Guardian of Mildenhall College Academy pupil says more needs to be done to tackle bullying

The guardian of a teenage pupil who has allegedly been bullied at a Suffolk school has said more needs to be done to tackle incidents of bullying.

The guardian of the Mildenhall College Academy pupil has claimed the girl he and his wife looks after has been bullied by the same group of boys on and off for two years, with the bullying coming to a head earlier this month.

In one incident, the pupil ended up on the ground with an injured shoulder and wrist, they said.

However, the school has said it has a bullying policy which includes supporting the victim and the perpetrator and issuing appropriate consequences.

The guardian said: “I would like staff to accept the fact and stop whitewashing the scenario and employ people to monitor any time that the group are in the playground en masse.”

He added that the pupil has also been called derogatory names.

If nothing is done about the issue, he has considered taking her out of the school and finding another one, but will ultimately attend board of governors meetings until action is taken.

“They just haven’t got a grip on it. It’s the pupils that run the school, not the staff,” he added.

“The children at MCA can’t wait to get out.”

Principal Nicola Hood said: “Until very recently, I had not been made aware of the situation by the student's guardians.

“I have made contact and we are now working together to investigate what happened to ensure that the student feels happy and safe. We will action any lessons learned as part of this investigation.

“Mildenhall College Academy has a clear policy with regards to bullying and our approach includes education and support for both the victim and the perpetrator as well as the appropriate consequences.”