SWNS News by George Mathias

A MUM has spoken of her anger after her son was refused entry to a trampoline park because he has Down syndrome.

Single mum Francesca Friend, 36, took son James, six, who has Down syndrome, and daughter Georgie, seven, to Flip Out, in Chelston, on October 29.

The mum-of-two booked the tickets, totalling £75 online, and they travelled more an hour from their home in Yeovil for the outing.

But they were distraught to be told by a staff member James would not be allowed on.

Francesca said: “It was horrible. It should be the parents' choice and I would have been holding his hand the whole way round.”

Francesca Friend with son James and daughter Georgie at Hertfordshire Zoo. A mum has spoken of her anger after her son was refused entry to a trampoline park because he has Down syndrome. Francesca Friend, 36, took son James, six, who has Down syndrome, and daughter Georgie, seven, to Flip Out, in Chelston Heath, Somerset on October 29. The mum-of-two booked the tickets - totalling £75 - online and they travelled over an hour from their home for the outing. But they were distraught to be told by a staff member James would not be allowed on.
Francesca Friend with son James and daughter Georgie at Hertfordshire Zoo. (Francesca Friend / SWNS)

Flip Out’s policy follows The British Gymnastics Association guidelines and says customers with Down Syndrome and neck instability have to obtain evidence from a GP or paediatrician saying they are fit to partake in the activity.

This is because people with Down syndrome are more likely to have atlanto-axial instability – a condition where there is excessive movement or instability between the first two vertebrae of the spine.

But Francesca believes some discretion should be used if a parent accompanies the child.

She added: “My son is not going to be doing flips and stuff. He just wants to join in - he's quite capable of bouncing.

“James had been talking about it for days, and his sister, Georgie, was just as thrilled.”

Upon arrival, the family was given wristbands, and everything seemed to be going smoothly until an employee approached and asked Francesca if her son had Down syndrome.

Francesca confirmed and the employee then informed her that James could not enter the trampoline area due to safety concerns.

"They said that if he fell awkwardly, he could hurt himself," Francesca said. “I tried to explain that I would be there holding his hand the entire time.”

Francesca says James’ dad had taken him previously without any problems. “It’s discrimination, plain and simple,” Francesca said.

Flip Out Somerset general manager Jeremy Appiah said: “The health and safety of our customers is of the utmost importance to us at Flip Out. We do everything in our power to ensure that our customers have a fun and safe time at our indoor adventure park.

“As regards customers that visit Flip Out with children and young people who have Down’s syndrome, we make them aware that we follow the guidelines issued by the British Gymnastics Association and The Down's Syndrome Association.

“This guidance recommends that prior to taking part in activities at Flip Out, customers with Down’s Syndrome are asked to obtain evidence that a GP or Paediatrician has screened them using the screening test developed by the BGA for Atlanto-Axial Instability.

“Approval for participation that is signed by the GP or paediatrician must be provided before taking part in any trampolining activities.

“The parent of the child at Flip Out Somerset had signed a safety waiver which details the request for evidence of screening.

“These are extremely challenging conversations for staff to have with parents.”