Hackney Council has officially approved a new education strategy aimed at promoting inclusion in schools, particularly to address the needs of Black and vulnerable students. This decision, confirmed on December 15, 2023, follows consultations highlighting the disproportionate challenges faced by these student groups within the borough.
The council’s education strategy encompasses several critical components. It emphasizes the creation of a “child-centred and anti-racist” educational environment, ensuring that all pupils receive equitable opportunities. The strategy includes a commitment to developing a more diverse curriculum that reflects the community’s richness and complexity. Additionally, it aims to enhance specialized support services tailored to the growing number of students with complex special educational needs (SEND).
Concerns surrounding the treatment of Black children and those with SEND were underscored during the consultation process, particularly by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). The partnership stressed the importance of transparency regarding the exclusion rates and urged the council to avoid “race-evasive language.”
Addressing School Exclusion Rates
Historically, Hackney has faced higher school exclusion rates compared to the rest of London. In response, the council has been reviewing its behaviour policies since February, striving to create a more supportive and inclusive atmosphere in local schools. During this review, local youth organizations voiced their concerns, indicating that some behaviour policies may have detrimental effects on children, with allegations of racism surfacing.
At the Cabinet meeting announcing the strategy, education chief Cllr Anntoinette Bramble expressed the council’s commitment to addressing these systemic issues. “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 asserted.
The new strategy comes on the heels of a troubling safeguarding investigation into the Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy (MVPA). This review, led by Hackney’s former Director of Children’s Services, highlighted how the academy’s strict disciplinary practices had harmed vulnerable students. Complaints surfaced regarding inappropriate treatment such as shouting and public humiliation, particularly towards pupils with SEND.
Cllr Bramble characterized the findings from the MVPA investigation as a “critical moment.” She emphasized that while schools hold the statutory freedom to set their own policies, including behaviour guidelines, they must adhere to the Department for Education’s regulations.
Collaboration and Future Steps
When questioned about whether MVPA should embrace the new strategy, Cllr Bramble reiterated the importance of collaboration among all educational institutions in the borough. She stated, “We will continue to build our partnership with all of our schools and settings, regardless of school type, so that we can build together a stronger education offer that fully responds to the needs of our communities.”
A spokesperson for the Hackney Labour party highlighted that MVPA’s situation arose partly because it operates independently of the local authority, which has implications for accountability. They noted the negative impact this has had on children within that institution.
In contrast, another school under the same multi-academy trust, Mossbourne Community Academy, was cited during the consultation as an example of effective collaboration between the council and school leaders, particularly in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of students.
Despite the positive intentions behind the new strategy, concerns remain about its clarity, particularly regarding accountability and the support for students who may fall out of the education system. A spokesperson from the Hackney Green Party highlighted that without explicit measures addressing exclusions and safeguarding, the existing patterns of harm may persist.
As Hackney Council moves forward with its inclusive education strategy, the focus will remain on ensuring that all children, regardless of their background or needs, receive the support and protection they deserve in their educational environments.
