Hackney Council has officially approved an education strategy aimed at promoting inclusion and addressing the challenges faced by Black and vulnerable pupils in local schools. On December 15, 2023, the council finalized its commitment to an education model that emphasizes a “child-centred and anti-racist” approach, following consultations that highlighted significant concerns regarding the treatment of these students.
The strategy comes in response to consultations carried out earlier this year, which revealed alarming trends in school exclusions, particularly among pupils with special educational needs (SEND) and those from Black backgrounds. Feedback from the NHS partnership, including the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), underscored the need for transparency regarding the disproportionate impact of exclusion on these groups. They urged the council to avoid “race-evasive language” in discussions and policies.
Key Elements of the Strategy
The council’s new educational vision outlines several crucial initiatives, including:
– A diverse curriculum designed to provide a “rich and balanced” educational experience for all students.
– Enhanced support services tailored to address the growing number of pupils with complex SEND needs.
– A resolute commitment to anti-racism as a fundamental principle guiding the council’s educational framework.
Since February 2023, the council has been reassessing its behaviour policies to tackle the historically high exclusion rates in Hackney, which exceed those in other parts of London. In July, local youth organizations raised alarms about certain behaviour policies, noting that they were “damaging” to children and, in some instances, potentially racially discriminatory.
At the recent Cabinet meeting, education chief Cllr Anntoinette Bramble asserted the council’s dedication to reforming practices that harm students. “We are absolutely committed to changing the things we know we must drive out [of schools], because our community is telling us: this is not right,” she stated.
Response from Local Education Leaders
Hugh Viney, Head of Remote Learning at Minerva Virtual Academy, expressed support for the council’s strategy, emphasizing the need for schools to be safe environments where children are protected and respected. He pointed out that a standardized approach often marginalizes students, particularly those with SEND. Viney advocated for educational models that prioritize belonging, flexibility, and well-being.
The strategy’s timing is significant, coinciding with a recent safeguarding investigation into the Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy (MVPA). This review, led by Hackney’s former Director of Children’s Services, revealed that the academy’s strict disciplinary culture had adversely affected vulnerable students. Complaints of public humiliation and inadequate support for SEND pupils were substantiated by the findings.
While MVPA operates under a multi-academy trust that is not directly accountable to the local authority, Cllr Bramble emphasized the importance of adhering to the Department for Education’s guidelines. In response to inquiries about whether MVPA should adopt the council’s new strategy, she stated that the goal of tackling systemic barriers is shared across all educational settings in the borough.
A spokesperson for the Hackney Labour party highlighted that the issues at MVPA stemmed in part from its lack of adherence to local policy, resulting in negative outcomes for students. The Hackney Green Party also criticized the new education strategy for its lack of clarity regarding accountability and support for students who may fall through the cracks in the system.
Despite these criticisms, the consultation process revealed that some schools within the same trust, such as Mossbourne Community Academy, have effectively collaborated with the council to support students’ mental health and well-being.
As the council moves forward with its strategy, it aims to foster a cooperative environment among all educational institutions in Hackney, working towards a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape for every child in the borough.
