WHAT SHOULD YOUR CHILD DO IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO THEM AT SCHOOL?

Inevitably during their years at the College, there will be times when an incident occurs for your child at school – either between friends or with other students.  For some time, we have been speaking to students in class and in assemblies about the processes we have in place where a student may report an issue which is troubling him/her.  These processes allow staff to support students when there are problems as we cannot investigate concerns or assist them if we are not aware of the problem until days or weeks later

In the first instance, students should be assertive by saying “Stop it!  I don’t like it!”, or in less serious situations, they may simply choose to walk away.  However, under no circumstances should a child feel that he/she must always move to another place simply because they feel intimidated.

If a particular student continues to cause difficulties for your child, there is always at least one staff member on duty in every area and it is imperative that students REPORT the problem to this teacher (even if it is a relief teacher).  We have duty folders for each area which are taken by staff at breaks and when the duty teacher investigates the issue, notes are recorded in theses folders.  Every week Mrs Mitchell reads through these duty sheets to check for things which may need to be followed up.

It is imperative that students report when serious problems occur so that the teachers on duty are able to speak to witnesses right there and then to investigate carefully before the students forget the details of what actually happened.  Serious issues are referred to Mrs Rosenberg or Mrs Mitchell for follow up either that day or the following day.

We cannot stress enough how important it is to remind your children to always report so we can support them immediately.  We have developed a “reporting culture” in the Primary school which allows students to be confident that they will be supported.  The following are various other ways in which students can report.

We have a class letterbox in every room where, at a convenient time, children may place a letter or note to make teachers aware of any problems they may be having.  Teachers check these letterboxes each day.  Sometimes it is easier for a student to place a note in this box if they are reluctant to speak openly to the teacher.

Finally, students are told regularly in assemblies that they may speak to Mrs Mitchell or Mrs Bryers if they have a need.  They simply let office staff at Student Reception know they would like to speak to us.  If we are not in a meeting we will be happy to speak with them and if we are not available the office will take the student’s name and we will follow up as soon as possible.

These processes which are in place, give students every opportunity to feel safe at school.  They provide a framework to allow them to stand strong knowing that they will be supported and that we will investigate any significant issues which arise.  Natural justice is essential so we give every student the opportunity to explain what happened when we investigate a complaint.

Please encourage your children to use these processes so they can become resilient young people who are prepared to stand up themselves for what is right.  This will help empower them not just in primary school, but also as they move through their secondary years and into their post compulsory school years.

SAFETY CONCERN

Crossing the Ring Road Between Buses Endangers Children’s Lives

Crossing the ring road anywhere but the WHITE painted pedestrian crossings puts your child at risk.  From 2.50pm there are a number of buses parked on the College side of the ring road.

There are two pedestrian crossings to provide a safe place to cross and we are asking that you use these to take your children across the ring road.  The speed bump with yellow painted lines is NOT a pedestrian crossing.

Historically in schools, accidents happened when children or adults step out from behind or in front of buses – even when they are parked.

It is also helpful to teach our children that wherever possible we use a pedestrian crossing so we can be safe.

Regards

Cheryl Bryers, HEAD OF PRIMARY