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SARAH Middleton has taken her son Joshua, 11, out of Littlemoss Boys’ School, fearing bullying by other pupils there could drive him to suicide.
SARAH Middleton has taken her son Joshua, 11, out of Littlemoss Boys’ School, fearing bullying by other pupils there could drive him to suicide.

‘My son is not safe at school’

Adam Derbyshire
21/ 6/2006

A MUM is refusing to send her son to school claiming bullies have driven him to the brink of suicide.

Joshua Middleton, 11, wept that he wanted to die after months of torment culminated in an attack outside the school gates.

It was the final straw for mum of three Sarah, 29, who is furious with teachers and has demanded a transfer.

"It's frightening when your child tells you he wants to kill himself," she said.

"He has had no protection. I am keeping him at home for his own safety. It's a disgrace."

It is alleged the bullying began within weeks of Joshua starting at Littlemoss Boys' School, Cryer Street, Droylsden last September.

"One boy in particular started picking on him," said Sarah, of Buttermere Road, Ashton.

"It escalated from name-calling to pushing and shoving - then in November he was attacked."

She says Joshua was kicked so hard in the groin that he "couldn't walk for five days."

The culprit was only given detention as punishment, according to the family.

The bullying continued in spits and spats until Wednesday when a classroom squabble spilled over into violence once the bell had gone.

It is alleged Joshua was pounced on by two boys who attacked him and robbed him of his bus fare home.

Sarah visited the school the next day, but claims she was told no senior members of staff were available as it was "exam time".

Months of taunting has taken its toll on Joshua, who now has regular anger management classes to control his temper.

"I have always taught him violence solves nothing," said Sarah.

"Instead, he was boiling up with anger and erupting at home. He was blowing his top for no reason.

"I want a new school by September. He deserves a decent education."

Headteacher Mark McLoughlin said: "We have met Mrs Middleton on several occasions, involving a number of outside agencies in the process.

"Another meeting has been arranged for today (Thursday) but I do not wish to comment further on the matter."


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Most recent 2 of 3 user comments

   My eldest son attends this school and had very similar problems in his first year there.I contacted the school and have to say that this was dealt with and did stop but there doesn't seem to be a great deal of discipline in the school and my heart goes out to this boy.I would not send another child to this school through choice I'm afraid.
Littlemoss pupil parent, droylsden
11/07/2006 at 10:23
   The boys school in question has a very good bullying policy. The staff do deal with issues as and when they arise. This article comes at a very crucial time when schools are being visted for perspective pupils for next september. I feel sorry that once again Littlemoss is featured in the local rag for the wrong reasons. If Littlemoss does things right you dont seem to care!!!!!!!!!! If your not happy with the school that is a shame but there are many pupils and parents happy with the provison and support at littlemoss for pupils.
Concerned Littlemoss parent, droylsden
22/06/2006 at 20:38
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