Also, mum friend H has posted on our group that she has emailed the DepHead to show support, and one of the other mums has asked for what she sent, as she would also like to email in.

You know that feeling, of shoving against a boulder, at the top of a hill, and to start to feel it give way. You can hear the grass roots creaking and snapping, as the boulder tips and teeters over, at more and more of an angle. You know, if you can keep on pushing, eventually, gravity WILL take over, and the boulder will topple and roll down the hill?

That's how I feel tonight.

There is hope.

Yes. I have had a 🍷🍷

Thank you!

I've read her email, it's brilliant, especially as it comes at the issue from a different but converging point of view.

I suspect that, as it escalates to a formal complaint, and we copy in the governors, we will have to start asking about the money side of things.

You have no idea how amazing it is to be able to say "WE"!

Ooh, ooooh!

One of the other mums has already emailed the DepHead, in support of what I've said!!

@bignosebignose It may also be worth mentioning to the school that Ofsted expect all staff in a school to be able to quote the 9 protected characteristics, AS THEY ARE IN LAW.

Ahem. Sorry for shouting.

In the secondary school I teach in, every single tutor room has a copy of the 9 protected characteristics on display, along with the 5 British values.

Oh bloody hell! That's awful!

In a way, luckily I'm a science teacher, and so can reasonably be expected to know the 9 protected characteristics.

But if it's not something you're used to seeing, it's all too easy to be put into doubt.

My full letter is posted earlier on, and I can really recommend the Safe Schools Alliance resources. Feel free to pinch anything from here that you find useful.

@rabbitwoman also sent me an amazing document from her LEA, on how schools there should be addressing your concerns.

Okay, thanks for the warning.

I am sure that they can pick and choose which replies to the survey they use. But it won't stop me pointing out that a senior member of staff didn't know that sex was a protected characteristic, and that they are arguing that the law shouldn't be taught as it is written.

How can they protect those they need to, if they can miss out completely one protected characteristic?

This is the introduction, from the survey. It isn't being done by the school. I was partially pleased to see that sex was the first protected characteristic mentioned 😉

2022/23 V2 Embracing Difference, Ending Bullying - Parent/Carer Survey
Introduction

This survey is part of the “Embracing Difference, Ending Bullying” project, which is being run by the charity Diversity Role Models, and funded by the Department for Education. The purpose of this survey is to gain an understanding of how this school tackles bullying and celebrates diversity. The completed survey will be used by Diversity Role Models to help shape the training they are providing and develop an action plan for the school.

Your answers are anonymous and confidential. Diversity Role Models will not share any individual responses with the school and will use only anonymised data or anonymised comments to help shape the support we offer your school. Participation in the survey is voluntary; if you do choose to answer the questions, please do so honestly.

This survey mentions “protected characteristics”. This refers to the characteristics which are legally protected from discrimination, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. The protected characteristics are sex, race, disability, religion or belief, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership, age, sexual orientation, and gender reassignment.

At the end of this survey, you will be asked a small number of demographic questions. These are optional, and you will be able to select a “prefer not to say” option if you choose not to answer. This information is anonymous and confidential. Any demographic information you provide can help us in reporting, help us to better understand your school's diversity, and compare the views and experiences of groups.

Yes, it has rather felt that way!

It was wonderful to meet like-minded people in Trowbridge, and then when the school questionnaire came through and mentioned protected characteristics, it felt like too much of a confidence to ignore.

The positive replies I've had as well, and that we end today with a group especially set up because we are worried, has made me feel really emotional. One of the ladies cried with relief, that there was someone else who had spoken out.

That feels pretty special, today.

Thank you 😊
Got the shakes this afternoon, what with all the adrenaline.