Little Things

Chapter 36

20th January 2023
Bella POV

As I entered my classroom, grateful it's Friday, the sun streamed softly through the windows. I had already organised today's activities before going home last night - thank god! Soon enough, the corridor outside was filling with the sounds of little feet skipping their way into the classroom. Cheerful morning greetings were exchanged between both pupils and myself.

We started our Friday morning off with spelling test which swiftly led into the children finishing off their art projects. As I floated around the room - I overheard a conversation between two boys in my class. They were talking about the North London Derby which was due to take place this weekend. I couldn't help but giggle at the two bickering over whether Arsenal or Tottenham were to win. As I made my way past Oliver, I slyly whispered "North London will be red." His head shot up and he burst into fits of laughter. "Miss Clarke, I didn't know you even watched football!" Oliver exasperated. "Oliver, in my household - Arsenal is the most important aspect of life." I answered giggling. "Now, enough football chat! These need to be finished." I teased, giving the boys a pretend stern looking - turning into a smile.

The day progressed and it was now lunch time. Just after the new term started, at the beginning of January we had a new member of staff join the team, Mr Hamblin. Mr Hamblin was employed as our specialised PE teacher, giving the children a much higher quality of PE. When I first met Matt, he was nice. However, over the last couple of weeks, I've heard whispers in the staff room about his attitude towards girls playing sport. I was yet to witness this for myself, so you can imagine how infuriated I was when the lunch bell rang.

Lucy came in from lunch and went straight to her seat - head in her arms on the table. I kneeled beside her and could hear soft sniffles. Placing my hand on her shoulder, I softly whispered "Lucy, would you like to have a chat. Maybe we can go to the snug?"
Lucy nodded her head, we both got up - I had cleared it with the class TA and she was going to take over the children's reading whilst I got to the bottom of Lucy's upset.

As we walked to the snug, Lucy lightly held my hand. "Almost there luc!" I smiled. We entered the snug, "would you like to tell me why you're upset Lucy?" My voice was soft and expression friendly. Her lip quivered and she took a deep breath. She looked up at me, tears pooling her innocent eyes. 'Mr Hamblin told me I wasn't allowed to play football because I'm a girl. He said it's not a girls sport." The words tumbling out in a rush. I was taken back and frankly majorly pissed off. Being the professional I am, I took a sharp breath thinking carefully before I spoke. What is wrong with him? His whole attitude towards inclusivity was the complete opposite to my own values. Taking Lucy's little hand in my own, I looked at Lucy who was now sobbing. "I'm so sorry this happened Lucy. Everyone should have the opportunity to play what they love, no matter their differences."

Lucy's eyes, hopeful yet confused searched my face. "I don't know what I can do, he won't let me play." I gave Lucy a reassuring smile "this is where I can help! I will have a chat with Mr Hamblin. If you would like to come with me, you are more than welcome to? We'll make sure that everyone understands just how important it is to be fair."

Relief flickered across Lucy's face as she nodded, a small glimpse of her usual spark returning. Inside, I was furious. It was now my responsibility to ensure that not only the children but now the staff are aware of the importance of equality and respect within the school. Something I believe I should not have to be reminding staff about.

Lucy and I made our way to Mr Hamblin's office. As I knocked on the door, Matt opened the door with a raised eyebrow and defensive posture "can I help?". If looks could kill - I swear he'd be dead right night. My eyes bored into his head. "Actually, I'm hoping you can. Lucy told me about what happened during football today." My tone diplomatic yet assertive. "She's been very upset and feels that she's being treated differently just because she's a 'girl'." Yes I used the fingers to go along with it.

Matt shifted uncomfortably, folding his arms. "I stand by what I said Lucy. You're too small to be playing. A little girl like you could get seriously injured." My cheeks began to heat up and my heart began to pound in my chest. I looked at Lucy, heartbreak written all over her face. I kneeled down and softly said to her "Luc, you head back to the classroom. I'm just going to chat to Mr Hamblin and I'll be back ok!" Lucy nodded and sheepishly left the room.

"Are you kidding me right now?" My voice was firm. "I appreciate your concern on safety, but perhaps we could find a way to safely include everyone? Maybe a girls team or even a mixed team?" I was trying to reason with Matt. He wasn't having any of it and to be quite honestly, I was tired of how much a bellend he was.

"I don't have time for another team Bella." He smiled at me, sarcastically. "I've always been taught that football if for boys. And as long as I'm teaching them PE that's what is going to happen. If you're quite finished, please shut the door behind you."

"This is certainly not finished - I'm taking this matter further." I abruptly said and with that left the room - leaving the door wide open.

I decided that I would speak to my headteacher after the school had finished. Not wanting it to affect my pupils leaning anymore than it already had. I walked and went over to Lucy. "It's all sorted lovely. Next week you can join in with them. Sound good?" Lucy nodded at me ecstatically "thank you so much Miss Clarke. You're the best!"

As the day closed off with the end of school bell ringing, I led my class to the playground. Once handover was complete, I headed straight for Mrs Mannings office. I knocked on the door. "Come in!" She said cheerfully. "Hello Bella, what do I owe this pleasure?" "Hi Jess, I'm really sorry to bring this to your attention - especially on a Friday afternoon but to quite frankly I am absolutely furious with Matt." "Bella, slow down. What's happened?"

I put my hands together, "it's about PE - Matt told Lucy, one of pupils that she wasn't allowed to play football because of her gender." Jess' eyebrows furrowed "I'm sorry, he said what? She wasn't allowed to play PE because she's a girl?" I don't think Jess could quite believe we were having this conversation. "Yes, he tried to blame it on her safety. However, when I suggested a girls team or a mixed team he told me that he doesn't believe girls should play football and that as long as he's in charge of running the session then no girls will be attending. His whole attitude towards this situation is absolutely unacceptable.

"Very well. Leave this with me." Jess said, running my shoulder reassuringly. "I'm sorry for bringing this to your door. I just thought you should be aware." "Absolutely no need for apologies Bella. You've done the right thing. This is absolutely unacceptable." Oh she's angry.

"Equality and inclusion is something this school is renounced for. Every child deserves equal opportunity in all aspects of school like. It goes against our school's values and polices." Jess spoke once again.

"I absolutely agree. You should've seen her Jess. She was heartbroken." I admitted.

"I will schedule a meeting with Matt first thing Monday morning. We need to ensure that this does not and will not happen again. For any pupil. I will not tolerate it in my school. Meanwhile Bella, would you be willing to coordinate a session for staff. Maybe on the importance of gender inclusivity? We could arrange an outside speaker or someone of importance for to help shed light on this matter?"

My face lit up - "actually, my girlfriend, Leah, she's a professional footballer for Arsenal Ladies and the Lionesses. I'm sure she'd love to come and help close the gap! I'll ask her tonight and sort it out on Monday?"

"That's perfect! What a wonderful idea. If you could arrange it that would be great. I'll make sure to speak to Lucy's parents on Monday too - just to ensure they know we are not taking this lightly."

"Thank you again Jess, I appreciate everything you do. I'll get the talk sorted. No worries. Have a lovely weekend." And with that I went to collect my belongings and headed home.