A 12-Year-Old Victim

This week my 12-year-old daughter was reported to the police by one of the academy leaders. Having just turned 12 years old, she is now a suspect in an ongoing police investigation. 

This is the latest in a long line of discriminatory actions by 4 members of the school's leadership team.

Over a 3 year period, very senior leaders have imposed at least 11 severe sanctions on me. These sanctions include prohibiting me from making eye contact with staff members or saying hello and banning me from parents' evenings, even virtually or by telephone. All of my family members and friends have also had restrictions placed upon their access to the school and its staff. In addition to this, my childminder is prohibited from speaking to staff in relation to my children's progress. The sanctions have now been extended into their 4th academic year. During 2023-2024 a senior leader made contact with more than 13 agencies and members of the community in relation to alleged 'safeguarding concerns.’ A deputy headteacher also oversaw an attempt to access personal medical information directly from my GP without my knowledge or consent. Staff at my GP practice have also had restrictions placed on their communications with the school.

I have been reported to Children's Services on 3 separate occasions. All referrals have been closed with social workers noting that the allegations made by the school leaders were not substantiated.

Last night, I had sight of a further email from the police. Members of the school's senior leadership are now utilising police powers against me for the 7th time in less than 2 years. No charges have been brought to date. 

Why is this happening? A complaint against the headteacher in 2023 in regard to her handling of a concern lead to pressure being mounted on me to, I believe, leave the school. When I stayed, because my children were settled and happy, a communication ban was imposed with immediate effect. No warning was issued prior to its imposition. Pressure has since mounted in the form of extreme and unrelenting intrusions into my personal life. Three prominent human rights organisations have raised concerns about the actions of the school's leadership. Despite repeated requests for evidence, the Trust's senior leadership has failed to provide a plausible justification for their actions. 

My case illuminates the arbitrary powers acquired by Trust leaders as a consequence of academisation and the potential for despotic treatment of vulnerable families and staff members.