Restorative Justice - is it an excuse for the school not to deal with bullies?

gorgeouslatinrose

I just want to say good luck today, and to hope it goes well. I was a victim of bullying by girls at primary school, as well as my little sister and my mother actually had to go the to the point of pulling her out of the school and home tutoring her for a year, as the school refused to do anything as my sister was not the brightest of students, and all they seemed to worry about was the bullying girls on how it would affect them! I do remember though that when this came about, my mother contacted the local education authority and they offered details of a group which offered to come with you to meetings with the teachers as a support for you and your daughter, to point out your rights and general support. In the ened we didnt go ahead with the meeting, but maybe having someone like that with you in the meeting may be a good idea? I cannot think of the name of the group, but someone else may come along and remember the name. Definatly take someone with you today, and dont hesistate to call the police if you think its the right thing to do - if not, who knows what the girls may do when they are older!

Zziggi

Restorative justice - wasn't that in the 1998 Crime & Disorder Act as a "sweetner" to counter act the horror people had at the draconian measures being implemented throughout the act in other areas related to juveniles.

If carried out well, Restorative justice is not a bad idea BUT people need training, the process needs time and most of all, MONEY. Nowhere near enough training, time or money.

floss2

Bennifred wrote: »

It may be worth quoting "Safeguarding" as this is the latest buzz word for Ofsted....

I think what you mean is the local Safeguarding Children Board, which is a relatively new multi-agency approach to child protection, and I don't think it would apply in a case of bullying.

Personally I would request that:

a) the playground monitor status is removed from the instigator with a letter home explaining why,
b) the two bullies are separated,
c) the local Beat Manager from your Police is asked to come into your daughter's class to speak about bullying and explain that they can be arrested for assault.

I would also contact the Chair of Governors and the Parent Governor, to ask that your issue be brought up at the next Governors' meeting. Publicising it may be embarrassing for the Head, but it will make others aware that there is a problem that needs to be addressed.

floss2

Zziggi wrote: »

Restorative justice - wasn't that in the 1998 Crime & Disorder Act as a "sweetner" to counter act the horror people had at the draconian measures being implemented throughout the act in other areas related to juveniles.

It does not only apply to juveniles, it is widely and successfully used in ASB cases.

Zziggi wrote: »

If carried out well, Restorative justice is not a bad idea BUT people need training, the process needs time and most of all, MONEY. Nowhere near enough training, time or money.

Training is vital to ensure the process progresses fairly & consistently. The local Police generally have an expert - maybe they would be prepared to come in & speak to the staff about how to run the process?

Kazipoo

Thanks again for these comments and suggestions, a few more additions to my list of wants would be:

1. I want the school to actively encourage parents and carers to come forward with any concerns about their child’s wellbeing.

2. I want the bullying policy to be available for parents to read when they enter the school.

3. I want lunchtime supervisors to be more assertive and active where bullying is concerned, not too busy gossiping to notice or care.

I want children who are playground leaders or other such like, to be removed from these positions of trust if they are found to be a bully.

Kazipoo

I'm actually looking forward to going in now. Although it does feel like I am on a crusade of sorts lol.

mrcow

floss2 wrote: »

Personally I would request that:

a) the playground monitor status is removed from the instigator with a letter home explaining why,
b) the two bullies are separated,
c) the local Beat Manager from your Police is asked to come into your daughter's class to speak about bullying and explain that they can be arrested for assault.

Please can you come and be headmistress at my children's school?

floss2

mrcow wrote: »

Please can you come and be headmistress at my children's school?

Would love to, but unfortunately I don't have the required qualifications to work in education!

mum.s

Just want to say GOOD LUCK, let us know how you get on. My DS went through similar but the letters, phone calls meetings amounted to nothing, he still got bullied everyday and in class and we ended up changing schools. Maybe add that the teacher has an incident log on her desk (a friend of mine has this at her DD school) so that when your daughter is kicked etc, she can go and tell the teacher and then it is logged on the sheet, if your daughter comes home and tells you what has happend and the teacher has not logged it, then they are not providing the duty of care required, as in my opinion this is a police matter and not for the school to decide. GOOD LUCK.

Kazipoo

Thanks guys.... just time for a quick cuppa and i'm off!!!!