NAHT is shocked and deeply troubled by the case of Child Q. 
 
Clearly, the priority remains ensuring that the child at the centre of the case and her family continue to receive the support they need as they attempt to recover from this deeply traumatic event.
 
It is essential that lessons are learnt from this case so that no child has to go through such an experience ever again. The report makes a series of important recommendations that should help to strengthen the guidance and statutory requirements for schools and their staff in managing similar situations. NAHT urges the Department for Education to take these forward, with input from the profession.  
 
The report also underlines the enduring role that racism (whether deliberate or not) had in the decisions taken on the day. This is once again a stark reminder to us that the experience of Black children can be very different to that of their peers. NAHT is committed to re-doubling our work to acknowledging, challenging and effectively addressing all forms of racism and racial inequality wherever they occur and playing our part in tackling racism in all its forms. 
 
As we have seen from the response to the report, this event has also had a profound and significant impact on the wider Black community, and the impact will continue to be felt for many years to come. NAHT would like to extend our solidarity with the community in these difficult times.