School winning hearts – and opening minds

Chris Carter I WAS delighted to hear about the praise heaped on Seven Kings High School by government inspectors Ofsted (see page 3). The school in Ley Street, Ilford, has long been a centre of educational excellence and the latest plaudits reflect the achievements of

Chris Carter

I WAS delighted to hear about the praise heaped on Seven Kings High School by government inspectors Ofsted (see page 3).

The school in Ley Street, Ilford, has long been a centre of educational excellence and the latest plaudits reflect the achievements of pupils who do so well, no matter what obstacles are in their way.

Seven Kings High also welcomes pupils with disabilities, a move which adds to the all-round education of the children.

This is in contrast to the news that some parents have been complaining to the BBC over a new presenter on the CBeebies channel.

Cerrie Burnell presents the Do and Discover spot on The Bedtime Hour, but some viewers say, rather than send their tots off into a happy sleep, she is more likely to give them nightmares because she only has one arm.

Apparently one posted a message on the BBC's parents' message board saying: "Is it just me, or does anyone else think the new woman presenter on CBeebies may scare the kids because of her disability?"

It is hard to imagine, in this day and age, someone having such Neanderthal views. That parent needs to be reminded that, thankfully, the days when disabled people were locked away so no one could see them are long gone.

Those who complained are also most likely to allow their children to watch scary films, or play on violent video games.

Teaching children to appreciate that the world is made up of different people, be they disabled, black, white or brown, is key and we hail the likes of Seven Kings High for their work. Long may it continue!