Project UP: what we’ve learned so far (& what’s been reinforced!)
We’re in the third year of our project UP, which provides free needs assessments for Black children and young people outside London.
Since we received the funding, we haven't provided a public update. We thought it would be useful to share what we’ve learned and what has been reinforced so far. This will be split into two parts, 1) our view behind the scenes and 2) what the parents we’re working with are saying.
Not all schools are the same. But we knew this right? There are some excellent mainstream schools that can meet the needs of pupils, who might need a little extra support. With the right guidance and recommendations, it’s not impossible. Equally, if a school can’t meet needs, given the current pressures on teachers, it’s not an admission of defeat or guilt if that placement isn’t the right fit for that child.
There are no if’s, but’s or maybe’s. Racism IS a safeguarding issue. The experiences that some of the children and young people we have worked with, should and could have been avoided. Not only has this affected some of their confidence, but for some, it has created a negative view of what school is, and instead of focusing on their own learning, they may not always have the understanding and language for navigating the experiences they may not always have.
Not everyone understands data protection and conflates data protection and safeguarding. As a professional it’s important to do your checks, make sure that whatever you’re doing you’re creating a safe environment for yourself and the people that will be in that space with you. We make it a priority to ensure this is what we’re doing. A message to schools, we always provide as much information as we can before any assessment and make our intentions and expectations clear. Yes, you can verify our ID. Yes, you can confirm we have completed any required training. Yes, you can see our DBS certificates. However, as an independent professional, what you cannot do is allow just anyone to see this information, nor can you keep copies or store it under the guise of safeguarding practices. This is highly sensitive and personal data and under GDPR law you require a legal basis for storing this. Amongst the team and our past partnerships, we have school and headteacher experience, we’re familiar with the Single Centre of Record and will supply the information required for this. This does require a longer post, so look out for this.
Please, please, PLEASEEEEEE. Parents, it’s so important for you to keep a record of your child’s school file and data. (You should also include their medical data in there too, but we’re starting with one step at a time). In whatever way you can, download and save everything as soon as you get it. School reports? Suspension letters? Details of extra support required? File it away. Save it on your phone or a computer. If you don’t have regular access to either, there are free online platforms where you can save your information. This means you can access the information, anywhere and at any time. It’s just as important for you as the parent to have an idea of the profile being created by your child’s school. You will be able to see what’s working and where further support might be needed.
The children and young people we’ve worked with so far have said they’ve enjoyed working with us – which has been fantastic to hear and a testament to Marguerite for creating a safe, stress-free, and enjoyable environment in such a short space of time. Equally, it’s been great to see how some schools have gone over, above and beyond to assist us.
The project started in 2023, so as you can imagine there’s a lot we can share. We’re not the best at always promoting ourselves or the work we’re doing, so as we navigate the remaining years of our project, we’ll do our best to keep you updated. Nonetheless, there will be a final report documenting the project.
If you or anyone you know would like to be involved, please let us know.