BROMLEY: Mum's school plan for troubled children (From News Shopper)

BROMLEY: Mum's school plan for troubled children

8:49am Wednesday 1st September 2010 in

By Robert Fisk »

Skip social links
Print
Email
Comments(7)

A MOTHER wants to set up a school to help children who are on a “path to self-destruction”.

Donna Still, of Hillview Road, Orpington, is one of four parents who believe mainstream schools in the borough do not do enough to support troubled pupils.

Their vision is to run a school aimed at 11 to 19-year-olds who are not doing well academically and may have been expelled.

There would be up to 18 pupils at the school at any one time.

It would also incorporate a cafe area where parents and children can learn and develop as a family.

So far half a dozen parents are supporting the idea.

The idea came to Ms Still five years ago after her daughter got in with the wrong crowd at school.

Ms Still said: “I took her out of school at 14 and schooled her at home because she was with a group of very intense dangerous girls.

“My daughter would go off with them and get involved with stuff I would not want her to get involved with.”

Ms Still added: “She became disengaged at school.

“She was on a path to self- destruction, but we managed to get her out.”

The 47-year-old has worked with youngsters for more than 20 years by producing training programmes to help them realise their potential.

She wants to bring this experience to the school, which could become reality thanks to the government’s free schools initiative.

This gives parents, teachers, charities and community groups powers to set up new schools.

Ms Still said: “It is about helping young people reach their potential and find their voice.”

The parents will outline their plans to the New Schools Network, a charity which advises people who want to set up new schools. To find out more, email donna@futurenowproject.com

Comments(7)

typecastboy says...
9:53am Wed 1 Sep 10

There is a place in Bromley which is doing something similar. It is called SWAY. They are in a unit which is part of the Yellow Self Storage warehouse on the corner of Farwig Lane. They have around 10 pupils, and they are teaching them vocational subjects. They fit kitchens, do plumbing, electrical work, tiling etc etc. The lads (they are all lads), are all doing brilliantly. They are treated with respect and they are there waiting at the door before opening time, and often stay late. It is a new business and they have got more kids from Croydon Borough. Bromley are dragging their feet with funding, but hopefully the business will grow. They are doing fantastic work with these kids.