Educating Essex

[Georgimama]

on again. Anyone watching?

God that woman that the bullied girl went to in tears was lacking in empathy.

Same here Kitty. I wish sometimes that parents when they do break up would have a bit less bitterness and a little more understanding what effects it has on their children (talking from experience twice over here :( )

I'm sorry to hear that voddie. He's been so let down but the adults in his life, no wonder he's acts like he does. He's so alone, I could cry

Oh god, that poor boy. It reminded me of my first week working at a greater London secondary school. I spent a few days working in the special area for students with reduced or part timetables, for social reasons. It was heart breaking to hear some of their stories.

I was so judgemental of childrens behaviour, as I'm sure we are all guilty of at times, but not anymore. There are so many youngsters out there with the world on their shoulders. If nothing else, I hope it's made some people think about it.

I'd like to see an update of Vinnie really. Just to see how he's getting on.

I found this on the channel 4 website

"Despite spending part of the final school year away from home, Vinni is now back to spending lots of time with his mum and brother and they're all getting on much better. He still hopes that in time he'll have a better relationship with his dad.

Directing his energy into manual labour over the summer, Vinni has been working as a builder and aims to study plumbing at college this year.

Vinni maintains his good relationship with Miss Conway and Mr Goddard and is particularly grateful to them 'for being a great support' to him despite his 'sometimes difficult' behaviour."

Oh, I am so sad for this boy (watching on +1 now) :(

I love this programme, the Head and deputy (plus the rest of the staff) seem to give so much more of a shit than any of the teachers I encountered in my schooling. Good for them, no random shouting/intimidation, no insults or demeaning and undermining (and I was a good kid). Gives me hope for my kids really, glad to see it has changed.

I think I actually went to an asylum for the personality disordered, to take out their frustrations on random innocent(or not so innocent) adolescents, rather than a secondary school tbh .

Oh thanks for that Kitty. That's great to hear.

I think what came across was that Vinnie obviously found school a safe place to be. Even though he had been kicked out of his home, he still showed up the next morning.

I have been following this and recording it for DS (nearly 12) he watches part of it at his school for a subject they are doing. DS said that his teachers were like the ones in Ed Essex.

That fills me with confidence as I was worried that when DS started a few weeks ago he would hate it.
Having spoken to his form tutor, the deputy head and a couple of others I am so pleased that we chose the school DS goes to. The pastoral care is amazing.