Mother Advocates for CCTV in Special Schools Following Assault on Son
- Charlotte's son, who is autistic, was reportedly assaulted multiple times by a teaching assistant at his school.
- The mother has reached out for the school's CCTV footage to aid in holding the responsible parties accountable.
- This incident highlights issues surrounding the treatment of vulnerable children in educational settings.
The mother of a 13-year-old boy with complex needs is urging for the installation of CCTV in all special schools after her son, Tobie, was assaulted by a teaching assistant. Tobie, who is autistic and non-speaking, endured a 20-minute attack at Tettenhall Wood School in Wolverhampton, where he was kicked, pushed, and had his head held down. His mother, Charlotte, expressed her horror upon viewing the grainy footage that captured the incident, stating, "To see that man attack him in a place he thought was safe - it was just horrendous." The school has maintained that it followed all necessary protocols and emphasized its commitment to children's safety and wellbeing. However, the footage revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse, with Tobie attempting to escape the assault, only to be pursued and further harmed. Charlotte, who was unaware of the extent of the attack until the court appearance, described the distressing aftermath when Tobie returned home agitated and unable to communicate what had happened due to his condition. Charlotte highlighted the critical role of CCTV in protecting vulnerable children, asserting that without the footage, the truth of Tobie's experience may have remained hidden. She clarified that her call for surveillance is not a blanket request for all schools but specifically for environments catering to children with special needs. Despite the trauma, she noted that Tobie remains resilient, though his trust in others has been significantly shaken.