I really thought we could trust the Headmaster/Principal of DD’s school to uphold his part in the no-bullying-agreement. Sadly, not. DD told him that the bully had started again in class last week, in front of the entire class. He replied that he’d talk to the bully after school, or if not, first thing on Monday morning. It didn’t happen.
So – He’s a busy man, with a great deal of responsibility. I appreciate that, but my child’s safety at his school comes before meetings, surely?
Her right to an education should be among his top priorities, no? In my opinion, yes.
If he can’t act on it himself, should he then delegate? YES…
Did he do that? NO.
Consequence: The Police are now involved in the whole sorry state of affairs and the school looks dreadful. If I was a parent looking for secondary (high school) education for my child, I would think twice about Budehaven Community College. There are a few highly supportive staff in the Pastoral Care Department who should be praised, because they do their job and they care. There are a lot more members of staff who appear NOT to care, or not to have the training necessary to be aware of/deal with, bullying.
Looking at the situation from the perspective of an outsider, the school appears not to be able to identify, contain and deter bullying. If you make an agreement with a child/pupil, you should honour that agreement. If you do not, then you should not consequently be surprised that said child/pupil no longer respects or trusts you. It should also come as no surprise that the children/pupils decide to take matters into their own hands to protect their friend(s) and that it will ultimately result in Police action.
IF you had KEPT to your part of the agreement, and taken TIMELY action and RIGHT action, things would not have spiralled out of control. Maybe you should look at retiring?
Or at the very least some “Outside Specialist Agency” involvement to help the victims of bullying and deter their tormentors. We really don’t need any more injuries or worse, suicides, as a direct result of persisitent bullying and your lack of action to stop it.


