Services And Membership
Bullying
Bullying can have serious consequences, and some forms—such as racism, violence, theft, cyberbullying, and harassment—are illegal and should be reported to the police.
School Responsibilities
All state schools must have an anti-bullying policy, though they are not required to record or report racist bullying. However, schools must still act against discrimination.
Steps to Take
- Talk to Your Child – Encourage open discussions.
- Report to the School – Contact school staff and document incidents.
- Follow Up – Ensure action is taken.
- Seek Support – Use resources like the Anti-Bullying Alliance.
- Report to Authorities – If necessary, involve the police.
For racist bullying, schools must act swiftly, educate students, and enforce disciplinary measures. If the school fails to respond, parents can escalate the issue.
Exclusions
School exclusions in England can be either fixed-term or permanent, usually for serious breaches of behavior policies. Black students, particularly Black boys, face disproportionately high exclusion rates, which can negatively impact their education, mental health, and future opportunities. Exclusion disrupts learning, lowers academic achievement, and increases the risk of involvement in the criminal justice system.
Only a head teacher can exclude a pupil, and decisions must be lawful, fair, and proportionate. Parents can challenge exclusions through the school governing body or an Independent Review Panel. Schools must provide continued education during exclusions and ensure exclusions are not based on discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
Unofficial exclusions, such as sending a child home without recording it, are illegal. Schools should consider alternative interventions, particularly for students with special educational needs. Early support and restorative justice approaches can help reduce exclusions and create a more inclusive education system.
Home Education
Home education allows parents to teach their children outside the traditional school system. In the UK, parents must inform the school in writing if withdrawing their child completely. While informing the local authority is not mandatory, it is advisable, especially for children with an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). Parents have the flexibility to choose educational resources and do not need to follow the national curriculum. Regular record-keeping helps track progress, though there are no mandatory assessments. Social activities and future education transitions should be considered. The local authority may check if the education provided is suitable and issue a School Attendance Order if necessary. Legal actions, including fines and prosecution, can be taken if a child is deemed not to be receiving proper education. Parents of children with special educational needs can seek council support. Always check local regulations for up-to-date homeschooling requirements.
Social Services Family
Children’s Services have a legal duty to investigate child protection concerns. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 or the NSPCC at 0808 800 5000.
When a referral is received, Children’s Services must decide within 24 hours if urgent action is needed. If an assessment is required, it must be completed within 45 days. Social workers gather information, interview the child, and liaise with relevant professionals.
Outcomes may include no further action, support under a ‘Child in Need’ plan, or a Section 47 investigation if significant harm is suspected. A child at risk may be placed on a Child Protection Plan. In severe cases, care proceedings may begin, potentially leading to a child being taken into care.
For more information, visit the UK Government’s child protection guidelines here.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
At The Black Child Agenda, we provide vital resources for parents and educators of children with Special Educational Needs. Our goal is to ensure every child has access to an inclusive education and the support they deserve. This page highlights key information on SEN, including the legal rights of children, the identification process, and the necessary support systems. It offers insights into recognizing the signs of SEN and the importance of early intervention. We also discuss the various professionals who work together to provide care, such as teachers, speech therapists, and educational psychologists. Parental involvement is crucial to the success of a child’s educational journey, and we emphasize its importance in advocating for their needs. Learn how to navigate the SEN process and advocate for the children who need it most.