School failed to deal with racist bullying, father claims

A family whose son says he suffered racist bullying have accused the school and council of failing to deal with the abuse.

The son, who the BBC is not naming, says racial slurs have been aimed at him daily at Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy in Llanrwst.

The school say they do not tolerate any racism or bullying and that it is a safe environment for all pupils.

Conwy council say the school is suitable for the boy and arrangements have been made to continue his education.

The boy said he has received racist abuse at school "every day".

"Teachers have heard it. I know they have because there's no chance you don't hear it.

"But they choose to ignore it. They don't deal with it, they act like it's OK," he said.

Newyddion S4C has seen racist online messages the family say were sent to the son by other pupils.

They have not been shared with the school, the family say, in case he becomes a greater target.

North Wales Police say they have dealt with reports of racist online messages and an alleged racial assault against the boy.

"I can't go out because if someone sees me, I'll be attacked," said the boy. "I've got to be careful where I go, so I just stay indoors."

The boy's father said: "There's only one victim. If he goes, the school can pretend there's no problem. They can sweep it under the carpet.

"I understand schools are under pressure and classrooms are busy, but you cannot let racist language become normal. It's shocked me to the core."

After a complaint from the father, the school governors' complaints panel rejected each matter, but noted areas to be "strengthened".

The governors said they followed their complaints policy thoroughly and accurately.

The school later told the family they cannot control the behaviour of pupils in every location and that investigations into allegations had to be fair and balanced.

They offered to increase monitoring, change the academic timetable, provide a safe haven and change staff intervention processes.

The school's anti-bullying policy was updated, the family were told, with more staff training and a new anti-racism action plan to change culture.

But the father says the family have lost faith in the school and called the council response "atrocious".

"They've done their best to isolate, shut down any conversation and just brick-wall everything and everyone," he said.

"We've felt completely alone battling them to hear what a vulnerable child is going through and they've had deaf ears to it all.

"What's going to take time to get over is the council's inaction and unwillingness to even have conversations, more than the actual harm the kids have done."

The family say the council offered to meet only after journalists approached them about the allegations.

The council have now agreed to make different arrangements for the boy, but the family remain unhappy because the school and council insist the school is safe for him.

The family were supported by Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team Wales (EYST) who say racism is common in schools.

"Sadly, schools don't record a lot of incidents and children don't report it either, so there's things to tackle," said EYST's Selima Bahadur.

"We've seen a rise in racism online, social media. It's common and these are the trends we're seeing in schools, children saying these things openly to each other."

A statement from the school and its governors said: "Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy does not tolerate any racism, bullying or discriminatory behaviour.

"Whenever concerns are raised they're considered seriously and dealt with in line with school policies, statutory duties and safeguarding responsibilities.

"The school works closely with pupils, families and local authority to ensure support is available and that concerns are considered thoroughly and with care.

"We are confident Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy is a safe and supportive learning environment for every pupil."

The school said it was committed to equality, inclusivity and respect and would keep working to deal with concerns and help every pupil's wellbeing.

Conwy council said it was sorry the family were not satisfied with how their concerns were handled.

"Conwy County Borough Council does not tolerate any racist behaviour" they said.

The council accepts the situation has been difficult for the boy and say it has worked to provide support.

"For these reasons we do not accept we ignored the concerns raised by the family.

"We maintain that the school is suitable for the boy.

"We remain focused on supporting him and ensuring suitable arrangements to continue his education."