Wickersley Northfield School Council tackle hate crime

Wickersley northfield

Wickersley Northfield's School Council are working hard to share key messages about hate crime. Councillor Sue Ellis went to hear how the project is progressing.

HappinessB4Hate at Wickersley Northfield Primary

Councillor Ellis met with the School Council and school teacher Miss Ghuman to hear all about the hard work they have been doing over the past year. The children have put together a Hate Charter, ran a competition in school to design a logo and together have come up with the memorable slogan, 'Happiness B4 Hate', all of which have been created into posters that are displayed around the school and are currently being signed by children and staff from every class.

The School Council have even been delivering lessons on hate crime to their peers, ensuring that they know what hate crime is and that they have the knowledge and the confidence to recognise it and report it. 

The Happiness B4 Hate slogan has recently been transferred onto hundreds of reflective snap wristbands, which have been offered to all Year 1 pupils across Rotherham. The bands will not only help to keep children safe during the dark nights, but will also spark conversations around hate crime. This is all thanks to the work that's started in Wickersley. 

In the coming months, the School Council plan create a film that will be shared online and with school children across the borough. Their ambition is to get as many schools onboard as possible and to ensure that adults know about hate crime, as well as children. 

Councillors Ellis, Hoddinott and Read were delighted to fund the posters and contribute towards the making of the film.

Councillor Sue Ellis, Ward Councillor for Wickersley North Ward, said: 

We make a great team. You (the school council) have done all the hard work on this brilliant project, and I am glad that we have been able to help you.

A huge well done to all members of Wickersley Northfield Primary's School Council, including those who have now transitioned to secondary school. You should be very proud of yourselves! 

The Council are committed to tackling hate crime and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all residents and its work with schools is at the forefront of this. You can find out more about the Council’s work to tackle hate crime from the Community Safety Officer by emailing Community.SafetyTeam@rotherham.gov.uk.

Published: 10th January 2023