Reading College has given a major update on the school’s safety measures after a boy was left injured following a horror “stabbing” on campus last week.
Two teens have been released by Thames Valley Police after being charged in connection to the attack. The boys from Reading, one 16-year-old and the other a 17, cannot be named for legal reasons and have been released on police bail after being charged.
The 17-year-old has been charged with one count each of Section 18 wounding with intent and possession of a bladed article on school/further education premises, while the 16-year-old boy has been charged with assault by beating.
(Image: UKNIP)
The college went into lockdown on November 6 following that an individual was stabbed inside the campus on Kings Road following an altercation. A student inside Reading College at the time of the attack spoke of their horror, saying people were “screaming and crying” during the lockdown. “We thought [a siren] was a test until we started hearing people screaming,” they said.
“That is when we started getting scared. People were calling their mums, crying in lessons.” Armed police swarmed the scene and managed to make the arrests, with one boy being taken to hospital with injuries. He has since been released.
Now, Reading College has issued a statement acknowledging “how upsetting” the incident was for the community and provided and update into what steps the college will be taking going forward to ensure the safety of its students.
Measures include additional CCTV monitoring, a review of existing safety measures and wellbeing support. The college also said it would be holding “listening sessions” where parents and students can voice their concerns.
(Image: BerkshireLive)
Michelle Parks, Group Director for Reading College and University Centre, wrote in a statement: “Dear parents, carers and students,
“We understand how upsetting yesterday’s incident at Reading College and University Centre has been for everyone in our community. Our thoughts are with the student who was injured, and we are supporting those affected.
“We want to reassure you that this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing risk to students, staff, or our wider community and college will be open as normal.
“Thames Valley Police continue to investigate the incident, and we are working closely with them. They have confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to students or staff, and they will be maintaining a visible presence around the college early next week.
“We know that many of you are worried about safety on campus. We want to reassure you that this is our highest priority and Thames Valley Police feedback has been positive and that our handling of the incident was in keeping with best practice. In addition to this, we are taking a number of immediate steps, including:
- Additional CCTV monitoring: more frequent review of CCTV around entrances and social spaces.
- A review of safety procedures: conducting a review into how we respond to incidents.
- Wellbeing support: available for any student who needs it.
“We are also planning a series of student and parent listening sessions next week to discuss your concerns and ideas for strengthening safety further. Details will follow once these are confirmed.
(Image: WikiCommons)
“It is important to us that, as parents and carers, you feel that your concerns and worries are heard by the college. Once we’ve reviewed everyone’s feedback, we intend to share a “You said, we did” update outlining the changes we are making.
“Please remember that the college remains a safe place, and support is available for students if they need to talk about how they are feeling or if they have any concerns.
“They can speak to any staff member, including their tutor, or a member of the Student Support and Safeguarding Team. They are based in the Advice and Admissions Centre, or they can email safe@activatelearning.ac.uk
“If they’d prefer to talk to someone outside of college, there are free and confidential services available:
- Childline – For anyone under 19, call 0800 1111 or chat online at childline.org.uk
- The Mix – support for under 25s on anything that’s troubling you (call 0808 808 4994 or text THEMIX to 85258)
- Samaritans – available 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk (call 116 123)
“We’re all here to listen and support our students.
“If your child ever sees or hears anything that makes you feel unsafe, please don’t hesitate to encourage them to speak up and tell a member of staff immediately. Their safety and wellbeing are our top priority.
“Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work together to keep Reading College and University Centre a safe environment for every student.”