Parent raises bullying concerns at Ipswich primary school

The parent, who wishes to remain anonymous, says St Margaret’s CEVA Primary School did not put a needs-based support plan in place for her daughter, who regularly came home with injuries and reports of being bullied.

A spokesperson for the school has said it takes any allegation relating to bullying or SEND provision extremely seriously.

She said: "She would come home with injuries from children pushing her about, trapping her fingers, saying she was being bullied."

The parent claims the school dismissed her concerns during meetings and even suggested the injuries could have happened at home.

She said: "I met with the school about it but if I tried to take it further they would weaponise the the safeguarding system and indicate these injuries could be happening at home.

"This happened with similar parents and it appears as though they keep records of things the way that suits their needs."

The parent also raised concerns about safeguarding, recalling an incident during a school assembly where she says her daughter, who was overstimulated and distressed, managed to leave the building through open doors.

She said: "Even when the TA came to say they'd look after her, they didn’t keep an eye on her and she ran out of the open doors.

"That should’ve been an indicator that she needed an assessment for getting the specialist care she deserved."

A spokesperson for St Margaret’s CEVA Primary School said: "St Margaret’s CEVA Primary School takes any allegation relating to bullying or SEND provision extremely seriously.

"Safeguarding, inclusion, and the wellbeing of every child are central to our values and ethos.

"While we cannot comment on individual pupils, we can confirm that any concerns raised with the school are reviewed and investigated through our safeguarding, SEND, and behaviour policies."