News / Education
Parents protest ‘derogatory treatment’ of pupils at school gates
A group of angry parents staged a protest outside a school in Henbury against what they branded the “derogatory treatment” of pupils.
At the demonstration outside Blaise High School, more than a dozen people gathered outside the school gates demanding a meeting over issues they have with the running of the school.
They held banners which read: ‘We want answers’ and ‘Rules not deprivation’.
is needed now More than ever
Gathering at pick-up time on Monday afternoon, protesters spoke of issues ranging from disciplinary measures and suspensions to children feeling unsafe inside the school on Station Road.
In response, Will Smith, CEO of the Greenshaw Learning Trust which Blaise High School is part of, said: “Our expectation is that all students present themselves in-line with school policies and Blaise High School offers support to all parents to ensure all students wear the correct uniform.
“Students’ safety and well-being are the school’s top priority and if any students or parents have any concerns, they should contact the school directly.”
Banners read ‘rules not deprivation’ and ‘we want answers’
Hailey, a 38-year-old hairdresser, said that her daughter had been sent home for having acrylic on her nails and was not allowed back until it was removed. She said her daughter missed three days of school as a result – days “she can’t get back”.
Also protesting was Sharon Hud, 49, a housing association manager who helped organise the protest.
She said: “There have been hundreds and hundreds of parents really concerned not just about rules, we really do want rules, it’s just actually an infringement of human rights, what’s going on here.
“It’s really quite sad. We’ve got year sevens not wanting to go to school, they’ve [only] just started. Many parents have messaged me today saying that their children refused to take sandwiches because there’s no point because there would be nowhere to sit, and they are not allowed to stand up eating.”
Hud added she has received hundreds of messages parents has regarding “concerns about how the children are being treated at school, which I would call derogatory treatment”.
Blaise High School appointed Nat Nabarro as headteacher ahead of this academic year.
Shortly after 3pm, he appeared outside a side entrance where parents gathered around him to ask questions – but after a short discussion he walked back inside the school.
Bristol24/7 contacted the trust in relation to allegations made at the protest but was told there would be no further comment.
All photos: Maddie Clarke-Newell
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