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My daughter (Year 4) came home and told me a boy in her class made a comment about her hair and skin that was very clearly racist. When I raised it, the class teacher said the children "were just being silly" and it was a misunderstanding.
My daughter was really upset. I'm not out for blood, he's eight, but "banter" is not the right response. How do I approach this without being labelled the difficult parent?
You won't be labelled difficult for asking the school to follow its own policy. Ask for a meeting with the Head or the designated lead for equality. Every school should have a clear process for racist incidents.
I had very similar with my son in Year 3. Once I spoke to the Head, it was handled completely differently from how the class teacher had handled it. Sometimes it's a training gap with individual staff.
That's encouraging. I've emailed the Head this morning.
At eight, the boy probably repeated something he heard. Correcting it matters for him too. That's what I'd say to the school if they're reluctant - it's not punishment, it's education.
and please reassure your daughter that she did the right thing telling you, and her hair is beautiful. sorry, I know that's obvious, but my niece had a similar experience and needed to hear it a lot
Thank you Babs. She's been hearing it plenty.
Update for anyone in a similar situation: met with the Head and the deputy. They apologised for how the teacher responded, logged it, spoke to the boy and his parents, and the class is doing a unit on respecting difference. My daughter got an apology card. I feel heard.
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