Unofficial Christ's Hospital Forum

J.R. wrote: Fri Sep 21, 2018 1:05 am I cannot recall CMES EVER visiting Col B, or hearing of him ever entering any house come to that.

I think he was too aloof for that sort of task.

harryh wrote: Fri Sep 21, 2018 3:54 pm Note to self : never send emails late at night.
Graham, I think you know me well enough to know that I tell it as I see it. I guess it is difficult to convince folk that terrible mistakes made in the past will not be repeated, but I do know the rigour and integrity that is now present at the school.
Your final comment is reassuring. I have been hurt and have at times thought that I have been wasting my time trying to convince those whose upset is so extreme that they have used this forum to denigrate CH at every opportunity. Like you I can see that for SOME this forum has been cathartic, but I have my doubts about the motivations of a few.
Might I recommend that someone contacts the Senior Leadership Team directly or the school's DSL to see if present protocols can be placed in a document in this forum. It will placate some and enlighten others.
Best wishes.

CodFlabAndMuck wrote: Sat Sep 22, 2018 1:35 pm I really am very heartened by these policies.

I couldn't give a fig about the odd spelling mistake or grammatical error.

If those are your priorities then go back to your cave.

I particularly like the policy on Standards of Pupil Behaviour which states that respect for others and their property must be shown and that "borrowing" or "thieving" will not be tolerated.

I like the fact that all pupils have access to a phone to report bullying in confidence. I also like the fact that all parties sit down to discuss what's going on rather than just leaping to punishment. This means that the victim has a much better chance of being reintegrated without fear of retribution.

On standards of dress, I do NOT like the policy of allowing pupils to change into civvies after lessons.

This is a mistake.

Wearing the uniform does not allow for distinguishing between rich and poor, geeks and cool dudes and can be another magnet for bullying.

Yes, we did wear civvies on Leave Days, but that was 3 or 4 times a term, not every day, so much less chance of being stigmatised by your dress sense.

Obviously having comprehensive policies is one thing, ensuring they are applied in a consistent manner is quite another. Hopefully training and improved awareness will ensure this.

Having a job at CH was considered a job for life.

I hope teachers who fall below the standards expected are booted out.

It's clear to me that what went on in the 70s and 80s and then escalated in the 90s, was partly due to the laziness and casual approach of some teachers, and a view that child abuse "was no big deal".

With this framework of policies, I am hopeful that vulnerable youngsters with little or no family support will have a much happier time than some of their predecessors.

However, given there is an allegation as recently as 2014, it's far too early for people to be patting themselves on the back and talking about beacons.

That smacks of complacency, and there is never ever any room for complacency: very dangerous.

CodFlabAndMuck wrote: Sat Sep 22, 2018 1:35 pm I really am very heartened by these policies.

I couldn't give a fig about the odd spelling mistake or grammatical error.

If those are your priorities then go back to your cave.

I particularly like the policy on Standards of Pupil Behaviour which states that respect for others and their property must be shown and that "borrowing" or "thieving" will not be tolerated.

I like the fact that all pupils have access to a phone to report bullying in confidence. I also like the fact that all parties sit down to discuss what's going on rather than just leaping to punishment. This means that the victim has a much better chance of being reintegrated without fear of retribution.

On standards of dress, I do NOT like the policy of allowing pupils to change into civvies after lessons.

This is a mistake.

Wearing the uniform does not allow for distinguishing between rich and poor, geeks and cool dudes and can be another magnet for bullying.

Yes, we did wear civvies on Leave Days, but that was 3 or 4 times a term, not every day, so much less chance of being stigmatised by your dress sense.

Obviously having comprehensive policies is one thing, ensuring they are applied in a consistent manner is quite another. Hopefully training and improved awareness will ensure this.

Having a job at CH was considered a job for life.

I hope teachers who fall below the standards expected are booted out.

It's clear to me that what went on in the 70s and 80s and then escalated in the 90s, was partly due to the laziness and casual approach of some teachers, and a view that child abuse "was no big deal".

With this framework of policies, I am hopeful that vulnerable youngsters with little or no family support will have a much happier time than some of their predecessors.

However, given there is an allegation as recently as 2014, it's far too early for people to be patting themselves on the back and talking about beacons.

That smacks of complacency, and there is never ever any room for complacency: very dangerous.

Foureyes wrote: Sat Sep 22, 2018 2:16 pm "I couldn't give a fig about the odd spelling mistake or grammatical error. If those are your priorities then go back to your cave."

I feel very sad that an attempt at lightheartedness is treated with such rudeness. I was only attempting to show that I have actually read them, line by line, even word by word.

David

Foureyes wrote: Sat Sep 22, 2018 10:39 am CH Policies On Line.

I am amazed. There must be an entire department devoted to writing increasingly complicated and ever more detailed instructions.

DazedandConfused wrote: Sat Sep 22, 2018 3:47 pm I have a lot of confidence in Simon Reid and the policies are very reassuring to read. Managing a school of that size and complexity can be no mean feat. I’m certain that if I visited the school now the difference in the welfare and safety of pupils would be indisputable, however I’m not sure that I will ever feel ready to go back.