Doncaster mum pleads to MP after daughter barred from school prom
Keira Bates has been told she cannot attend the Campsmount Academy event
An upset and angry Doncaster mum has written to MP Ed Miliband pleading for help after her daughter was barred from her end of year school prom.
Keira Bates, a pupil at Campsmount Academy, Norton, has been told by staff she is not able to attend the bash due to an earlier incident with teachers - and a decision to overturn the ban with school chiefs failed.
Her mum Lisa Cummins has written to the Doncaster North MP saying the ban is impacting on her daughter’s mental health - and that she has been subjected to bullying during her time at the school.
Mrs Cummins told Mr Miliband: “I am extremely concerned about the impact recent decisions made by the school are having on her education, wellbeing, and mental health during what should be the final and most memorable weeks of her school life.”
Shortly before the half-term break, Mrs Cummins says an incident occurred involving Keira and a member of staff.
She said: “Keira became distressed and frustrated because she felt she was not being listened to and was not being given the opportunity to explain her situation.
“The matter escalated, resulting in Keira receiving a suspension of one and a half days.
“When I was informed of the situation, I contacted Keira’s father and asked him to collect her from school in the hope that he could calm her down and help de-escalate the situation.
“Unfortunately, a disagreement developed between him and members of staff.
“He reacted badly and raised his voice.
“While I fully accept that this behaviour was inappropriate and should not have happened, I do not believe that Keira should be punished for the actions of an adult
Mrs Cummins says that following the incident, Campsmount issued a letter banning Keira’s father from entering the school.
In her letter, she said: “More recently, we have been informed that Keira will not be allowed to attend her school prom.
“We had already purchased her prom dress and related items several months ago at a total cost of approximately £700.
“While the financial loss is significant, the emotional impact on Keira is far greater.
“Keira has struggled with her mental health since Year 7.
“Throughout her time at Campsmount Academy, she has experienced bullying, periods of poor mental health, self-harming behaviours, and school absences linked to these difficulties.
“Despite these challenges, Keira has continued to persevere and work towards completing her education.
“We had previously been reassured that, regardless of attendance concerns or points-based criteria, Keira would still be able to attend her prom due to her individual circumstances and the difficulties she has faced throughout her school years.
“The prom represents an important milestone and an opportunity for her to leave school with positive memories after what has often been a difficult experience.
“At a time when young people need encouragement and support, these decisions have left Keira feeling isolated, excluded, and unwelcome
“Keira has made mistakes, as many young people do, but she has shown remorse and a willingness to learn from them. I believe she deserves the opportunity to complete her final weeks at school with dignity, support, and inclusion.”
Mrs Cummins says she has “apologised and grovelled” after chasing a meeting with Leger Education Trust, which runs the school so Keira, 16, a year 11 pupil, can attend the event at King’s Croft, Pontefract on June30.
She added: “Not one person spoke to my daughter on her return to school after the incident - it was over a week before they asked how she was,
“She has been bullied thoughout her school years which has had a massive impact on her confidence.
“The school have said they have made the decision solely on Keira’s actions not her dad. This is meant to be a milestone celebration.”
A spokesperson for Leger Education Trust said: “As a matter of policy, we do not comment on individual students or specific cases.”