Racism in Wirral primary schools

[teesholzy]

Hi, I hope it’s okay to post this here. I’m considering a move to the Wirral and looking into primary schools in the Moreton area. As a parent of a Black child, I’m feeling a bit anxious as I know it’s a predominantly white area. I just wanted to ask if any other parents have experienced or noticed any issues with racism in local primary schools — particularly in or around Moreton. I’d really appreciate any honest feedback. Thank you.

Did your child experience racism in the current school Or is it you would be worried about any area that is predominately mono-ethnic? I can understand the latter, I have heard directly of terrible racism in some East London schools. May be you should consider moving to a multicultural area to limit these concerns. What makes you want to move to an area that you are concerned is possibly racist? What attracts you to the area to begin with?

I don’t know Moreton well apart from the odd walk on the shore, but my mixed race DD had no issues with racism at school in Birkenhead.

Thank you for your response. I completely understand your point, and I know that racism sadly exists in many places, not just less diverse areas. My concerns come from lived experience as a Black parent, and I’m simply trying to be as informed and cautious as possible when making such a big decision for my child.

I’m not assuming an area is definitely racist — I’m just trying to understand what people’s real experiences have been like, especially in schools where there may be less diversity. I appreciate that it might not be something everyone thinks about, but for some of us, it’s a very real and necessary part of considering a move.

As for why I’m considering Moreton — it’s to be closer to support networks and a school we’ve already had some positive interactions with. I just want to ensure I’m doing what’s best for my child both educationally and emotionally.

Thanks for your reply. I understand Birkenhead is an overall more diverse part of the Wirral. My housing association have found me a potential proporty in Moreton so coming from a diverse area prior I just wanted some opinions before I move.

Yes, Birkenhead is slightly more diverse but still 88% white. DD went to primary school in south Wirral, and she was the only non-white kid in her year. Have you tried posting on a local Moreton facebook page. I don’t know where you’re moving from, but the Wirral is a great place to bring kids up - beaches, countryside, country parks, and very close to Liverpool and Chester. I would definitely recommend it.

My advice as a teacher would be that if you have had positive interaction with the school already you could ask them how they approach dealing with racism in their school. Ask how many racist incidents they have had, how they have dealt with them and how they teach about diversity and multiculturalism in their pshe curriculum.

Im mixed race, I understand but my lived experience growing up is probably not the same as today for children. I think there are a lot of issues at present in schools and racism is not as prevalent as it once was, but a lot of general bullying, cyber bullying, gangs, drugs, violence against girls, some schools Ive had dealings with are not at all perceived racist - but have all of the above at huge levels and absolutely would not be schools I would want my children to go to. So I would look at racism although if there are not many families there outside of the main ethnic demographic, it might be hard to judge, but if you have concerns still I would not move. I was offered a role in Wales a few years back, Id heard a lot that the Welsh hate the English moving in to areas and I thought “I could take a risk as may be they wouldnt see me as stereotypically English - but why risk it”

I would look at facebook groups regarding schools and parents in the area, that might help. Its hard though to really get an understanding without solid data, one report of even the perception of racism and what will you do? Still move?