Responding to the Summer Riots

Something came into my inbox this morning that caused me to reflect on the events of the summer. No, it wasn’t pictures to remind me of a hot summer holiday in the Tropics, which I really would have brought a smile to my face, bearing in mind the fact that we decided to stay in the UK and had only the smallest hint of summer, it was simply the headline that read ‘Responding to the Summer Riots’.

Reading the article, I was reminded of the fact that Community Cohesion no longer exist as part as OFSTED’s framework inspection for schools and yet this is so much a valuable part of what our schools do.

Despite what some parts of the media say, many of our schools invest countless amounts of time and energy in creating communities in which all young people feel valued, respected and understood. No one is pretending that it is an easy job, but rather than schools being blamed for lack of discipline and for what erupted on our streets in the summer, many schools should be praised for what they have done and will be doing at the start of this new term and every new term with our young people and that is the job of giving our children;

-          Hope

-          A sense of self belief and,

-          A desire to create a better future for themselves and others

All of my working life has been dedicated to supporting schools, particularly those in urban disadvantaged areas and nearly every day when I go into a variety of schools across London, what I see are hardworking, dedicated committed teachers who desperately want the best for our young people. I see Headteachers and senior leaders who work tirelessly seeking to create better tomorrows for our children. 

Yes, the summer riots where a shock for us all and have caused, quite rightly for many deep and searching questions to be asked. Yet I do believe, if you walk into our schools, many in the most challenged and deprived inner city areas, you will find the answers to what good community cohesion policy and practice look like.