EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Gossip among a year group suggested a Year 8 Male had a knife in his possession at school. When questioned he admitted this was true and handed it over to staff; stating he required it for protection from another student known to be gang affiliated (and believed to have direct gang involvement).
CHALLENGES, IMPACT AND OBJECTIVES:
● A weapon was brought into school
● Gang affiliation of student and potential repercussions, in additional to ongoing criminal investigation and social care assessments
● Year 8 Male - No previous history of any poor behaviour or issues within school
● Balance of sanctions VS support
School has a duty to safeguard all students
Year 8 Male has a right to education
HOW THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CASE HELPED ARRIVE AT THE SOLUTION:
Staff acted swiftly and the weapon was intercepted before use. The pastoral team were able to gather information from the Head of year on students involved and get parent/s in the same day.
OUTCOME:
● FT exclusion - 8 days
● Agreed risk plan in place - involving bag checks for the first term for Male Year 8
● Referred to a mentor programme within school - Male Year 8 voiced he did not have anybody he could speak to about things as his mother would “just get angry and not listen”.
● Supported return to school via check in with the pastoral team.
(An unconnected incident involving the other student with gang affiliation meant they were removed from the area so no further immediate risks to Year 8 Male).
SUPPORTING GUIDANCE, CASE LAW, VISUALS AND QUOTES USED IN THE CASE:
Children Act
Keeping Children Safe in Education
Working together to Safeguard Children
School Safeguarding Policy
“Important to understand that a perpetrator can also be a victim; however that does not mitigate any wrong doings”.
“Support alongside the sanction is crucial; and re-education in relation to where Year 8 male has made poor decisions to ensure they are not repeated”.
REFERRAL/RECOMMENDATION: For the client/the student/the school
Year 8 Male referrals -
● Referral to Social Care - Case progressed to closure as no further concerns
● Referral to Police Safer Schools Programme