A Shefford mother has spoken out on social media after alleging that a student from Robert Bloomfield School used a racial slur toward her five-year-old son during an interaction near the fence separating the lower school’s field from the older students’ play area.
The incident, shared by Maia Leyan in the Our Shefford Facebook group, has prompted concern among local parents and renewed discussion about how schools handle racial language and behavior among pupils.
According to Leyan’s post, the incident occurred while her young son was playing on the lower school field.
She claims that a group of older children, identified as Robert Bloomfield pupils, were on the other side of the fence when one of the boys allegedly directed the N-word at her child.
Leyan wrote that the behavior was “absolutely in no way, shape, or from acceptable,” adding that such language is not used in her household and is not something her son would even recognise.
She stated that it was only the slur reportedly used toward her son, but the older child later told teachers that her five-year-old had been the one to say the word.
Leyan strongly denied this, saying the slur “is not in his vocabulary, nor is it in anyone in out family’s.”
She expressed uncertainty about the intent behind the older student’s behavior, whether the child believed it was “funny” or whether it was racially motivated, but maintained that either way, it was deeply inappropriate.
In her view, any parent whose child uses such language should address it seriously: “Have a bloody word with your kid,” she urged.
The school has reportedly been informed. While Leyan did not detail the school’s response, she confirmed that administrators are aware of the incident.
She also described the child involved, noting that he was wearing black and green trainers while playing football.
The post grabbed attention within the community, generating multiple comments from other parents. Many expressed sympathy and frustration.
One commenter, Margaret Moss, voiced concern about the behavior and emphasized the importance of educating children about racism from a young age. She wrote,
That child needs to be educated about racism,” “Sorry your son had to experience that.”
Margaret Moss
Another community member, Rhea Everett-Newton, offered support, writing, “Not good, hope you guys are okay xx,” acknowledging both the seriousness of the allegation and the emotional impact such an incident can have on a young child and their family.
However, the post also received responses questioning the need to raise the issue publicly online. Lesley Rae Christy commented,
“If you knew who the child was, and have spoken to the school, why do you need to put it on here? Surely it’s resolved.”
Lesley Rae Christy
Leyan did not respond directly to the comment within the shared reference. Still, her initial post suggests she felt compelled to raise awareness among parents, particularly regarding unacceptable language and the responsibility adults have to teach children about its harm.
The alleged use of a racial slur by a pupil, especially toward a child so young, highlights the challenges schools face in addressing discriminatory language among students.
While many institutions have strict policies regarding hate speech, enforcement and reporting can vary, and incidents often rely on student or parent accounts.
As of now, the full scope of the school’s response is not publicly known, and no official statement has been referenced.
Leyan concluded her post with a brief note of thanks, “Much obliged,” after providing additional identifying details about the boy involved.
