 sanctions, including exclusions and isolations, during his time at the school. The issues escalated when Kian was placed in isolation for yet another time. His mother said this was "enough" after experiencing the school's strict discipline approach. Kian struggled in a classroom setting designed for children without additional needs. Julie paid for an ADHD assessment, which confirmed Kian's condition, but the school did not provide the necessary support. Despite numerous attempts to address these problems with school officials, the Mills family received little help. Kian eventually was granted an Independent Development Plan in June 2023, but by that time, his relationship with the school had already deteriorated. The tribunal ruled in Kian's favor earlier this year, concluding that the school's policies disadvantaged him. The tribunal found that Kian's situation could have been prevented and that the school needed to improve its support for students with disabilities. As a result, Kian and his parents received letters of apology from the school. Though the school promised to make changes, Julie remains skeptical about sending Kian back. She believes many children are being failed by the system and may not receive the education they need from home. Both parents highlighted that the current education system does not work for all children, particularly those with additional learning needs. Kian, now happier with home education, feels relieved to be away from a system that he felt persecuted him. He hopes for a future as a chef and emphasizes the importance of being heard.