The headteacher of Thomas Tallis School in Kidbrooke, Carolyn Roberts, has emphasized the importance of character development and family involvement in deterring children from engaging in criminal activities. With four decades of teaching experience, including 20 years as a headteacher, she believes that instilling positive character traits in students is crucial in steering them away from crime.

Throughout her career, Carolyn has encountered instances of students getting involved in criminal behavior. She acknowledges that addressing this issue is a common challenge faced by secondary schools, including her own. She highlights the need for schools to work closely with students to guide them towards making better choices and developing strong moral values.

Carolyn’s approach involves individualized strategies to address each child’s unique situation. She emphasizes the significance of character development as a fundamental tool in addressing and preventing criminal activities among students. While she acknowledges that in extreme cases, schools may have to part ways with students engaged in serious misconduct, she advocates for proactive measures such as mentorship, one-on-one support, and fostering trusting relationships with students and their families.

Carolyn underscores the importance of creating a supportive and nurturing environment within schools, with resources such as counselors and welfare teams in place to assist students in need. By promoting kindness, respect, and positive values, schools aim to set examples for students to emulate as they transition into adulthood.

In addressing societal factors that may contribute to youth crime, Carolyn stresses the need for increased funding for law enforcement and extracurricular activities for young people. She believes that adequate resources in these areas can help prevent adolescents from being led astray by negative influences and potentially risky environments.

Furthermore, Carolyn advocates for better funding for police services and education to ensure the safety and well-being of both students and teachers. She also highlights the challenges posed by disruptive behavior following the Covid-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of schools implementing effective systems to manage such issues.

Overall, Carolyn Roberts advocates for a holistic approach to addressing student behavior and promoting a safe and supportive learning environment that nurtures positive character development.