THE DEPARTMENT SAYS

Western Cape education department spokesman Bronagh Hammond says the department has gone to great lengths to address the situation. She points out that it was arranged for the alleged victim to see an educational psychologist as well as a remedial specialist twice a week for extra lessons.

Hammond says Nellie was observed during class and breaks, and sessions with an occupational therapist and trauma therapist were provided at a discounted rate.

She says the alleged bully was punished according to the school’s code of conduct. Hammond adds the parents did the right thing in contacting the department when they felt the school wasn’t taking action. “I’m quite proud of the actions the department took in this regard,” she says.

The department’s procedure in case of complaints is:

The parents need to contact the school. If they’re still dissatisfied they can escalate the matter to the district office, then the head office and then the provincial office.

The department will acknowledge the receipt of a complaint, give a timeframe for when it will be handled and indicate what action will be taken.

In the case of a bullying incident it would first arrange a meeting between the parents, principal and representatives from the department which would usually include the circuit manager, an educational psychologist, a curriculum adviser and possibly a learning adviser. The team would assess the areas that need to be addressed. The department would advise the school on what steps need to be taken next and would assist with support programmes or policy interventions. The interests of the learners themselves are paramount.

Weekly progress reports would be provided to the parents.

YOU contacted the school principal for comment but received no response.