Should the National press report on primary school lockdowns?

Lazytiger · 2025-10-09T08:23:04+00:00

Why aren’t the national press reporting the primary school lockdown near Birmingham? Only GB news and local news outlets reported it. I haven’t seen anything in the broadsheets/TV news. AIBU to expect the National UK press to report things that happen in the UK? In the last two days two school lockdowns have been reported, but only locally. One was a report of schools in Weston-super-Mare that locked down due to a suspect person with a knife. The second was a school near Birmingham called Shireland Hall primary Academy. Where a gang wearing balaclavas and carrying weapons entered the school and threatened teachers and pupils. Am I being unreasonable to expect the press to report what is happening in this country? You may argue that the first schools didn’t come to any harm so perhaps nationally reporting something that would just cause concern is the right thing to do (I don’t, but understand others might) But the second school, I feel, should have been more widely reported. Perhaps it will be. But it happened on Tuesday and it is now Thursday. Googling the school in Birmingham I was surprised to see Birmingham live have reported several lockdowns over the year and other schools in other areas come up in the search too. I recall a while ago that we had rolling news on the fires in California. Other than telling us there had been fires in California the 24-7 News coverage wasn’t adding much detail. There were plenty of complaints at the time that this was to distract the population from the ongoing Rotherham case. Something that was of far more interest to the UK population. Thankfully the media didn’t succeed and people didn’t forget about those girls. Is this the same reason for the under reporting - race relations? Regardless of the worry these incidents may cause in the wider population I feel it is the job of the UK press to report these and to not, on our behalf, decide what we should be told and what we shouldn’t. We had to listen to how many people died ‘with’ covid on a daily basis, yet there seems to be zero interest in reporting ongoing threats to our children.

swimsong · 12/10/2025 18:57

ShadyPinesMa · 09/10/2025 10:07

"a gang wearing balaclavas and carrying weapons entered the school and threatened teachers and pupils"

WTAF??
I mean, the first school is bad enough and should've been reported. But this ☝️ what on earth, something like that happening on British soil should be huge national news.
And together they help build a picture if there are other occasions in future.

Yes they should be reported on OP, properly, by mainstream news to reflect the seriousness of the event. I don't use any other social media tbh and this is the first I heard of it.

I googled and there is actually a lot of newspaper reporting with conflicting information - sometimes in the same article. None say they were in the school. Some say in the grounds, some say on the street. Some say parents saw and reported, some say it was a child or children. Police arrived and saw nothing.

Naanspiration · 09/10/2025 21:51

A school lockdown is not national news.

BallerinaRadio · 09/10/2025 21:48

Lazytiger · 09/10/2025 18:57

Seriously, you have been living under a rock if you don't understand the media were trying to paint this 'choir boy' as Aled Jones to detract from his background.

My other inaccuracies are geographic because I'm dictating these posts while reading others. They don't detract from the point.

This isn't a post about race it is about lack of media coverage of something that I think is important. Others clearly would rather not know what's going on in schools up and down the country and think anyone who does is a spreading conspiracy theories. Silly me for not realising Mumsnet is not just a collective hive but also a vipers nest waiting to pounce on every word, while missing the bigger picture and adding nothing to the discussion.

Thankfully I have people IRL to discuss these issues with and am now satisfied that I understand the current situation.

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I'm sorry but I'm really not sure you do

Mewling · 09/10/2025 20:19

Lazytiger · 09/10/2025 18:40

So I've done my own research and a teacher relative went looking for some data for me.

https://schoolsweek.co.uk/lockdown-the-schools-forced-to-take-emergency-measures/

I found this helpful. I still think the national newspapers should be reporting on this - parents shouldn't have to search through business publications to understand what is happening in schools and why.

Thank you to those who took the time to engage. For those who just slithered in to expose their fangs, you can retract now and go bite someone else.

IVe DoNe MY oWN rEsEarCH. 🙄

Somebody sure has been living under a rock.

AvocadoAnnalisa · 09/10/2025 20:03

Lazytiger · 09/10/2025 19:28

Yes I've read the article - and I now understand where all the chatter around lockdowns is coming from. I can see a new Act has been passed. The article clearly states that lockdown drills are not mandatory. So again I will say that my DCs have not have any lockdown drills and prior to the summer holiday I'd not even heard the word used other than for Covid.

Comments on here are that some heads are writing to parents to inform them they will be conducting them. Others on here say their schools have done them and it's no big deal to them. Well it is to me. Obviously I'm old fashioned but I like to know what my DCs are being told at school.

I am not overreacting in wanting to know how prevalent lockdowns are and if they are increasing. I don't recall ever having this issue when I was at school, I'm old but not that old to think it is not normal behaviour in this country.

The National press have no appetite to report the facts

It's a shame I've had to search high and low to get information explaining what is going on and I do apologise to anyone who thinks I should have come on here with a fully worked up, cast iron argument, rather than using Mumsnets AIBU to post a question. Lesson learnt.

Now I'm done.

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I’ve done lockdown drills as a teacher. Code X - lockdown because of an intruder. Code Y - bomb threat. Every public building has had fire drills for decades.

PandoraSocks · 09/10/2025 19:48

Lazytiger · 09/10/2025 18:57

Seriously, you have been living under a rock if you don't understand the media were trying to paint this 'choir boy' as Aled Jones to detract from his background.

My other inaccuracies are geographic because I'm dictating these posts while reading others. They don't detract from the point.

This isn't a post about race it is about lack of media coverage of something that I think is important. Others clearly would rather not know what's going on in schools up and down the country and think anyone who does is a spreading conspiracy theories. Silly me for not realising Mumsnet is not just a collective hive but also a vipers nest waiting to pounce on every word, while missing the bigger picture and adding nothing to the discussion.

Thankfully I have people IRL to discuss these issues with and am now satisfied that I understand the current situation.

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Seriously, you have been living under a rock if you don't understand the media were trying to paint this 'choir boy' as Aled Jones to detract from his background

What background? His Christian background? His Rwandan heritage?

despairofbadscience · 09/10/2025 19:33

For your own sanity turn off the likes of GB news! They are trying to wind you up and like to use children as ammunition.

Tigerbalmshark · 09/10/2025 19:33

Every “real” primary lockdown I’m award of has been essentially somebody’s fishwife of a parent turning up and kicking off at the reception staff. And the school locking down to keep the kids away from them until the police remove them.

Not really news is it? School gate gossip yes, national news no. Unless we are going to report on every arsehole kicking off anywhere.

despairofbadscience · 09/10/2025 19:31

Op! I’ve heard on the grapevine that schools have fire drills twice a year at least. Why is this not on the news!! Will someone please think of the children.

NoSoupForU · 09/10/2025 19:30

No. The only purpose of it would be to create mass hysteria. I don't need to know about local issues unless I'm in that locality.

Original poster

Lazytiger · 09/10/2025 19:28

Greggsit · 09/10/2025 18:54

I hope you read that article properly because it warns of overreacting parents causing problems, and the high level of lockdowns that were false alarms. Even the article you're citing to support you shows that it's not the issue you think it is

Yes I've read the article - and I now understand where all the chatter around lockdowns is coming from. I can see a new Act has been passed. The article clearly states that lockdown drills are not mandatory. So again I will say that my DCs have not have any lockdown drills and prior to the summer holiday I'd not even heard the word used other than for Covid.

Comments on here are that some heads are writing to parents to inform them they will be conducting them. Others on here say their schools have done them and it's no big deal to them. Well it is to me. Obviously I'm old fashioned but I like to know what my DCs are being told at school.

I am not overreacting in wanting to know how prevalent lockdowns are and if they are increasing. I don't recall ever having this issue when I was at school, I'm old but not that old to think it is not normal behaviour in this country.

The National press have no appetite to report the facts

It's a shame I've had to search high and low to get information explaining what is going on and I do apologise to anyone who thinks I should have come on here with a fully worked up, cast iron argument, rather than using Mumsnets AIBU to post a question. Lesson learnt.

Now I'm done.

OP posts:

BuffetTheDietSlayer · 09/10/2025 19:04

Greggsit · 09/10/2025 18:54

I hope you read that article properly because it warns of overreacting parents causing problems, and the high level of lockdowns that were false alarms. Even the article you're citing to support you shows that it's not the issue you think it is

I think the OP maybe did read it but just isn’t actually capable of understanding/lacks comprehension.
It’s a sad thing, really.

bookworm14 · 09/10/2025 19:03

There was not a conspiracy by the media to portray Axel Rudakubana as a white choirboy. His background as the child of immigrants from Rwanda was reported within hours. He was described as being from Cardiff because he was born in Cardiff.

Who would have ordered this conspiracy, in any case? The government? Why would the press have complied, then?

Original poster

Lazytiger · 09/10/2025 18:57

PandoraSocks · 09/10/2025 13:37

Because you have been called out over your inaccuracies? The Southport killer was born in Cardiff BTW.

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Seriously, you have been living under a rock if you don't understand the media were trying to paint this 'choir boy' as Aled Jones to detract from his background.

My other inaccuracies are geographic because I'm dictating these posts while reading others. They don't detract from the point.

This isn't a post about race it is about lack of media coverage of something that I think is important. Others clearly would rather not know what's going on in schools up and down the country and think anyone who does is a spreading conspiracy theories. Silly me for not realising Mumsnet is not just a collective hive but also a vipers nest waiting to pounce on every word, while missing the bigger picture and adding nothing to the discussion.

Thankfully I have people IRL to discuss these issues with and am now satisfied that I understand the current situation.

OP posts:

Greggsit · 09/10/2025 18:54

I hope you read that article properly because it warns of overreacting parents causing problems, and the high level of lockdowns that were false alarms. Even the article you're citing to support you shows that it's not the issue you think it is

Original poster

Lazytiger · 09/10/2025 18:40

So I've done my own research and a teacher relative went looking for some data for me.

https://schoolsweek.co.uk/lockdown-the-schools-forced-to-take-emergency-measures/

I found this helpful. I still think the national newspapers should be reporting on this - parents shouldn't have to search through business publications to understand what is happening in schools and why.

Thank you to those who took the time to engage. For those who just slithered in to expose their fangs, you can retract now and go bite someone else.

Lockdown: The schools forced to take emergency measures

Union calls for 'comprehensive' guidance as leaders warn of communications difficulties during incidents

https://schoolsweek.co.uk/lockdown-the-schools-forced-to-take-emergency-measures/

OP posts:

Original poster

Lazytiger · 09/10/2025 18:36

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 09/10/2025 16:21

I think you are trying to whip up panic here OP. I don’t think this thread is in good faith. And Shireland Hall is in Sandwell, not Birmingham.

No I'm not and I don't think you are particularly adding to the debate with this comment. I don't live anywhere near the school and read the news in Birmingham live.

OP posts:

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 09/10/2025 16:31

Lazytiger · 09/10/2025 12:50

No not at all. My children would not be at school today if I did. I suffer from wanting to know what is going on in this country, all of this country not just my little part of it.

I want to know how many lockdowns (ones where the police are called) are happening so I know if I need to speak to my children about them, I don't care the reason and I would hope all are false alarms but I want to know what is happening inside our children's schools. I'm not asking for it daily or even weekly but I've not seen anything and I watch/read the news daily. Don't we have a right to know - the data must be there why is it not being published and reported.

I don't think (as someone has said) being told to 'speak to your school about lockdown training as it will be happening' is helpful as most parents at my children's school wouldn't even know this is happening never mind know to ask (I have and they haven't so far).

I'm sadden that so many people think as long as nothing happened in the end that the increasing instances of schools locking down is not worth reporting.

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Every school in the country has to have a lockdown policy in case of incidents such as a possible danger on or outside of the school premises. This has been the case for around 15 years to my knowledge. Every child in the school should be made aware of the process to follow should this be needed. It’s not a big deal, comes under emergency planning. If your DC have never mentioned to you that they have had such training or a practice, it’s because it’s not a big deal to them. Which is how it should be. No need to panic your children.’

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 09/10/2025 16:21

I think you are trying to whip up panic here OP. I don’t think this thread is in good faith. And Shireland Hall is in Sandwell, not Birmingham.

PrincessOfPreschool · 09/10/2025 16:14

Threebeelee · 09/10/2025 13:39

What?! 😂

Honestly I don’t know what to say. And so many people have replied I am not replying to each of you. Perhaps this is what the OP are talking about. That unless someone is stabbed to death then lockdowns are not worthy news.

I don’t think it’s my understanding here which is troubled. In the statement itself it says that he entered the playing fields (by scaling over a fence). And was then found rummaging through the bins. And you think the bins are where? Outside the school? On the other side of the playing fields? No. They are blatantly next to the building.

The thing which makes this troubling is that this man had targeted two schools in short succession. A considerable distance from one another. After being spoken to by police for the first incident. He knew it had caused distress and triggered people panicking about a potential major incident.

It’s not a conspiracy. It’s quite clear what’s happened.

Lordy, you are persistent. They are multiple holes in the fence. He didn't 'scale' anything. And I'm not clear the Waltham Abbey incident was anything to do with a school, just vehicles.

PrincessOfPreschool · 09/10/2025 16:11

Threebeelee · 09/10/2025 14:14

Yes so I am not quite sure who’s having a problem here. Essex police writing skills, or people’s comprehension skills. I do agree they have set out the information in a format as clear as mud.

If you read the information in its entirety…

Turning to an incident involving the same suspect – who is a rough sleeper – accessing school grounds in Loughton on Wednesday 17 September.

ie. A lockdown

This individual accessed an area of school playing field, where he was reported to be seen looking in the bins for food.
Related to Loughton

Next day…

Initial reports suggested that the suspect, who is the same man who was arrested after allegedly breaking into a school near Epping on Wednesday, had attempted to gain access to Leverton Primary School. However, Essex Police have since said this is untrue and there have been "no offences, threats or issues relating to school property". Leverton Primary School in Waltham Abbey in Essex confirmed to the Express that it entered lockdown security measures at around midday on Thursday.

So either the express and the video footage of THE police I have seen are both lying (note the police have NOT said that this school did not go into lockdown). Or the school did in fact go into lockdown due to the presence of this man.

And that’s exactly the issue. It is apparently not a criminal offence to enter a school.

As I said they are presenting this information clear as mud.

So yes my belief is this man has caused two schools into lockdown; directly and/or indirectly.

There was no lockdown in the Loughton school. He left the premises quietly.

MrsBennetsPoorNervesAreBack · 09/10/2025 15:05

Mewling · 09/10/2025 14:35

Oh I judge. I judge HARD.

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Me too.

MrsBennetsPoorNervesAreBack · 09/10/2025 15:04

despairofbadscience · 09/10/2025 15:03

Well only if it was a brown cow! Or a foreign import

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X post!

MrsBennetsPoorNervesAreBack · 09/10/2025 15:04

user1471516498 · 09/10/2025 15:00

There was a lockdown in our sleepy village school last week, and GB News could legitimately have said it was due to a dangerous intruder. The dangerous intruder was in fact a cow which had escaped.

What colour was the cow? That might determine the extent to which GB News might be interested.

despairofbadscience · 09/10/2025 15:03

user1471516498 · 09/10/2025 15:00

There was a lockdown in our sleepy village school last week, and GB News could legitimately have said it was due to a dangerous intruder. The dangerous intruder was in fact a cow which had escaped.

Well only if it was a brown cow! Or a foreign import