Sunday, January 14, 2007

January in Barking

Thanks to Ruth Kelly's decision to pay for her son's education due to his learning disability (dyslexia) I've had something of a stressful week. Parents, teachers and the media want to know what we're doing with our kids. I've veered between criticism of the current set-up (the practicalities of inclusion are totally at odds with league tables and the fact schools are judged on pupils' attainment rather than achievement) and a defence of my work and that of my hard-working team.

January always seems to be ever so slightly depressing in Barking as well. Two years ago a neighbour was murdered - bashed over the head and set alight. Last year a teenager was murdered outside Upney station. This year a young man was murdered up the road and two young men have been killed by a tube train. If the photos of the depot had been taken from the other side of the tracks you'd almost be able to see our flat.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Barking is a very dull place at all times of the year. I have shut myself off from it for quite some time now.

Anonymous said...

To be honest I don't blame her for putting her child's needs first but on the other hand she has shot herself in the foot. Her problem for being a part of a government who has decided to close over 100 specialist schools.

On the subject if Barking. We are looking into areas to move to when we buy a house, so you've just made the job a bit easier by eliminating one. But I suppose it happens everywhere.

pat said...

the last sentence made me smile...

Anonymous said...

Hi Ems, thanks for visiting my little blogette.

Barking eh?, just up the road from 'Nam*.

I grew up in Romford, and left for the midlands after 20 years. Decided that wasn't far enough away & am now in Scotland. Quite fancy the Orkneys next...

Used to work in Plaistow & all areas thereabouts. Lovely area.

*Short for Dagen'nam in the local vernacular for anyone wondering..

coolbuddha said...

We must meet and compare ASBOs.