Episode 10 Waterloo Road

Mum, please, just don't leave us.

It's not always about you Jodi,

I need some time for me and all. Go on.

-Please don't, they'll split us up!

-Social Services will try to keep you together.

-If you call them I'll take Liam and I'll run away, I mean it!

-OK, OK.

I'll resign.

I'll hand my notice in first thing tomorrow.

If you really are sorry then prove it.

We're being inspected tomorrow and you know what, Richard? I can't wait.

-You'll fail tomorrow.

-Do you want to bet on that?

Get a bag, your stuff and Liam's, toothbrush, clothes, whatever,

you're coming back to mine.

I took your advice and let go of my anger.

What, you do listen to me occasionally?

You have your moments.

Karen?

Hi.

-Are you sneaking out on me?

-I wasn't sneaking out.

I didn't want to wake you.

Last night was...great.

Great is good.

I just couldn't sleep,

-I'm worrying about the inspection today.

-Oh, it'll be fine.

It's a good school. You know, regardless of what Whitman says.

He's creepy and he's just stirring up trouble.

-If we fail...

-It won't.

If we do, he'll use it as an excuse to close us down.

A lot of people will lose their jobs, that'll be my fault.

Well, that's not going to happen, so you get yourself in there

and do what you do any other day.

Your job.

Which you're bloody good at!

You got a nice smile.

Thank you.

Mrs Allen, it's Chris Mead again.

It's really important that you call me as soon as you get this message.

I've made our beds

and I've got Liam to pick up his toys and leave the room tidy. OK?

-I can't get hold of your mum.

-She can't have got your messages.

Maybe her phone's not charged, or she's lost it.

That's possible, but even so...

-Shouldn't we be getting in? We've got to take Liam to creche.

-Scout.

Look...

..it's not right that your mum does this kind of thing.

-She won't do it again.

-That's not the point.

It's the fact that she thought it was OK to leave you on your own in the first place.

-Social Services need to know.

-Please, don't.

-They'll take us into care and split us up.

-They'll do what they think is necessary.

You lied to me.

You said you'd look after us.

I'm sorry Scout. Look, I've got to call them.

Morning.

-Look, I'm glad I caught you. I wanted to apologise for...

-Not interested.

I just want to concentrate on today, see if we can undo some of the damage that you've done.

Oi! What you doin'?

-We're being inspected!

-What?

-Think about it.

The more we arse about, the school fails. No more school!

No, div! No more this school. We'll just get split up and go to different ones.

-You're the div, Fisher!

-Oi!

That's enough boys. Today is not the day for that sort of thing!

We've got an inspector visiting.

Tell 'em they can inspect this!

Kyle, enough! Look we all need to pull together.

You sound like you really care, miss.

-About the future of this place.

-Of course, I do.

Mmm, well not everyone does.

Like the person who was spilling things to the Local Authority.

Actually helping the people that want to close us down.

Ah, well, at least Kyle has the guts to come out

and say that he wants the school to close.

Right, OK, yeah..

Er, hello, can I...

OK I'll call you back.

-Oh, hello, Alison Drew, Schools' Inspector. Ms Fisher?

-Karen, please.

Sorry, I wasn't expecting you quite so early.

I always like to come early to get a feeling of the place. Is that a problem?

No, not at all.

I'm not here to catch you out.

Honest. I've read the file, so I know what's been going on.

Mr Whitman's version, of course.

Karen, I'm an independent observer.

Nothing you or Mr Whitman say, or have said,

is going to colour my inspection.

No, sure.

I'm here to objectively assess how this school runs under your management.

No more, no less.

I then give my report to the Local Authority

-and any decisions they come to, comes from them. Is that clear?

-Crystal.

Good.

I can't believe he failed me.

Ah, what a loser!

You haven't even passed your theory test. At least I can drive!

-The examiner didn't think so.

-Get a car and I'll show you.

Oh, yeah, cos I got one in my bag, actually.

Yeah, well, your dad's got one. Get me his keys.

He's bluffing. He wouldn't dare.

It's him who's being chicken.

Yeah.

I'm in. Free Period.

Vicki, I'm really sorry.

I didn't know how you was going to react when I told you.

Are you all right?

Does Jess know?

Yeah.

Yeah, she's been great.

It doesn't make it any easier though.

Is there anything I can do?

No, thanks. I just thought I'd let you know.

Scout!

-Just leave me alone.

-Scout, it's important.

I've spoken Social Services.

They're very concerned,

so they're going to send someone here later to talk to you and Liam.

Well, I won't speak to 'em.

-Oh, come one, you know that I had to do this.

-No, you didn't.

-They'll help you.

-I can't believe you did this.

You need proper care.

What do you know about care?!

Scout!

-Scout.

-What's going on?

Scout's mum's disappeared with some bloke,

left her and her brother on their own.

-So Scout and...

-Liam.

Liam have been staying by themselves?

Er...no.

No, they both stayed at mine last night.

Please tell me you didn't just say that?

-Why didn't you call the social services?

-I just did.

Why didn't you call them last night?

It was late, I thought her mum was going to come back.

-It was only ever going to be for one night, I'm sorry, OK?

-Sorry?!

You'll be suspended over this!

I-I was trying to help them!

I wasn't just going to abandon them, was I?

Chris, we're being inspected today!

Every other teacher in this school is working their backside off to help get through it

and you land this in my lap?

-Well, when the LA hear about it...

-Do they have to?

Of course they do!

Alison's going to get wind and she's going to think I can't manage my staff!

Let's just get through the inspection

and then we're going to have to tell her.

Alison Drew, Chris Mead, my Deputy Head.

-Pleasure.

-I hope so! Are you ready?

Yes, come on in.

Right, Denzil,

can you make sure Ms Drew gets some safety specs as well, please?

As today we're doing rapid, exothermic oxidation,

-which is also known as?

-ALL: Combustion!

Excellent!

I have to admit, they wasn't this excited last week when we did rust!

No, well, obviously I chose the right week to visit.

So? What are we seeing here?

It's like, bonfire night, but smaller!

Duh, it's like them cheap sparklers you get off the market, innit?

OK, but can anybody give me a more scientific explanation?

The iron is combusting.

Excellent and what's the oxidising agent? Scout?

-Oxygen!

-Brilliant!

So, the oxygen and the iron need what else in order to...

Are you all right?

Your mum's not back yet?

You'll be all right, you've got Mr Mead helping you.

Just leave me alone, Denzil.

Vicki's trying to put on a brave face, but I know she's devastated.

Yeah, she will be.

How are you?

I want to do the right thing, I want to help.

But she's got Ronan,

the last thing they're going to want is me butting in.

Maybe, but it was your baby as well.

I don't even know how I feel.

It's not even sunk in.

I just don't want this to happen to Jess.

Maybe you should tell her that?

We're talking, but...

Yeah, well, be patient.

What's happened is bound to be scary for Jess as well.

But whatever you do,

don't bottle it up.

You can always come to me.

-D'you hear what I'm saying?

-Yeah.

You can hug me, if you...

-Heard you talking to someone this morning.

-Hm-mm.

Sounded a lot like my Head Mistress.

I don't know what she was doing round that early?

Can't think. You must've been dreaming.

It's good though, innit?

Yeah.

BELL RINGING

Well, that's Mr Mead done, onto Mr Clarkson.

Let me point you in the right direction.

-Well done.

-Thanks.

Scout?

The social worker that's coming, she's called Bethany.

-She sounds really nice.

-Fine.

I know you're upset and that you think I've let you down,

but I'm just trying to do what's best for you and Liam, OK?

Thanks. Can I go now?

Sure.

I'm not sure about this.

Come on, it'll be a laugh. The School's closing anyway,

-we're done here.

-Yeah, but...

-Just do it.

-Mr Clarkson? English?

-Yes.

Oh, hello, I'm Alison Drew.

-I'm going to be sitting in on your class.

-Hi, er, come in.

-Is it all right if I sit at the back?

-Yeah, course.

Mum...please, just,

just get back here now.

Or at least phone us.

I can't believe you've just done this to us. How could you?

You're useless, Mum.

You're totally useless!

Who can give me five words from the passage

that best describe how the narrator is feeling?

Harry?

-Shona, Rhona.

-I'm Rhona!

I'm Shona. I can't believe you don't know that yet!

(LAUGHS) Of course, I do.

That's my little joke!

Firming up the teacher/pupil bond.

Erm, Scout Allen?

"Gwendolen, it is a terrible thing for a man to find out,

"suddenly, that all his life he has been speaking nothing but the truth. Can you forgive me?"

"I can. For I feel that you are sure to change."

Scout! Where're you going?

You haven't seen us, yeah? Swear you won't say anything!

-But you can't just leave.

-SWEAR!

All right, I swear.

Look...

Take this.

It's all I've got.

Thanks, Denz.

All right?

Hiya.

Vicky told me this morning, what had happened.

Well, I can't believe how well she's handling it.

Are you OK?

I'm fine.

And the baby?

Taking it easy?

-Why are you so interested?

-I just am.

You know, Vicky didn't have a miscarriage

because she wasn't looking after herself,

it's just something that happens. You just don't know.

No.

Just got to be careful.

Well, I am.

Got to go.

Very, very good.

Come on, that's right. That's good, yes.

Come on you stragglers! Come on, brakes.

Brakes, BRAKES!

Yes.

Er, right, that's what's called the standard signalling manoeuvre...

How long's Mr Chalk been teaching here?

Oh, just this term,

but he's great, he's a real asset to the maths department.

..That's it, yes!

Now, who can tell me, who can tell me what this sign means?

-Mr Mead?

-Yes, Denzil?

You know you've been helping Scout? With her mum being away and all?

What's this about?

You promise if I tell you something,

-you swear she won't get into trouble?

-What's happened?

I'm not grassing her up, it's just...I'm worried about her.

OK.

I seen her heading out of school.

She was with her little bro. I promised I wouldn't say anything,

but she looked like she was on a mission

and I don't want anything to happen to her.

Did she say where she was going?

OK.

OK, thanks for letting me know.

-You actually going to do this?

-You're not chickening out?

-No!

Just watch the car all right?

-Bagsy front seat!

-Er, no! I did ages ago!

-Urr!

-Just shut up!

-Just hold it down.

Lauren's in front, or neither of you are going.

Miaow!

REVVING

Finn!

Just shut up, man?

CREAKING

I take it back, Finn. You're such a brilliant driver(!)

Oh, yeah, you wouldn't never have guessed you hadn't passed your test(!)

GIRLS: Whoa!

So, now we move on to one of THE trickiest manoeuvres a cyclist has to face,

the right turn.

Now why is this potentially difficult?

-Cos that's the hand you've got your phone in?

-STUDENTS LAUGH

-I'm presuming that's a joke...

-Everything going OK?

Yes, it's a real eye-opener, this!

..be it a phone, MP3 player,

hot beverage, cold beverage.

Right, so...

Oh, yeah, cos this is fun, once around the school car park.

-Well, I'm not leaving the school.

-No, don't.

-Don't even think about it, Finn.

-I make a good, clear signal,

then I move off into the centre of the road.

Come on Chicken Boy!

-At least put the radio on.

-Yeah!

-Just shut up will ya!

Finn, watch out! Oh, my God, it's Chalky! Stop!

-Oi! What are you doing?! That's Mr Clarkson's car!

-Come on you lot, out!

-What is going on?

-Is this is a teacher's car?

-It belongs to Josh's dad.

-Right! All four of you into the cooler, now.

-Here, why me? I wasn't driving.

-Just go!

-What about the car?

-We'll get someone who can drive to move it.

Chris!

Chris, where are you going?

Scout's left school and she's taken her brother. I'm going to find them.

-This is not good timing, I need you here.

-This is too important.

I said I'd look after her.

Unless I got the wrong end of the stick, your Deputy just seriously undermined your authority.

Minutes after four of your students were caught joyriding.

-I think we need to talk.

-Sure.

What the hell were you playing at?

-It was the girls!

-Cheers, Josh, yeah.

No, it wasn't.

It was my fault.

So, why did you do it?

For a laugh! Wasn't trying to hurt anyone.

-Whether you were trying or not, someone could've been seriously injured.

-But they weren't!

-Everyone was OK. Nobody died.

-That's hardly the point, is it?

Isn't it?

-People die all the time, Tom!

-Finn!

Is that what this is about?

-Sam.

-No!

Do you think Sam would pull a stunt like that?

Put all her mates' lives at risk?

I know.

Sorry.

OK. So, what's going on with Chris Mead?

He's worried about a pupil.

The mother left her and her brother on their own yesterday.

Chris took them in for a night.

Took them in?

They stayed in his flat.

He does understand the sort of trouble this is this going to land him in?

He'll be suspended pending a full investigation.

-He isn't stupid.

-If you knew about this, why didn't you tell me?

Sorry.

You have let the LA know?

No.

Not yet.

I know I should've handled this differently

and informed people sooner.

You do understand I'm going to have to let the LA know about this immediately?

Of course.

Tell you what, why don't you choose your favourites?

All right, love?

What are you doing here?

-I'm back, aren't I?

-Why?

Well, seemed important, all them messages.

I meant, why did you bother?

What do you mean?

I'm your mum, aren't I?

No, you're not.

A mum looks after her kids.

She feeds 'em, she buys 'em clothes and stuff.

A mum doesn't need to be told to come back and look after her kids.

-What's the problem? I'm back now.

-It's too late!

The Social know what happened.

Well, how did they find out?

Mr Mead told 'em. You went an' left us! I hate you!

-They can't take you away from me.

-Tell them that.

What we going to do?

I'm not letting them put us into care and split us up.

So, me and Liam are leaving.

Where you goin'?

Anywhere. Catch a train, Manchester?

Just get as far away from you as possible.

-Yeah, but you haven't got any money.

-I'll get some somehow.

I can look after myself. like normal.

No, Scout, look, I love you.

Don't do this to me.

You're my babies.

Only when it suits you.

Come on, Liam. We're going.

Scout, don't.

-I'm sorry.

-I NEVER want to see you again. Come on!

-Ah, Mr Whitman.

-I came as soon as I found out.

The press'll have a field day with this if they find out.

Mr Mead...thought he was helping a pupil.

And that makes it better how, exactly?

This was a gross mis-judgment on his part and yours.

It didn't help, you not telling me.

You knew your management was under scrutiny today.

I'm sorry.

That's not good enough I'm afraid.

Today's events leave the LA with no alternative than to suspend you.

As of now, this school is under direct Local Authority control.

You do understand why this is happening, don't you?

Absolutely.

We'll leave you to clear your desk.

Let's just keep this professional.

Are you OK, Mrs Fisher?

All right?

-You've got a nerve.

-I came to say sorry.

-Do one.

-Darren, it wasn't my fault. It's not like I ripped you off.

The school were raided.

Same difference in my book.

You lost something that belonged to me.

I'm sorry, OK? Can't you see that?

-All I see is some mouthy kid and her baby brother.

-Give us another chance.

If you do, I can start earning again. Pay back what I owe you.

After what happened last time? You're joking, aren't you?

Come on, I were good, weren't I?

Please! I've got nowt left.

I need to feed him.

I'll do anything.

Screw up again and that's it. Do you understand?

Course! You won't regret it.

It's only cos I don't want the Little Man on me case. Isn't that right?

Remember Doddsy?

Take this to him and bring back what he gives you,

-we'll go from there. OK?

-Sure.

No screw-ups. No cops.

-No nothing.

-Course!

We'll be dead quick, won't we, Liam?

You know what this is, Li? Our ticket out of here. Come on!

So, if I've passed, what do I get?

-A medal?

-It's cycling proficiency, not the Olympics!

All this for some crappy certificate??

Eh, it's all about the knowledge. It might keep you alive out there!

-They've done it! It's over.

-What?

Karen's been suspended.

I know it won't be long before they close the whole school down.

Hey! Come on! Not in front of this lot.

-Are you sure?

-Look, Karen is clearing her desk right this minute!

-Check if you don't believe me!

-Suspended her?

That's not fair, what about the other teachers?

I don't know, all I know is that she's in there with the inspector

and that creep Whitman from the council.

It's your fault. You turned her against me.

-She were fine till she started at school.

-You shouldn't have left!

-If you'd done the minimum as a mother...

-How dare you!

-No child should go through this!

-OK! I got the message!

Hang on, hang on, have you any idea where they might have gone?

This is your children we're talking about, they could be at risk.

Now, do you know where they are, or not?

She said something about going to Manchester on a train,

-or...

-What train?

-She's done this thing before, she'll be back in a few hours.

-What train?

I told you, it's just talk!

-She hasn't even got the money.

-I hope you're right.

-I'll come with ya.

-No!

No, you wait here, in case they come back.

I'll deal with this.

'Yeah, there's two of them.'

Scout, the girl, is 15 and her little brother Liam is three.

They might be trying to get a train at a main line station.

So, if your Officers could keep an eye out, please.

-Like, no way, can they just shut us down.

-They didn't even ask us.

-Who do they think they are?

-People in charge.

-They can do what they want.

-Yeah? It don't make it right, does it?

There you are! I've been looking for you everywhere. You OK?

-Yeah I'm fine. Why, what's happened?

-It's your mum.

She's been suspended.

What for?

I dunno, it's something to do with Mr Mead.

-Is this for real? All this closing the school stuff?

-Dunno.

-Hey, why don't you ask your dad!

-Yeah, that's a great idea, Amy.

-Have you heard?

-You and 'im are all right.

You're young. You'll get another job easily.

I doubt anyone'll be rushing to employ me.

You're lucky. What am I going to do?

Tell Fleur that she's that she's got to move into that council care home?

-I need a word with you.

-About what?

-Well, you know what you did.

-You're sorry, right?

-If there was anything I could do to undo that, then I'd...

Then you'd what? Cos if we're going to do something, we need to it now.

Well, there is something.

I don't know if it would work.

So, how long ago did she leave then?

No, course she hasn't come back yet.

Well, if she has then I'll deal with her.

No-one does that and gets away with it.

Where is she then?

Wait till you see the train!

Come on, go!

Come on.

So it is true?

I don't believe it.

Everyone is furious, Karen, the staff, the pupils...

-Doesn't matter. It's too late.

-No, it's not.

It is. I've been suspended.

Whitman's in charge of this place now, he can do with it what he likes.

Er, no, he can't and you can't let this happen. You have to fight.

I tried, Rob.

I tried.

I fought...

I lost. End of story.

Why are you being like this?

I just want to get out of here as quickly as possible. I shouldn't even be here.

Right everyone, listen up!

-Here we go.

-Perfect.

-D'you not think the art department will miss all this?

-Eh...

what are you lot up to?

-So are you with me?

-THEY ALL CHEER

-Looks like everyone's joining in!

-This is gonna be brilliant!

Let's just hope it works.

You come to escort me off the premises?

No, course not.

-I just know how difficult this sort of thing can be.

-I can find my own way out.

Karen, I'm really sorry.

-Do you want a hand with that?

-No I'm fine, Tom.

All I can say is if you get down to Waterloo Road School right now,

you'll get an exclusive on a great story.

OK, I'll see you there.

Pleased with your handiwork, are you? You must be so proud.

Tom? A word!

I don't think now is really the time, do you?

Now, is precisely the time.

Save our Head! Save our school!

Save our Head! Save our school!

Save our Head! Save our school!

Save our Head! Save our school!

Save our Head! Save our school!

Save our Head! Save our school!

CHANTING CONTINUES

Stop this! Stop this now!

Well, there's never a dull moment in this school, is there?

Make them stop.

It's your school now. YOU stop them.

That's ours. Twenty five past two train to London.

Right, let's get you a drink.

You can have two. >

And crisps! Crisps!

Big Ben, Tower of London an' all that stuff.

And tonight, we can stay in a hotel! How about that?

Oi, mate! You can't park there!

Let's go up here.

That were close.

Tickets, please!

-Where's the rest?

-That's all of it, just let us go!

-It's not all there! You stole from me.

-I'll pay you back. I'll post it or something.

-Can't have people doing this and getting away with it.

-Oi!

-Get away from 'em!

-It's nothing to do with you, pal. She stole from me.

Oi, I don't care. Leave 'em alone.

Or what, eh?

I'll not forget this.

-Are you all right?

-Keep away from us!

You're just as bad as the rest of 'em!

You say you're gonna help us, but you don't mean it. You make things worse.

Look, look... ..It's OK, I'll deal with this.

I'm not trying to make things worse.

You stick your nose in when you want, say a bunch of stuff to make yourself feel better

and then back off and hand us over to Social Services.

-Adults, don't trust them.

-I'm here, aren't I?

I'm not at school

and I did that because I came here to find you, because I want to help you.

Let us go, then.

You know that I can't do that.

-You're just kids, you need looking after.

-I can look after myself.

Come off it - look what's just happened!

You put yourselves in danger by running away like that.

-You and your brother.

-Don't tell me I don't know how to look after Liam.

-I've always done it.

-No-one's saying that you're not good at it.

But you shouldn't be doing it on your own.

You're his sister, you're not his mum.

I had no choice, did I?

No, and that's totally wrong.

It's not fair on you and it's not fair on him.

He needs a normal life, and you?

You should be thinking about school and...

and your mates, not about the leccy and about putting food on the table.

You're wasting your time.

I don't want to be put into care with total strangers!

I know that you're scared.

Look, you just need some space so you can put things in perspective.

Everyone just needs a bit of time to think things through.

It's still "care" though, innit?

It's the best thing for you right now. For both of you.

Foster parents, they understand it, they get it.

Eh, and I'm not going anywhere.

I'll be with you through all of this. I promise.

-D'you really mean that?

-Course.

THEY CHANT

-I thought you wanted this place shut down?

-No way!

Like what other school in the world would you get away with this?

-Are they safe up there? I don't want anyone coming to harm over this.

-They're fine.

There's room for you as well if you fancy it.

Eh, check this, we're on telly! Hiya, Mum! Hiya, Cheryl!

How've they found out so quickly?

No point shouting if there's no-one there to hear us.

Jess!

What? Well, come on, join in!

-I don't think you should be up here.

-What?

I mean in your condition...

I'm just concerned - this is my baby, too.

Don't, Aiden.

Don't even go there.

Right, listen up, everybody.

-By getting rid of Karen Fisher, they are throwing away everything that's good about this school.

-Jess!

You've joined us!

I'm here for exactly the same reasons as all of you -

because I believe that this school is important,

no matter what they say, and I believe that it's worth fighting for,

and that's what I intend to do! Are you with me?

THEY CHEER

For God's sake. That woman is nothing but trouble.

You! Go up there and tell them come down.

Excuse me?

Tell the staff, anyone not down in five minutes is sacked, as of now.

-You can't do that.

-I can sack you too, you know. Just do it!

CHANTING STOPS

Brothers and sisters, I have come to join the struggle!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

CHANTING RESUMES

-It's out of control!

-Well, it's out of YOUR control at any rate.

Should've just bulldozed the place and been done with it.

So how are you going to handle it?

I mean, having just declared a "management breakdown" earlier,

-you don't want your first action to be another one?

-No, you're right. I'll call the police.

Yeah, police, a disturbance at Waterloo Road.

That man, Richard Whitman,

has conducted a personal vendetta against this school and its Head Teacher.

I know, because he recruited me to help him, asking me to provide information that would

discredit Karen Fisher, allow him to suspend her and close this school!

THEY ALL JEER

Who are ya? Who are ya? Who are ya? Who are ya?

So, Mr Whitman, do you want to respond to what Ms Chaudry's saying up here?

-She's saying that you tried to tarnish MY reputation!

-No, no, no...

the real issue here today is the management of this school...

Why would she lie on camera? She is a local councillor, Mr Whitman.

This man wants to close this school, because he thinks it's a failing school.

And he thinks it's failing because of me.

But I ask you, does this look like a school that nobody cares about?

-ALL:

-No!

And does this look like a responsible Head to you?

You wouldn't know it, but this school has an inspection today!

-These children and their parents deserve better, and by closing...

-Well, let's ask them, shall we?

Is this school supported by you?

THEY ALL CHEER

You haven't answered my question, Mr Whitman.

Does this look like a school that nobody cares about?

Anyone can see that this school has numerous problems...

IS THIS A SCHOOL THAT NOBODY CARES ABOUT?

-No, obviously not.

-Thank you! That's all I wanted to hear.

-What's going on?

-Well, after you abandoned ship,

-your Head was suspended.

-Was that because of me?

You've caused a lot of trouble today, Mr Mead.

OK, everyone, that's enough for today.

-We've made ourselves heard.

-You can't be serious?!

We should stay up here, we've got the upper hand.

No, we've said what we needed to say, and I thank you for that.

But now we need to go home.

THEY ALL CHEER

Oi! Who threw that?

Who are ya? Who are ya? Who are ya? Who are ya?

CHEERING

Kyle Stack?

What's going on?

Alison's just told me you've been suspended!

You put me in an impossible situation earlier.

Scout and Liam, are they OK?

-I'm gonna speak to their social worker in a minute. Hopefully we'll know more then.

-Ms Fisher...

I'll leave you to it.

I think we need to talk.

You can see how keen Richard is to close the school.

-So where do we stand?

-Like a lot of schools, Waterloo Road has its fair share of problems.

Well, closing it down isn't going to solve those.

No, but from what I've seen today, the school doesn't have a firm enough grip to tackle them either.

Joy-riding on school property, a Deputy Head completely beyond your control...

Chris was only trying to help a distressed pupil.

I know, but there are ways of doing it without abandoning the Headteacher,

-and then there was your attempt to cover things up.

-Sure.

But what I've just seen out there is evidence of something else.

There's a real spirit here. Amongst the pupils and the staff,

you know they want to be here and they'll go a long way to protect it.

That's a very rare quality indeed.

-So what are you going to say?

-In my report?

Well, there's a lot of work that needs to be done,

but ultimately the pupils, the teachers, they need this place.

The school stays.

-That's brilliant.

-Yeah, it would be wrong of me to take it away from them.

Thank you.

So, can I ask you...

what are you going to say about me?

The social workers have spoken to your mum and they've decided

that staying with her isn't the best thing for both of you.

But they have found a place for you two.

-Together?

-Yeah.

It's with a family, here in town.

This family, what're they like?

A really nice couple, apparently. Looked after loads of kids.

-And I meant what I said.

-'Bout what?

About doing everything that I can to help you. I'm not going to disappear, d'you understand?

If you want to visit me or ring me, then you can do.

D'you really mean that?

Yeah, of course I do.

You're gonna be OK, y'know.

-You're great kids.

-Did you hear that, Liam?

Party at Mr Mead's. I'll set up a Facebook event right now.

-Scout...

-Only kidding!

You were right.

-You don't need me, do you?

-Not this again, Aiden, please.

It was great, watching you on the roof. So full-on and determined.

Well, that's really sweet, but what is it that you're tryin' to say?

That I was wrong.

You don't need my help,

you don't need anyone's help.

Well, I wish that was true.

I do want to be involved in the baby's life, though.

It's completely up to you, I'm not gonna make any demands...

..I just...

You just what?

This is really special and I don't want to miss it.

I don't want that baby to grow up and think that its dad didn't care about it.

OK.

Thank you.

-Bye, Sir.

-I'll see you.

Scout!

Didn't think I'd see you again, the way you were carrying on earlier.

Me neither.

And look... I'm sorry for grassing you up.

S'all right. I'm glad you did.

-I'll see you soon.

-See ya.

I didn't need it, but thanks. You're a real mate, Denz.

Look, Karen, I wanted to explain. I'm well aware that I've not exactly helped the school's situation.

I know why you did it, and I think your instincts are right.

-There were just other ways of going about it.

-Absolutely. I can see that.

But y'know the problem is, if I come across a similar situation in the future, then...

I know that I would do the same thing again and again.

Right. So what are you saying?

Today's made me realise that I can't be a teacher any more.

Don't get me wrong, I love this place,

pretty much everything about it, and leaving is gonna be really, really difficult...

..but I can't be the Deputy that you need.

You're resigning?

Yeah.

Is there anything I say to make you change your mind?

I've made my decision.

Well, I'd better buy you a drink then.

In short...

..Waterloo Road passed! THEY ALL CHEER

And that really is down to you guys!

And I can say with utter confidence I have never felt

more proud of a school or a group of colleagues than I did today.

This is victory is yours!

THEY ALL CHEER

What about you? Have you been reinstated?

I still have to wait for the LA to decide.

SOME JEERING

But I love this school,

and I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure that I'm back next term.

CHEERING

Now, on a sadder note...

..I have to tell you that Chris Mead

will be leaving at the end of this term.

And I can't hide the fact that Chris and I have had our differences

of late, but what an asset he's been to Waterloo Road.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Chris, I wish you every success at whatever you turn your hand to,

you will be sorely missed.

Chris Mead. CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

-When I'd heard you'd run off mid-inspection, I thought you'd lost your mind.

-I don't blame you.

Karen was pretty shocked as well.

She's not gonna hold that against you, is she?

Well, I'm gonna miss you, mate.

We all will.

-Who am I gonna talk footie with on a Monday morning?

-Eleanor. Sorry?

Don't you start.

So, you are gonna go out into the world with no job lined up, no plan, nothing?

-Pretty much, yeah!

-Have you thought what that means to your pension?

Leaving the plan early, you're gonna lose out.

Oh, Grantly, I never knew you cared so much!

-Hmm.

-Just give us a sec, mate.

Are you OK?

I don't blame you for being angry at me.

I'm still pretty cross with myself.

Well, I suppose you've wiped the slate clean.

It was the demo that made all the difference.

That wasn't me. That was the school.

But thank you.

D'you want a drink?

-Janeece! Your one's up!

-Oooh, go on, Janeece!

CHEERING

You leaving already?

I mean, that's just the warm up, it gets worse.

I thought I'd just leave whilst everyone's having a good time.

Yeah, because we passed the inspection.

-And no-one's happier about that than me.

-But?

It just makes the possibility of not being a part of it that much harder.

That's not gonna happen, Karen.

It's just the not-knowing, that's all. Waiting for them to decide.

Well, then, you just give 'em hell!

The one thing I'm very sure about...

..no matter what happens to me,

wherever I end up, whatever I do...

..I wanna keep hold of you.

Right.

Well, you might just have to let me go.

What?

Why?

I will help you interview for a new site manager, but, er...

Oh, just read it.

Oh, my God. You passed your PGCE!

You're a teacher!

Oh, that's fantastic!

I might have to invest in a suit.

Steady on!

I like you in overalls.

D'you wanna stay...

or would you like me to take you home?

Are you sure you don't want to help them celebrate?

You have got a nice smile.

I'd love you to take me home.

THEY ALL SING ALONG

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