Parents of students at Reddam House Umhlanga are voicing serious concerns over a pattern of bullying and harassment,.
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Parents at Reddam House Umhlanga Preparatory School have accused the institution of disregarding serious concerns about a persistent pattern of bullying, harassment and physical aggression allegedly taking place at the school.
Various families spoke to the Daily News, alleging that the school's management had turned a blind eye to ongoing incidents and had apparently shielded a learner accused of bullying others because he came from a prominent family.
One concerned parent said: "They are failing to protect innocent children by allowing the assaults and abuse to continue."
A representative of the group of concerned parents, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals, said numerous complaints regarding a learner alleged to have been involved in bullying incidents had been raised with the school over an extended period.
The parent alleged that the school's reluctance to act had created a climate of anxiety and fear among pupils.
"Children have been subjected to verbal abuse, intimidation, harassment and, in some cases, physical assault.
"Several families claim to have formally reported incidents to the school, only to have their concerns dismissed, minimised, or met with assurances that the matter was being addressed," the parent representative said.
The parent further alleged that no action had been taken against the learner in question, which had heightened parents' concerns. They argued that educational institutions have a duty of care to provide a safe environment for children and are required to respond promptly and appropriately to allegations of bullying.
The parents are calling for greater transparency, accountability and a comprehensive review of the school's existing anti-bullying policies and procedures.
"Every child has the right to attend school without fear of emotional or physical harm, and complaints should be investigated thoroughly and impartially," said the concerned parent.
Reddam House spokesperson Shelley Carroll told the publication that the school was not aware of any concerns raised by a group of parents that had not been addressed through its established channels.
"The school management treats any allegation of bullying, harassment, intimidation, verbal abuse or physical assault with the utmost seriousness.
"All reports are handled under our Anti-Bullying Policy and Student Code of Conduct, which is applied consistently and fairly to all students, irrespective of background or parental standing.
"We place particular emphasis on student voice.
"In May 2023, we completed an anonymous school-wide student survey expressly designed to give students a safe, confidential way to report concerns and to inform our safeguarding and wellbeing practices.
"The survey results, gathered anonymously so students could respond without fear of identification or repercussion, do not indicate that bullying is a widespread issue at the school.
"That independent, anonymised feedback is an important part of how we monitor the school climate and shape targeted support and interventions.
"Where concerns are raised through the appropriate channels, they are investigated thoroughly, parents are engaged where appropriate, support and counselling are provided to students, and disciplinary action is taken where the Code of Conduct has been breached."
Responding to the parents' specific concerns, Carroll said the school was unaware of any unresolved issues raised by multiple families.
"We take all allegations of bullying, harassment, intimidation, verbal abuse or physical assault very seriously," Carroll said, referencing the May 2023 anonymous survey, which was intended to provide pupils with a confidential channel to report concerns.
Carroll added that the school was currently engaging with a family regarding a specific complaint but maintained that it was unaware of multiple unresolved issues raised by several parents.
"With over 1,100 students in our school, we take all matters raised seriously and ensure they are addressed promptly," she said.
The Department of Education's spokesperson, Muzi Mahlambi, had not responded to questions sent to him by the time of publication.
DAILY NEWS