Picture this conversation. A mother attempts to console her son following a horrific injury caused by school bullies. The son, in between sharp pangs of pain whimpers, “Mummy, why does no-one like me? Like why? Why did they pick on me?” Holding back tears of despair, the mother’s reply to her son’s innocent question is… Continue reading The Case of Raheem Bailey
Lessons from The Case of Child Q
First, I will start by outlining the case of Child Q. Although there was widespread outrage and comprehensive coverage of the case, some of my international readers may be unfamiliar with it. A summary of the Child Q case In 2020, a Black female child, referred to as Child Q, was strip searched by… Continue reading Lessons from The Case of Child Q
It is the Taking Part that Counts…
Because even when you don’t walk away with a shiny trophy, dazzling medal or coveted prize, you can be proud of the personal triumph for having had the courage and temerity to take part. You can be proud of the furtive tears shed when you hit a brick wall and the ideas were too elusive… Continue reading It is the Taking Part that Counts…
Towards an Effective Anti-bullying Culture
Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about how the school where I work could become a safer place through the reduction of instances of bullying. It goes without saying that bullying is a blight on school communities. Its effects can be far reaching and long-lasting. It happens in every school. From elite private institutions to… Continue reading Towards an Effective Anti-bullying Culture
Child Centred Approaches
Being child centred rarely means giving the child what they want or desire. This can be the polar opposite of child-centredness. Sometimes it may mean saying no. It may mean not taking what they say at face value, but questioning their motives. Do we need to listen to young people? Yes. Do we need to… Continue reading Child Centred Approaches