'Sir' will become 'Miss' at Accrington school (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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'Sir' will become 'Miss' at Accrington school
11:30am Wednesday 19th December 2012 in News
By Lisa Woodhouse, Assistant picture editor
St Mary Magdalen's C of E School in Accrington
A PRIMARY school teacher will be asking children to call him ‘Miss’ instead of ‘Sir’ after the Christmas break.
Parents have been told that Nathan Upton, a Year Six teacher at St Mary Magdalen’s CofE Primary, Accrington, will return in the new year as Miss Lucy Meadows following a ‘transition’.
Each class has been spoken to about the change by headteacher Karen Hardman who said she was fully in support of Mr Upton’s decision.
Parents said their children had been told by Mr Upton that he had been born with a girl’s brain in a boy’s body.
The newsletter, which was hand delivered to parents, said: “Mr Upton has made a significant change in his life and will be transitioning to live as a woman after the Christmas break. She will return to work as Miss Meadows.”
In a statement Mr Upton, understood to be in his early 30s, said: “This has been a long and difficult journey for me, and it was certainly not an easy decision to make. I am grateful to governors and colleagues at St Mary Magdalen's for their support.
"I'd now ask for my privacy to be respected so that I can continue with my job, which I'm committed to and which I enjoy very much."
Mrs Hardman said staff at the Devonshire Street school and governors were supportive of Mr Upton.
She said: “We value all our teachers for their hard work and commitment to the education of our children.
“Naturally, we understand that an issue such as this is bound to arouse interest for a short while.
“However, this is a personal matter for our staff member, who has our full support, and we are all working together to ensure it has the least impact on the smooth running of the school.”
A spokesperson for Blackburn Diocese said: “We were made aware of the situation as soon as the school was informed by the teacher of his decision.
“Since then we have been in close and constant discussion with the school governors, headteacher and local education authority to advise on how the matter should be handled, particularly from the point of view of the pupils, as well as parents and teachers.”
Parents at the school had mixed reactions to the news.
Father-of-three Wayne Cowie voiced his concerns about the effect on his children and the confusion it will cause.
He said: “I didn’t think I’d need the birds and the bees talk with my sons until they were at high school and now they are coming home asking about transvestites.
“My lad is very confused and upset about it. He should have taken a couple of years off to sort himself out.”
One child, who currently has Mr Upton as his class teacher, said it would be strange calling him a new name next year.
He said: “It will feel very strange calling him Miss Meadows. He told us he was going to become a girl after Christmas. Me and my friends were left confused and people kept asking him lots of questions.”
One 10-year-old girl, who said she may have Miss Meadows from next year, said: “He spoke to us and said he’s going to be changing into a woman and wearing women’s clothes after Christmas. We were all a bit shocked. He said he’s going to totally change his appearance.”
A grandmother, collecting her seven-year-old granddaughter from the school, said: “It has been handled very sensitively by the school and I think it’s a very brave thing for him to do.”
A mum said: “It’s his life, but he can dress as a woman in his own time. It’s just going to confuse the children.”
And another said he should have changed schools.
She said: “I think he should have left St Mary’s and joined another school with his new name for a fresh start.”
Another mum said: “My children are happy. I don’t see anything wrong with it. He’s not the first and he won’t be the last. All I care about is my child’s education.”
Comments(61)
paperboy70
says...
12:02pm Wed 19 Dec 12
RIP Rovers... have some compassion rather than posting crude comments.
frank
says...
12:17pm Wed 19 Dec 12
badref
says...
12:28pm Wed 19 Dec 12
If you choose to put your child in a church school it might be worth at some point exploring those Christian ethics of tolerance and inclusion rather than making ill-informed comments that rather suggest a desire to have fifteen minutes of fame than any depth of concern for their children's welfare.
stevie007bond
says...
12:39pm Wed 19 Dec 12
My girls attend this school and one has been taught by Nathan Upton and he was a great teacher, just because of the changes he decides to make in his life won't change his teaching abilities. Most of the kids and parents do not have an issue with it and are supportive of Nathan Uptons decision but as with everything in life there is always a minority whom think different.
AndyW
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12:39pm Wed 19 Dec 12
What chance do the children have when the adults have such ignorant and arrogant views...?
davemcb
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12:48pm Wed 19 Dec 12
wrinkles
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1:25pm Wed 19 Dec 12
POW WOW
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1:25pm Wed 19 Dec 12
Mikeee47
says...
1:27pm Wed 19 Dec 12
we are all entitled to our comments and opinions, as if the kids aren't confused enough, then make them have to understand this, Unbelieveable, yes I said it, it's wrong,
Sir Bill Taylor
says...
1:30pm Wed 19 Dec 12
Whydidtheybanme?
says...
1:38pm Wed 19 Dec 12
I am sure I speak for the common sense majority when I say that perhaps this teacher should've moved school or taken a couple of years out. I personally think that kids in Primary school (not sure if this school has infants) are too young to know about the birds and the bees, let alone the bees and the bees at the age of 7.
Jeff Wayne
says...
2:10pm Wed 19 Dec 12
Just because some narrow mined people are upset/confused/jealo
us that Miss Meadows has been brave enough to stand up and and try and explain what is happening to the children rather than (as some people would want) run off and hide!
I hope that the children can take on board what is happening without too much stress and confusion (but children being children they will sail through it) and not have the bigoted views that some of the parents seem to have. Im sure Miss Meadows will want to have her privacy and not be hounded by shoddy journalists trying to get a story.
It seems tome that Miss Meadows an the school have handled this very well, why would / should this be something like this be an issue? I'm sure that if the parents had tried to explain this it would have been far more complicated as they would not have all the answers. as Mr Cowie shows by calling the brave teacher a transvestite, and as reported
A mum said: “It’s his life, but he can dress as a woman in his own time. It’s just going to confuse the children.”
this just shows a complete lack of understanding and compassion to the individual, do the parents really think that this is all it is about??
please for the sake of the teacher in question and the sake of the children stop going on about it and lets get on with life.
Good luck Miss Meadows
Interocitor
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2:23pm Wed 19 Dec 12
Interocitor
says...
2:24pm Wed 19 Dec 12
paperboy70
says...
2:27pm Wed 19 Dec 12
AshleyAnne
says...
2:28pm Wed 19 Dec 12
If a child of seven is talking about transvestites they certainly didn't learn about it from the teacher concerned because that is the last thing she is.
If I was the teacher concerned I would be looking very carefully at what has been printed, committed to print by "concerned parties" and other "comments" made by various individuals. There is now, thank God, some very interesting legislation in respect of these matters and offences that may arise therefrom.
My interest?...I'm transgendered, my two best friends are transgendered. I'm accepted at work and in my neighbourhood and by my family.
Good luck to her. Hopefully she will be strong enough to withstand the idiots, bigots and other assorted morons she is bound to encounter. You go girl!
Venomp
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2:48pm Wed 19 Dec 12
fudgie87
says...
2:53pm Wed 19 Dec 12
I have complained regarding the issue as my children are both very confused about the issue. I was the one answering all their questions they had not the school.
Everyone is going on about what is best for Mr Upton/Miss Meadows, what about what is best for the children.
I am not against what people do in their private life but this has been impacted on parents and children. Please bare in mind the parents had no say in whether there children were told. Children from the age of 4 years were told so yes infants were included too, are these children supposed to understand this I do not think so.
As for me being an idiot, bigot etc. No I am a concerned parent which I HAVE A RIGHT TO BE!.
I complained through the right channels though instead.
Everyone is good luck to him, what about the children it could affect, those that dont understand what will it do to their education?
Yes he is a good teacher that I cannot fault him for in any way. This should have been handled differently thats all I am saying
worried parent2
says...
2:58pm Wed 19 Dec 12
In school we trust that teachers will strive to do their best in order to educate our children for the future, by delivering 'age appropriate' content via a structured framework.
Were Miss Meadows starting as a new teacher in 2013, I, as I suspect is the case with most parents that have objections, would have little concern.
Why then am I currently extremely worried:
1. Where was the parental support prior to telling the children; parents were left to answer difficult questions without prior knowledge of the subject or how to handle it.
2. Children were informed before parents had the option to object.
3. Timing; is Christmas, the time when children should be celebrating and having fun, the best time to introduce contentious issues into school for them.
4. Should children at primary age, be forced to gain knowledge surrounding gender issues, primarily to support the requirements of an individual.
5. The children are already asking searching questions, this is likely to escalate in the New Year when Miss Meadows appears, support ? guidance ? counselling ? has this been considered or planned for ?
Yes Mr Upton has rights and I for one support him in having the right to live life as he pleases.
Morally however, when entering the teaching profession, I feel he entered into a career which requires far more dedication than contractual considerations allow for, he should have moved schools to protect the minds of our most precious gifts, our children!
Excluded again
says...
3:10pm Wed 19 Dec 12
I can remember having to learn the new name for one of my teachers when i was at primary school. She got married over the Easter break. Somehow I coped.
karltop
says...
3:14pm Wed 19 Dec 12
Unfortunately the rights of "Miss Meadows" trumps those of the pupils and parents.If you disagree with that, you're a bigot/arrogant/ignor
ant/insert other insults here, because that's the world we now live in.
Adswood7
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3:20pm Wed 19 Dec 12
fudgie87
says...
3:26pm Wed 19 Dec 12
karltop wrote:We live in a world with freedom of speech to cant you tell. Vile words are those.
Sod the kids and the parents, this is about protecting/promoting a minority.
Unfortunately the rights of "Miss Meadows" trumps those of the pupils and parents.If you disagree with that, you're a bigot/arrogant/ignor
ant/insert other insults here, because that's the world we now live in.
As a parent I put my children first no matter what I am called.
These children are the future, children of that age shouldnt need to know!
Anyone commenting whose children are not at the school need to think twice as it doesnt affect you
retired one
says...
3:31pm Wed 19 Dec 12
fudgie87 wrote:Well said. Children of this age are too young to understand. This teacher should have had a fresh start at a different school to avoid any confusion for the young children.
I am a Parent with 2 children who attend the school.
I have complained regarding the issue as my children are both very confused about the issue. I was the one answering all their questions they had not the school.
Everyone is going on about what is best for Mr Upton/Miss Meadows, what about what is best for the children.
I am not against what people do in their private life but this has been impacted on parents and children. Please bare in mind the parents had no say in whether there children were told. Children from the age of 4 years were told so yes infants were included too, are these children supposed to understand this I do not think so.
As for me being an idiot, bigot etc. No I am a concerned parent which I HAVE A RIGHT TO BE!.
I complained through the right channels though instead.
Everyone is good luck to him, what about the children it could affect, those that dont understand what will it do to their education?
Yes he is a good teacher that I cannot fault him for in any way. This should have been handled differently thats all I am saying
teacher125
says...
3:31pm Wed 19 Dec 12
wayne cowie
says...
3:39pm Wed 19 Dec 12
stevie007bond wrote:id tell him to quit schools start a fresh and stand by him he got the job as a man let the kids get to know him as a man then gives um 2weeks to get they heads round it some of them kids is 4 year old
I ask Wayne Cowie what his stance would be if one of his three sons had gender issues in years to come. Would he be supportive of his son(s) and render himself an hippocrit now or would he keep his own morales and disown his child for the way they are.
My girls attend this school and one has been taught by Nathan Upton and he was a great teacher, just because of the changes he decides to make in his life won't change his teaching abilities. Most of the kids and parents do not have an issue with it and are supportive of Nathan Uptons decision but as with everything in life there is always a minority whom think different.
badref
says...
3:40pm Wed 19 Dec 12
karltop
says...
3:41pm Wed 19 Dec 12
fudgie87 wrote:I agree completely. My post was designed to be sarcastic. I'm on your side.
karltop wrote:We live in a world with freedom of speech to cant you tell. Vile words are those.
Sod the kids and the parents, this is about protecting/promoting a minority.
Unfortunately the rights of "Miss Meadows" trumps those of the pupils and parents.If you disagree with that, you're a bigot/arrogant/ignor
ant/insert other insults here, because that's the world we now live in.
As a parent I put my children first no matter what I am called.
These children are the future, children of that age shouldnt need to know!
Anyone commenting whose children are not at the school need to think twice as it doesnt affect you
teacher125
says...
3:41pm Wed 19 Dec 12
fudgie87
says...
3:42pm Wed 19 Dec 12
teacher125 wrote:Handle them unprofessionally... that is why my children are really confused. They learn age appropriately why do children from 4 years up need to learn this? Answer SIMPLES! they dont.
May I take the opportunity to support Lucy in her decision for next term. The quality of the teaching she will provide is the key issue here not her title or her mode of dress. Children will cope with a change of name - of course they will have questions, it is the way they learn; knowing the staff and school as I do I am positive that they will handle all problems professionally and be supportive of the pupils as always. As for the point that was raised about birds and bees being a secondary school topic - I metaphorically throw my hands up in dispair! You need to answer the questions as they arise not put a specific age on the answers. I do not feel that your paper was right to put added pressure on the staff and children at this time but I expect that you were 'directed ' to the story by a 'concerned' parent.
fudgie87
says...
3:48pm Wed 19 Dec 12
teacher125 wrote:I know the difference and dont think it is something I should be having to discuss with my primary school children.
Wayne Cowie - I think you need to understand the difference between transexual and transgender. Why the talk of sacking? What proof do you have that mode of dress and title are going to make this professional teacher behave any differently towards your child?
There is a lot more thinking that needs to be done this is no were near as straight forward as those supporting this thinks. This has not been thought though at ALL!
teacher125
says...
3:48pm Wed 19 Dec 12
karltop
says...
3:50pm Wed 19 Dec 12
teacher125 wrote:It is not for the state to interfere in how people want to bring up their kids. Nor should it be forced upon them.
fudgie87 - why do they need to learn this? Perhaps because it is something that happens?
wayne cowie
says...
3:53pm Wed 19 Dec 12
teacher125
says...
3:56pm Wed 19 Dec 12
fudgie87 wrote:I think that the evidence of the staff hand delivering a well constructed information letter to parents was well thought out. What was not as well considered was running to the press with a so-called 'story'. Perhaps it would have been better to request an interview with the Headteacher so that parents could have been helped to support and inform their children in the individual manner that was age and intelligence specific.
teacher125 wrote:I know the difference and dont think it is something I should be having to discuss with my primary school children.
Wayne Cowie - I think you need to understand the difference between transexual and transgender. Why the talk of sacking? What proof do you have that mode of dress and title are going to make this professional teacher behave any differently towards your child?
There is a lot more thinking that needs to be done this is no were near as straight forward as those supporting this thinks. This has not been thought though at ALL!
wayne cowie
says...
3:57pm Wed 19 Dec 12
fudgie87
says...
3:58pm Wed 19 Dec 12
teacher125 wrote:You are not understanding any of this at all, yes it happens as do a lot of other things in life.
fudgie87 - why do they need to learn this? Perhaps because it is something that happens?
As a parent I have a right to explain things to my children if I choose to this right was took away from me, along with other parents.
I have no problem with the way any people live there lives at home or away from school. As long as it is not done in front of my children without my consent first. That is the problem I have my children should be talking about Santa, not asking questions about a teacher.
paperboy70
says...
4:02pm Wed 19 Dec 12
teacher125
says...
4:04pm Wed 19 Dec 12
wayne cowie wrote:I expect it will be dealt with in the same way all actions of this ilk are - to the same high standard of manners and understanding for which St Mary Magdalen's has become reknown. I would have thought it was common sense for the parents to support the school and it's staff if they want the best for children at the school.
wots gonner happen to the frist kids that giggle kids will be kids
fudgie87
says...
4:09pm Wed 19 Dec 12
teacher125 wrote:What should have happened is the Head and Governors should have called an urgent meeting of parents. To discuss the matter stop passing this BIG error back onto the parents trying to protect their children.
fudgie87 wrote:I think that the evidence of the staff hand delivering a well constructed information letter to parents was well thought out. What was not as well considered was running to the press with a so-called 'story'. Perhaps it would have been better to request an interview with the Headteacher so that parents could have been helped to support and inform their children in the individual manner that was age and intelligence specific.
teacher125 wrote:I know the difference and dont think it is something I should be having to discuss with my primary school children.
Wayne Cowie - I think you need to understand the difference between transexual and transgender. Why the talk of sacking? What proof do you have that mode of dress and title are going to make this professional teacher behave any differently towards your child?
There is a lot more thinking that needs to be done this is no were near as straight forward as those supporting this thinks. This has not been thought though at ALL!
The school strive on being approachable so why didnt they do the decent thing and approach the parents of the children they teach, way before and have meetings regarding it. This should not be forced on MY children.
You really need to step back and look at how this is going to affect the children in the long term.
wayne cowie
says...
4:12pm Wed 19 Dec 12
teacher125 wrote:dont i get the same they droped this on me no i dont under stand stuff like this or wont too i cant get my head round it at 35 good luck to 4 to 11 year old 2 week is no were near long enough bottum line no matter wot he thinks he is or trying to be he a man in a dress hes gonner be spending more time copeing with the kids laughing then teaching um
wayne cowie wrote:I expect it will be dealt with in the same way all actions of this ilk are - to the same high standard of manners and understanding for which St Mary Magdalen's has become reknown. I would have thought it was common sense for the parents to support the school and it's staff if they want the best for children at the school.
wots gonner happen to the frist kids that giggle kids will be kids
wayne cowie
says...
4:16pm Wed 19 Dec 12
teacher125
says...
4:24pm Wed 19 Dec 12
fudgie87 wrote:Fudgie87 - what do you see as the long term damage to your children ? Do you believe that it is going to affect their academic achievement? Is it going to affect the way that they will live their future lives? Or is it just another piece of information about the world and the individuals that live in it, that they need to know about, to be well adjusted members of society? We could all pretend that things that make us uncomfortable or are awkward to deal with, don't exist but is that giving our children an honest and realistic view of the world in which they are to live ?
teacher125 wrote:What should have happened is the Head and Governors should have called an urgent meeting of parents. To discuss the matter stop passing this BIG error back onto the parents trying to protect their children.
fudgie87 wrote:I think that the evidence of the staff hand delivering a well constructed information letter to parents was well thought out. What was not as well considered was running to the press with a so-called 'story'. Perhaps it would have been better to request an interview with the Headteacher so that parents could have been helped to support and inform their children in the individual manner that was age and intelligence specific.
teacher125 wrote:I know the difference and dont think it is something I should be having to discuss with my primary school children.
Wayne Cowie - I think you need to understand the difference between transexual and transgender. Why the talk of sacking? What proof do you have that mode of dress and title are going to make this professional teacher behave any differently towards your child?
There is a lot more thinking that needs to be done this is no were near as straight forward as those supporting this thinks. This has not been thought though at ALL!
The school strive on being approachable so why didnt they do the decent thing and approach the parents of the children they teach, way before and have meetings regarding it. This should not be forced on MY children.
You really need to step back and look at how this is going to affect the children in the long term.
Erm,But
says...
4:25pm Wed 19 Dec 12
The concerns you have can be so easily dispelled by learning a bit about the issues.
When you state that parents 'should have been consulted' what does that mean? You, because you have a child at the school feel you are qualified to challenge a decision made adhering to the law and school policy in a healthy wonderful way as the school have done? No, with all due respect, having a car does not make you a mechanic and having a child does not make you qualified to understand what is best for a healthy culture within a school.
We are free to parent as we wish and tackle any issues as we wish....blustering and complaining and shrilly shreiking about how terrible this is in front of children is what will cause long term confusion.
You are seeking to have an individual who is good at their job removed from the school because you're a bit uninformed.
Shame on you for showing such a lack of compassion.
Congratualtions to the school.
teacher125
says...
4:30pm Wed 19 Dec 12
Whydidtheybanme?
says...
4:35pm Wed 19 Dec 12
teacher125 wrote:If he / she hasn't had the old nip and tuck yet, then I would say they are still a transsexual, not a transgender.
Wayne Cowie - I think you need to understand the difference between transexual and transgender. Why the talk of sacking? What proof do you have that mode of dress and title are going to make this professional teacher behave any differently towards your child?
wayne cowie
says...
4:37pm Wed 19 Dec 12
fudgie87
says...
4:38pm Wed 19 Dec 12
teacher125 wrote:Were have i mentioned "long term damage?"
fudgie87 wrote:Fudgie87 - what do you see as the long term damage to your children ? Do you believe that it is going to affect their academic achievement? Is it going to affect the way that they will live their future lives? Or is it just another piece of information about the world and the individuals that live in it, that they need to know about, to be well adjusted members of society? We could all pretend that things that make us uncomfortable or are awkward to deal with, don't exist but is that giving our children an honest and realistic view of the world in which they are to live ?
teacher125 wrote:What should have happened is the Head and Governors should have called an urgent meeting of parents. To discuss the matter stop passing this BIG error back onto the parents trying to protect their children.
fudgie87 wrote:I think that the evidence of the staff hand delivering a well constructed information letter to parents was well thought out. What was not as well considered was running to the press with a so-called 'story'. Perhaps it would have been better to request an interview with the Headteacher so that parents could have been helped to support and inform their children in the individual manner that was age and intelligence specific.
teacher125 wrote:I know the difference and dont think it is something I should be having to discuss with my primary school children.
Wayne Cowie - I think you need to understand the difference between transexual and transgender. Why the talk of sacking? What proof do you have that mode of dress and title are going to make this professional teacher behave any differently towards your child?
There is a lot more thinking that needs to be done this is no were near as straight forward as those supporting this thinks. This has not been thought though at ALL!
The school strive on being approachable so why didnt they do the decent thing and approach the parents of the children they teach, way before and have meetings regarding it. This should not be forced on MY children.
You really need to step back and look at how this is going to affect the children in the long term.
I could really go into how this should have been dealt with from start to finish.
Why because I have children and know what questions they are going to ask because of this.
Which part of I, ME, THE PARENT, should have told my children do YOU simply not understand??
teacher125
says...
4:47pm Wed 19 Dec 12
Erm,But
says...
4:47pm Wed 19 Dec 12
Why didn't they know that some people are a little different than you or I and that that's ok? That's all it takes. There doesn't need to be an in depth discussion.
This issue should not be about sex or gender or relationships. It should be about how it's ok to be who you are, no matter what anyone thinks.
beeny77
says...
4:50pm Wed 19 Dec 12
Erm,But
says...
4:50pm Wed 19 Dec 12
' because I didn't get the chance'
It was not a literal question. So don't worry.
wayne cowie
says...
4:54pm Wed 19 Dec 12
fudgie87
says...
4:56pm Wed 19 Dec 12
teacher125 wrote:Like I said previously. My children would have been told after Christmas not before, as that would have been my choice when to tell them.
If you were going to tell them - where is your problem? They ALL had to be told before the return to school after Christmas - it would not have been right to have some children knowing and others ignorant of the change.
As a parent I have that right of when I explain things to my children. END OFF DISCUSSION FROM ME, ITS FALLING ON DEAF EARS!
wayne cowie
says...
5:08pm Wed 19 Dec 12
worried parent2
says...
5:12pm Wed 19 Dec 12
teacher125 wrote:I think this comment sums up the attitude, they all HAD to be told!!!
If you were going to tell them - where is your problem? They ALL had to be told before the return to school after Christmas - it would not have been right to have some children knowing and others ignorant of the change.
Well yes true, assuming that there were no other options.
As a teacher I am sure you believe in education, many comments posted within this discussion, relate to the supposed ignorance of parents. Why are they ignorant of the facts?
Surely they should be well informed, after all they received a newsletter with a full two lines in the middle of it covering the issue.
Writing to the governors was equally productive,
"we've passed your letter to our legal representative".....
..How Helpful !
Educating parents, allowing plenty of time for preparation and discussion whilst planning with a sensible timescale to inform the children would have been far more appropriate.
A fully informed parent may not be as concerned, how about sending home a proper information leaflet containing all of the facts, not two lines in a newsletter!!
llm123
says...
5:42pm Wed 19 Dec 12
LittleMissKc
says...
5:46pm Wed 19 Dec 12
mys
says...
5:48pm Wed 19 Dec 12
wrinkles
says...
6:31pm Wed 19 Dec 12
woolywords says...
11:59am Wed 19 Dec 12
Much as I'm tempted to write some funny remarks, I have managed to contain myself and hope that others will exercise the same restraint.
When you think about it, it takes enormous courage to go public with this news and especially in front of children. How easily it would have been to sneak off and do this in private but then we would all be in ignorance, unable to confront what is for some, a life-changing act.
Perhaps it is best for an educator to make it known to children and answer all their questions, fully and frankly, so at least a few children grow into adults accepting those who dare to be different.