Developed in partnership with the charity, Tender, the initiative aims to foster healthier relationships among children and targets misogyny at a primary level.
CEO of Tender, Susie McDonald, told City News that: “By challenging potentially problematic attitudes at their root, we can prevent a culture of abuse against women and girls.”
For the Headteacher of Seven Sisters Primary School, Emma Murray, the programme addresses the reality many students face outside the classroom.
“We have a lot of children that come from disadvantaged homes, and domestic abuse is one of the key things that we’re dealing with on a daily and weekly basis.”
The headteacher of the primary school highlighted that issues often emerge both at home and online.
Though controversial figures like Andrew Tate have not had a full impact on the school, derogatory comments between boys and girls remain a concern.
Parent reactions
This has also sparked important conversations between parents and teachers.
For some parents, the conversation around teaching healthy relationships is sensitive, especially when it involves family dynamics.
A father in Islington told City News that teaching healthy relationships to young children is “difficult” due to the fear of being “judged.”
Parents also questioned the necessity of teaching about misogyny in the first place.
A mother from a school in Angel, North London said: “I haven’t seen any signs of misogyny at my daughter’s school. In fact, they’re overly conscious.”
Concerns were also raised by parents of boys, some of whom felt that anti-misogyny programmes unfairly target their sons.
One parent told City News that there is a “general framing” of boys as being the problem.
“It pushes boys toward extreme opinions, like Andrew Tate, because they feel criticised.”
Murray acknowledges the potential challenge of engaging parents who believe that their children would not partake in misogynistic activities.
A Year 6 teacher in Clapham, South West London, said to City News that some children already come to school with prejudices.
She commented: “Children already have stereotypes. Those with older siblings especially have all these awful stereotypes. I don’t think it’s ever too young to start talking about it.”
Schools like Seven Sisters Primary School face the delicate task of balancing student needs with diverse parental views.
While opinions differ, one thing remains clear: early teaching on respect, equality, and healthy relationships is a key concern for educators.
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HeadlineTackling misogyny in London primary schools
Short HeadlineTackling misogyny in London primary schools
StandfirstTeachers and parents have responded to Sadiq Khan's initiative for primary school children
Seven Sisters Primary School in North London is the first to trial The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s £1 million anti-misogyny initiative.
Developed in partnership with the charity, Tender, the initiative aims to foster healthier relationships among children and targets misogyny at a primary level.
CEO of Tender, Susie McDonald, told City News that: “By challenging potentially problematic attitudes at their root, we can prevent a culture of abuse against women and girls.”
For the Headteacher of Seven Sisters Primary School, Emma Murray, the programme addresses the reality many students face outside the classroom.
“We have a lot of children that come from disadvantaged homes, and domestic abuse is one of the key things that we’re dealing with on a daily and weekly basis.”
The headteacher of the primary school highlighted that issues often emerge both at home and online.
Though controversial figures like Andrew Tate have not had a full impact on the school, derogatory comments between boys and girls remain a concern.
Parent reactions
This has also sparked important conversations between parents and teachers.
For some parents, the conversation around teaching healthy relationships is sensitive, especially when it involves family dynamics.
A father in Islington told City News that teaching healthy relationships to young children is “difficult” due to the fear of being “judged.”
Parents also questioned the necessity of teaching about misogyny in the first place.
A mother from a school in Angel, North London said: “I haven’t seen any signs of misogyny at my daughter’s school. In fact, they’re overly conscious.”
Concerns were also raised by parents of boys, some of whom felt that anti-misogyny programmes unfairly target their sons.
One parent told City News that there is a “general framing” of boys as being the problem.
“It pushes boys toward extreme opinions, like Andrew Tate, because they feel criticised.”
Murray acknowledges the potential challenge of engaging parents who believe that their children would not partake in misogynistic activities.
A Year 6 teacher in Clapham, South West London, said to City News that some children already come to school with prejudices.
She commented: “Children already have stereotypes. Those with older siblings especially have all these awful stereotypes. I don’t think it’s ever too young to start talking about it.”
Schools like Seven Sisters Primary School face the delicate task of balancing student needs with diverse parental views.
While opinions differ, one thing remains clear: early teaching on respect, equality, and healthy relationships is a key concern for educators.
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