Last night, as I was driving home after college I listened to a little gem of a radio programme on radio 4
Set in a northern city school File On Four learning to survive , was a gentle, but honest look of how an inner city school deals with a population ravaged by the financial crisis .
One sequence, had me geared up at Bluebell’s wheel
It was the moment the school organised a “day in pyjamas”
The children and staff all turned up in nightware, which was not just a bit of fun , but a crafty way for the senior teacher to see which children needed a proper fitting set of pyjamas later in the year.
“Of course we provide the new Pj’s “ she added “;but only after they won them in a raffle”
And it was that lie that really broke my heart just a little.
What a wonderful head teacher
What a fantastic bit of documentary radio and
What a lesson learned
I listened to that programme too.
ReplyDeleteIt has changed my mind about these " pyjama days ".
Used to think it was just another day of raising funds for " the needy " which put more financial pressure on all families. ( buying new stuff etc )
I wonder how many schools do somthing similiar ?
I suspect they do
DeleteWonderful. I do love Radio 4
ReplyDeleteI do too , I’m very proud of it to be honest
DeleteMust find this on Radio4 catch-up.
ReplyDeleteIt’s worth a listen , buy a hankie
DeleteWe were told by the Deputy head teacher at a meeting with us invigilators that if we picked up on anything of concern regarding any student they could help - an example someone could visit the family and if they needed a washing machine replacing to wash students uniform they would provide it - If anyone seems hungry the same x
ReplyDeleteGreggs the bakers , have put money aside for some schools in order to buy white goods for poorer families
DeleteRecalling my school days I would be horrified if I had to wear nightwear at school! If they truly had to wear what they usually wore to bed imagine having to sleep in those same clothes that you wore at school all day! Also, what about families who had to buy 'pyjamas' especially for the 'dress up'. I don't agree with this at all. As I hated school I am probably not able to see this objectively.
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point . I truly don’t know what to think now
DeleteWearing normal school uniform the teacher could tell if a child came from a family of poverty just by the general turnout, ill-fitting clothes, odour etc. They wouldn't have to resort to a pyjama day to expose the 'poor' ones in which I expect made some children feel really uncomfortable. I am an old cynic and feel it is done more for the educator's ego than actually thinking about the impact on the children.
DeleteWorth a listen to, but this sort of depravation has been around certainly going back to the 50's / 60's and obvs before this time. There was a lot of Urban depravation kicking around in lnner London during my childhood.
ReplyDeleteThose fine Georgian houses that go for millions of pounds now, were called 'slums' back then.
In 1963 we had huge snow drifts, the schools were open until the outside loos froze over that is. But on the
Duh.... continued
ReplyDeletedays we did go in, we were allowed to wear wellys into school, then change into our slippers when we got there.
Hey, guess what, a lot, and l mean a lot of kids didn't have slippers, wellys or even a soddin' coat! Mostly due to fathers drinking and gambling the wages away and giving the wife meagre coins to live on. Not a lot has changed for kids now except the job situation. Whats the answer , prob get a good education and try to get a decent job and break the chain. Signed by an 'old boomer', well better than an 'old bag', l suppose ! Tess x
Yes you make an interesting point….with food banks and breakfast clubs , are we just more aware of those who don’t have ? I don’t know the answer
DeleteTess x
Good teachers do so much.
ReplyDeleteSpot on good teachers do so much.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/jan/25/a-moment-that-changed-me-three-schoolboy-truants-convinced-me-to-become-a-teacher
Yes incredibly moving . An eye opener
DeleteMy sister is a teacher and has put in many hard extra yards, mostly rewarding. The tale as you describe is both teary and uplifting. The tale by Tess is much how my partner remembers his early childhood years. Everyone at the pub loved Sammy when he shouted the bar, never mind that his children and wife were hungry at home, without a coin to put into the meter.
ReplyDeleteA point well made Andrew.more stories than you ever think
DeleteIt reminds me of the teacher who asked the class to write down who they would like to sit next to next term. This helped the teacher see which pupils had no one who wanted to sit next to them and then kept an eye out for those pupils in the future.
ReplyDeleteI think there is more social worker in teachers than I expected
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteWhen you work with children, you (hopefully) get a sixth sense about those children who are having problems. There are those you know about, but the others can become hidden and therefore overlooked. Letting them know you will listen, without judging, can often be the trigger that helps them open up. xx
ReplyDeleteThe testimony by one of the mothers was an eye opener it truly was
DeleteThat is a very creative way of getting the clothes to those who need without causing a stir.
ReplyDeleteAn extra mile for all the staff involved
DeleteQhat a sweet story John - if only all schools were like that.
ReplyDeleteI’m sure many many are
DeleteThe daughter of a friend is spending a year teaching in a troubled school, it has been a real eye opener for a slightly privileged young person, it has changed her as a person.
ReplyDeleteYes I learned a great deal last night
DeleteThat IS a clever way to handle need within the school community and allow everyone to keep their pride intact.
ReplyDeleteKind steve
DeleteHi John. When I was a child the estate I lived on had several families where there were 8 plus children. These were the ones who came to school with either no undies or no socks, The big cupboard in the hall had clothes for such emergencies. Plus anything unsold that was left at the end of the day of a church jumble sale of it would fit a child of junior school age was put into the Big cupboard. I was the youngest of 5 in a single parent family. ( dad went of with a younger model). No one at school or where I lived was privileged. You grow up appreciating what you have so much more.
ReplyDeleteTish
Tish
DeleteNicely remembered thank you.
I’ve been thinking if I was aware of “ poor” kids in school ..I don’t think I was.. the kids with free school dinners were just “ there”
I don’t remember ever thinking they were different to me
Kind and creative teachers make a real difference in kids' lives.
ReplyDeleteAmen
DeleteGood, caring teachers make the world go around.
ReplyDeleteHugs!
Indeed …..we always remember good teachers . Mr snelson, miss Betts ( both English )
DeleteA good idea in some ways, but it also highlights those pupils who don't actually have any pyjamas. But if it works for that school, it's a good thing.
ReplyDeleteYes , one child came in the soiled pjs he wore to bed the previous night..heartbreaking
DeleteAnother reason I disagree with it.
DeleteSchools see hardship first. This is a lovely story. Some US schools collect gently used clothing and quietly provide clothing to students in need. Free breakfast is also provided.
ReplyDeleteIt’s all becoming the norm .
DeleteI came from a blue-collar, not very wealthy but proud family. When I was in junior high the school administrators offered me a "job" helping to serve the school lunch, in exchange for a free lunch. My parents accepted and I ate lunch every day. It took years for me to reason out that all of us "working" in the kitchen really needed that free lunch. The school never stated the motive openly, and none of us felt demeaned.
ReplyDeleteI found this rather moving
DeleteIf you ever talk to a child, it is a bit eye opening when you realize the memories that they hold dear to their hearts...the smallest things make such a lasting mark. Pajama day at school, for instance. So sweet. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt was worth sharing
Delete"geared up"? A UK or Welsh phrase?
ReplyDeleteI don’t think so
Deletehttps://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/step-move-up-a-gear
"One sequence, had me geared up at Bluebell’s wheel" ? Confuses me
DeleteAuto correct ! Teared up …tearful
DeleteAhhhhh. I see :)
DeletePresumably the chidren who don''t own pyjamas didn't attend school that day.
ReplyDeleteWhen it was P.E (gym) day I didn't attend school as I didn't have gym kit. I had a day off school every week for about 3 years. Not once was it questioned.
Just as well the school didn't have a pyjama day or that would have been a day off too, I didn't own a pair of pyjamas/nightie until I got married.