Child Abuse at
Harrison Academy in London
…Victim’s Mother explains ordeal
By Saio Penda
At approximately mid October 2019 when my son attended school and was in the process of trying to locate his allocated class as per his time table, he was approached by several boys, one of which slapped his head and ran off with the rest of the boys. He was found crying by a teacher called Mr. Lane who subsequently punished my son with detention rather than give him the support he needed. Note that this was his first day at school.
Approximately a month after his lunch and oyster money was taken from him by some Caucasian boys who were older than him in the school, who proceeded to make it a habit of taking money from my son which threats and physical abuse. I reported this to the school and the only money recovered was the initial lunch and oyster money. So, in essence the offending boys faced no other consequences
On an occasion after that my son in fear of being called Mama's boy", my son used a different bus stop where my son was beaten and found bleeding by the Police.
On an occasion after that my son in fear of being called " Mama's boy", my son used a different bus stop where my son was beaten and found bleeding by the Police from the school who advised my son not to inform me. After I picked him up, we went home and he complained about dental pain and then explained to me about the beating which was the cause of this. I then reported to Lewisham Police. I then took him to a dentist the following day and he lost 4 teeth in total which I have in my possession. I showed the school the teeth and they said they would investigate. Ms. Clifford who is the Safeguarding Officer then chastised my son and stated he should not tell me what was happening in the school and that he should remember he is new in the school from Africa.
After this, there was a certain day when he went to use the rest room, he found his class teacher Mr. Tye in this restroom, which was for students only, putting on a female bra, so my son was shocked and ran out. I reported this to the school but my son was threatened by Ms. Clifford and another teacher to sign a note retracting his claims or Mr Tye would lose his job. Since this time my son has been victimized by Mr Tye. This includes excluding him from class and having him raise his hands up and stand at the back of the door causing the children to laugh at him all the time. I approached Mr Tye who stated he was sorry for his behaviour. I asked him to put it in writing but he refused. From this point on, he made himself inaccessible when I requested to see him in the school for an apology email.
Also, on April 27th 2020 my son was alone in class doing his assignment when two boys namely Daniel and Joshua and a girl called Ruby Lee came in, they went to the back of the class and ended in oral sex activities. Mv son ran.
The Police attended the school for this incident and to my utter dismay my son was accused of instigating this act of sex between the above said. The source or events leading to this accusation are not comprehensible to me and are thus baffling. To extent of which my son was arrested. I had gone to collect him from school and he was then in the custody of the police without my knowledge. I did not receive any notification from the school or Police.
One of the teachers made a comment that I would never see my son again. Afterwards I was advised to attend Brixton Police Station. Prior to going to the station, the Police put these said two boys in separate police cars, with no handcuffs whiles my son was handcuffs and placed in a police van. I hurriedly made my way to the station to see whether he could be released, but to no avail.
He spent time in custody with only a cup of water from 14:00hrs to 04:00hr. He was in Brixton custody after which he had intimate samples done at Walworth Road which traumatized him till this day.
The police did not answer to any of my queries during this time. The case resulted in no further action and my son was found not guilty. The only support I got was from my MP from Lewisham and my solicitor.
The police told me that my son was not to attend the school till we heard from the school. They did not call till after two to three weeks. Ms. Bergh, the Principal gave short notice and was unsympathetic, unapologetic and very threatening during the meeting and as I was narrating my concerns, she accused me of being rude. They refused to allow me to involve the Education Board and Social Services. She then excluded my son from school and stated it was her school and that my son would never receive good education in this country.
Apart from my son being victimized for highlighting all the incidences that took place regarding him at Harris Academy, I also suffered some bullying and being threatened by the Principal and Staff of Harris Academy who have intimidated me and deprived my son from his right to education and wellbeing which all other children are entitled to.
Prior to moving to Waltham Forest, my son was again bullied in the other school I had to take him to after Harris Academy. This school was in direct contact with Harris and appeared to aid and abet each other in the systematic bullying of my son, physically and emotionally, which had to be reported to the police. For this the Principal called and insulted me and told me I would never have proof. She stated that me and my son will roam around aimlessly but would never get a good school and she would show that she has contacts.
These above explanations are a just a condensed version of events and are not enough to explain the devastation and despair that my son and I are going through. I would like your support in investigating these matters and ensuring that my son gets treated fairly and is entitled to the education he deserves.
Also, I appealed to appropriate authorities to impose consequences for the misuse of power by the Principal of Harris Academy and Walworth School as well as those who have assisted her in being given the opportunity to act in such an unprofessional and insensitive way.
