Safeguarding - please help!

[AMumma16]

Hey, a question that I would really appreciate your thoughts on.

Are Schools/Governors governors allowed to discuss children's safeguarding information with unrelated people? My child left a school due to bullying and it turns out that members of the governing board and potentially staff have been discussing the situation with people who have then been telling other people and their stories aren't actually even accurate.

We feel violated and very concerned about our child's safety now.

Thanks.

Urgh, that's horrible for you.
I don't expect it is 'allowed'. If it was 1 person, I imagine you could complain and potentially have them removed from post. But if it's numerous staff members, they will probably just get reminded of confidentiality? In my experience the governors and the staff are as thick as thieves and nothing will happen

If they are going around specifically stating AMumma16s child said x or did y then no they shouldn't be doing that.

If they are saying there has been a terrible incident where x happened at our school, without naming anyone, and this is how we will be dealing with it then thats fairly common where damage limitation may be the best option in protecting the schools reputation following an incident.

Also if the details are wrong why do you feel it relates to your child and not others? If 1 child is bullied I would bet several others will be too and bullies really aren't that clever at thinking up new ways to bully they tend to copy others so the incidents described will be very similar.

You are out of that school now, just nod your head and move on. Dont bother getting into a discussion correcting any information. You want a fresh start in a new school and continuing to discuss the past events will not help your child move on.

Wallahibillahitallahi - actually they have already been told once to stop but are continuing. It will affect my child which is worrying. I agree they are as thick as thieves and it's worrying when a child's safeguarding should be paramount!

ReinettePompadour They are talking specifically about my child and my family and trying to demean us. I have been made aware of this by someone.
The details are wrong because they have made up things about my child that aren't true and are happily spreading it. I really have no words as to how low some people will go.

I feel for you. I don't know what you can do though. When needed, I found that the safety nets you think are in place, are actually full of gaping holes. I can't imagine ofsted/social services will be of any use. Have you spoken to the head? I think causing a 'scene' will be the only way to get it stopped. But I don't know how you would do that. You need to be able to cause the school embarrassment, to get their attention...or threaten to, I mean

We might have to. I struggle with adults supposedly in charge of safeguarding not taking a child's welfare seriously.
The school seems to be getting a terrible reputation anyway so I'm sure I won't be the only one... sigh...
thanks for your help x

Oh, I hear you. If I could home school, I would. Good luck

Thank you! Know what you mean x

Have you any proof? Messages etc?

They can get into trouble for this - you need to find proof - or someone has first hand knowledge

What's the impact in the child? Is it physical harm or something else - like rumors prior to a new school etc?

Hi "Greentulips*
Yes I have proof. It is rumours that will impact on my child that are 100% inaccurate. It is also playing down the level of bullying.
The impact is that my child will soon be at a high school with children where if these false rumours spread she will suffer and be a 'victim' again.
I've already been through it all before as they had been gossiping before and had been told to stop by authorities but it seems they are hell bent on damage limitation. Either that or they are just incredibly naive.

OK, you need to speak to the high school prior to her starting there

She can be allocated a school worker who she can go to and log any problems

Your daughter needs to brace this out, she needs to smile, be kind, don't react to any rumours, don't retaliate with stories of others etc

This can be hard going and unnatural for a young girls

Believe me the girls soon work out who the horrid girls are are vote with their feet,

She needs to concentrate on making nice friends, if she does the above it will happen for her

I really feel for her.

Have you thought about going to a solicitor and let them send a letter? It may help!

@greentulips
Thanks so much for the advice. I had thought about informing the new School but didn't know whether to or not. But think I will now to be on the safe side.
We spoke to a solicitor some time ago regarding the bullying but I think it may come to a letter as they don't seem to understand how serious this is. Well, actually they do know but don't care by the looks of it.
Thanks again.

Did you speak to high school

How was her day?

@greentulips I'm so sorry I've just seen your message. She is doing well thanks. I've told the council that if any more issues arise with this governor or the old school then we are taking legal action. Which we will.
Thank you so much for caring x