1. BME & Discipline Scenarios

2. SCENARIO ONE Anna is 5. You are aware that her mother is of Nigerian origin. Annas mother does not talk to you or any parents very much but does talk sharply to Anna when she leaves her and collects her from school. She has never been seen to give her a kiss or a cuddle and she declines any offers from parents for Anna to come to their house to play, saying she is too naughty. Also, Anna has never been seen to look at members of staff in the face when she is being talked to. She usually holds her hands behind her and look at the floor. Anna is no problem to staff although she does become very anxious when she gets dirty. What should you do and why?

3. SCENARIO TWO Kofi was found stealing another students money when he thought no one was watching. You are aware that his parents are Ghanaian by origin. When the School called the father to tell him what Kofi did, his father came in and physically beat him up in your presence. This gave you reason to be concerned. What do you think you should do and why?

4. SCENARIO THREE Janet is a 14yr old girl whose parents are from Malawi. She arrives at school looking very sullen and withdrawn. After some encouragement she opens up and tells you that she is afraid to return home after school today as her mother has threatened to beat her. She goes on to say that her mother expected her to go to church the day before (Sunday) but she went somewhere else instead and met with a male friend. She was seen by a friend of the family who reported to her mother straight away. How would you handle this situation ?

5. SCENARIO FOUR You are confronted by parents of a student at your school who have made it clear that they do not agree with your referral to Children Social Care as a result of them disciplining their son. You called a meeting to inform them that you had concerns about what their son had told them about their methods of punishment. According to him his parents often used a belt or a broom stick to hit him with when they felt he was getting out of hand or being disrespectful towards them. The students parents believe no one has the right to tell them how to discipline their child and if necessary they will return him back to their country of origin in West Africa. What would you do? Would you feel this student was in danger?