Caters
A mum has pulled her 12-year-old son out of school after teachers suggested he was taught in isolation to avoid the bullies who taunted him over his ginger hair.
Emma Walsh is now tutoring son Tyler at home as she claims his school, Yale International Academy, suggested he had lessons in a class for 'vulnerable' pupils because of the bullies.
Emma says the school isn't doing enough to punish the gang who bullied Tyler about his hair claiming the ringleader was given just a one day suspension for his actions.
Tyler has been at the school for 18 months and has been bullied since day one. Emma has now taken action herself as she feels the school has been too lenient:
"It is not fair that Tyler should be bullied out of school. He wants to learn and has been getting excellent grades and earning points for his guild (house).
"He was going to after-school science club and would like to become a scientist or science teacher. He wants to go to school but not to that school. I don't feel my son will be safe at school so I am keeping him at home until he can start at another school next week. I will be tutoring him at home."
Tyler has been the victim of the bullies since Year 7, and was even attacked in the street before Christmas. He was recently chased into a toilet cubicle by the bullies and was rescued by a Year 11 pupil.
Emma was told the ringleader 'had a bad day' and claims he was given just a one-day suspension for his actions:
"Yate International Academy has punished one boy, when a whole group were involved. A day off school is hardly a punishment for what my child has had to endure. I think it is absolutely disgusting."
Emma finally took him out of school after the incident when teachers suggested he was moved into a class for 'vulnerable' students.
Headteacher Roger Gilbert has claimed Emma misunderstood the situation, saying the class was just a place where Tyler could receive support, but still be taught with his peers: "The unit does not teach children - it just helps them talk about what happened.Tyler would be taught with his normal class and would not be separated. This situation is not as it has been reported. I was only aware of Emma's complaints after I was contacted by the press about it.
"As far as I was aware Tyler was a happy boy - I speak to him most days. I am fully satisfied that everything we have done has been done in accordance with our practices and procedures."
What do you think about the school's actions?
Too little too late?