Episode 9 Waterloo Road

I'm giving you a way out.

This school needs me to protect it from you.

Karen's causing a few more waves than expected, so keep the lines of communication open.

How about...drugs?

You've got some on you, haven't you?

Can you empty your pockets, please, sir?

Our priority has always been our pupils.

Pupils like Jodie Allen.

This is her last chance. I'll suspend her for a week,

and I'm suspending you as well.

Eleanor.

You'll have to make it quick. I'm busy.

I want out.

I don't want to do this any more.

When I agreed to pass you information,

I didn't know people's jobs were going to be on the line.

It's a bit late to be growing a conscience.

The appeal decision comes through today. Karen Fisher's on borrowed time.

-Well, things are different now. I'm more involved.

-More involved?

With the school, my colleagues. I can't keep lying to them.

It's a matter of time before Karen finds out I've been helping you.

She won't, unless you say something.

-Maybe I will.

-Are you threatening me?

(You approached me and asked me to spy on Karen.)

That's hardly professional, is it?

I seem to remember it was all about you wanting to get on.

It's not about that any more, Richard.

I'm not interested in getting on. I'm not your little star pupil.

Don't think you can outsmart me, Eleanor.

You'll regret this.

I hope it helps. It's, er...

It's got the lettings details, how much we make from sports clubs.

-Everything.

-Thank you.

It's all paperwork at the moment.

I, er, I got you a little something.

-Richard Whitman sees that, he won't mess!

-SHE LAUGHS

-How's it going?

-Oh, it's OK.

Everyone's feeling the pressure of the warning notice, but we've got to get on with things.

When will you hear about the appeal?

Today, which means, come 3.15, Richard Whitman could have complete control.

Free to appoint new Governors, fire my staff, close the school.

So, er...

no pressure, then?

Look, er, if you want to talk, or, I don't know, let off steam...

I'm here.

I've barely got time to think, let alone anything else.

Um, well the offer's there.

Nice to see you back.

Cheers.

Karen, I just wanted to...

We'll do this in my office.

Mum?

Mum?

Mum?

Mum I can't be late on my first day back.

Why don't you go back tomorrow?

Stay and help me out today, eh?

Mum. I can't!

Well, where are you going?

We're renovating a garden at the community centre.

I didn't get you that.

I bought it off a mate. Everyone will be wearing one today.

What's a community garden got to do with learning?

-Better than being stuck in a classroom.

-It's two minutes away.

-Can't you stay until he's finished his breakfast?

-Mum...

Oh, Jodi, please? Me head is thumping.

Right.

-Come on, you. all that has to go.

-PHONE RINGING

Hey, babe. Yeah. SHE LAUGHS

Yeah...yeah.

Close the door, please.

I need you to read this - it's the return to work procedures.

Part of the school's disciplinary code.

Right. Er, thanks.

You need to sign it and hand it back to me by the end of the day.

Karen, I know what I did was wrong.

-Hiding Scout's drugs was...

-A massive lapse of judgement.

I crossed the line and I am sorry.

This past week has been a wake-up call.

Being a teacher is the most important thing to me, I won't do anything to risk that again.

This school is facing closure.

I need to be able to trust you Chris. No more secrets.

I understand.

And this is Scout's first day back after her suspension.

I suggest you put some distance between you.

I know, I will.

I see you're heading up the Community Cohesion Project.

-Yeah.

-It'll be good for the staff to think about something other than the warning notice.

Yeah, I'm looking forward to it.

And please don't worry about me.

From now on, it's strictly professional.

That week felt like a month.

Well, for what it's worth, I think Karen overreacted a bit.

Nah, I've had a chance to think. I reckon she got it right.

I can never get wellies my size.

Yeah, I have the same problem with stilettos.

Oh, Eleanor...

-Eleanor have you got a sec?

-Hi.

It's good to see you back.

Cheers. Listen, I got a last minute favour to ask.

Can you come on the community project? We need a female member of staff.

I can't, Chris. Not today.

Please? Look, it'd really help us out.

What's up with you?

Can handle a bit of fresh air, can't you?

OK, but I'm not really dressed for it.

Excellent! Tom will tell you what we're doing.

I'll see you on the minibus.

That is the last thing I needed today.

-Is that because I'm going?

-Look, I'm sorry to dent your fragile male ego,

but I have far more to worry about than what happened between us.

Well, we need to talk about it. If we're going to be stuck together all day,

-it might be a good idea to clear the air.

-As far as I'm concerned,

what happened, happened. A one-off.

-Well, that's what I think.

-Good. Air cleared.

Have a lovely day, won't you?

OK, it goes without saying that behaviour has to be of the highest standard today.

You're representing the school, so please don't forget that.

-Sorry I'm late. Sir, you're back. That's awesome!

-Why are you late?

I had an appointment with my solicitor.

Something tells me you'll be well acquainted with solicitors over the next few years.

-That's right. Starting with suing you and this school, if I even stub my toe on this trip.

-Sit down!

You'll be, er, needing these.

Hi, everybody. My name's Keely. I run the community centre.

-Hiya!

-Hiya. We all ready to get stuck in?

GROANING

-What's the matter with you?

-This lot aren't used to a day's graft, are ya?

-I'm sure a strapping bloke like you'll sort 'em out.

-Oh, please!

-Behave yourselves!

You leave it to me.

Right, we've got loads of garden furniture, plants and stuff that people donated.

We've got to clear the weeds and junk, brighten this place up,

lay down turf and we've got ourselves a community garden.

-You sound like you know what you're doing.

-Nothing to it.

And modest too, eh?

You know we've only got today to get all this done?

Yeah, time is a bit tight

and I promised everyone at the community centre

it'd be ready by the end of the day, so can't let 'em down.

Clear the whole garden in one day?! I don't think so.

Eh, it's all right, we can do it. How about we get this lot into two teams?

-Yeah, sounds good.

-Yeah, they'll work faster if there's a bit of competition.

You point us in the right direction, we'll do the rest.

Ooh, I like a man that takes charge.

-Right, come on then. Split yourselves into two teams.

-Sounds good, doesn't it, Eleanor?

Eleanor?

Right! You lot, you come with me and Mr Mead.

We'll take this side.

The rest of you Miss Chaudry and Mr Chalk. Get yourselves up that end. C'mon! Chop, chop!

What do we get if we win?

Er...a week's free pass to the top of the lunch queue.

Hey!

Sorry I'm late, Sir.

Punctuality is the virtue of the bored. There's hope for you yet.

(You all right?)

-Talk about trying too hard.

-I know, he keeps asking me if I'm OK. A bit weird, innit?

It's too little, too late. You OK?

Yeah. Just keep getting backache. You getting anything like that?

No, not yet, but I'm dreading it.

And the bladder problems, and the mood swings.

Mr Burley, are you here to work, or stare off into space?

Here you go, girls. Oh, excellent. Bang on schedule.

Er, Miss, you, er, don't fancy Mr Clarkson, do you?

He's like the coolest teacher in Waterloo Road.

-Is he?

-Yeah!

-And he's, like, so single.

-Er, my copping off days are, like, so over.

I've got two kids under five.

Mr Clarkson loves kids!

Sir, I were thinking, once we clear all this stuff,

we should get some of that bark down on path.

-That's a good idea.

-Look how much we've got done already. We'll easy win.

Yep.

So, how was your week off?

Listen, er, Scout, um...

-..I'm going to back off from you for a bit.

-What d'you mean?

I'm your teacher, I'm not your dad.

I can't get too involved with you any more.

But you told me not to deal with stuff on my own.

No, no, and you shouldn't, but I'm not the best person to come to.

No after last week.

Yeah, sure. I get it.

Right, Well, you better crack on.

PHONE RINGING

SHE SIGHS

Ah!

Vicki, you all right?

Yeah, I'm fine.

Well, you don't look it.

-I'm OK.

-Do you want me to get Jess or someone?

No, I'm OK, it'll go, it'll go soon.

You don't look well, Vic.

You need to go and see a doctor, this isn't right.

Come on, I'll take you.

No, it's fine. I can go myself.

No, you're coming with' me, now. Come on.

Here we go. Take that lot over to the skip.

Watch you don't put your back out, Miss. Those sticky willies are heavy(!)

Sticky willies?!

It's like Velcro. It's also known as Galium Aparine, or Goosegrass.

I don't need a lesson in horticulture!

And you, stop wasting time and get on with it!

I just gave your lot a couple more spades.

-Is everything OK?

-Yes. Why shouldn't it be?

Is, erm, is he married?

-Got a girlfriend?

-I don't know. Does anyone have an IQ that low?

He's the type that likes curry and a beer in front of a flat screen television.

-PHONE RINGING

-Hm. Sounds like my kind of man.

OK, guys. Nice work. We're still on target!

Mum? I can't.

Cos I'm on a school trip.

I'm not allowed, Mum.

Right, OK. I'm coming!

-I've got to go home.

-What for?

She'll want me to go to the shops, or something.

I can't leave here. There's loads to do.

Well, do you want me to come? I can help you sort it out.

As long as we're back before they know we've gone.

Yeah.

Come on.

Eh, about time.

Right, I'm off.

Where are you going? Why do you need all that stuff?

-I've got my best gear.

-What for?

You've got my mobile, yeah?

There's some money, fridge is full of grub.

Just plonk Liam in front of telly, he'll be no bother.

-Where are you going?

-I'm having a bit of time with Jace.

-Who's Jace?

-My new fella. Don't worry, I'll phone you.

Anyway look, you've got your new mate. Look after her, love.

Just watch him.

What does, "a bit of time," mean?

-Jodi, get back in flat.

-What about Liam? I've got school!

Mum, please, don't go.

-Go on. Get!

-You can't do this!

I haven't been away in ages. You and Liam will be all right.

-It's only for a bit.

-Mum!

Please, just don't leave us!

It's not always about you, Jodi. I need some time for me an' all. Go on.

You'll be fine, Vics.

I'm really scared, Ronan.

Vicki McDonald? I'm Dr Arnold. Would you like to come through?

If you want, your partner can come?

-He's not the baby's father.

-OK.

I'll, er, wait here for you.

Have you found what you're looking for?

This is last year's Governor's minutes.

What are you doing here?

I can visit any school on my patch, you know that.

The appeal process is still going on,

you being here could be seen as intimidation.

Can you get what you're after and leave.

Well, you're not the only one with targets to meet, Karen. We're all under pressure.

-Your secretary seems very loyal.

-She is.

Well, can you say that about all your staff?

A word to the wise, they're not all behind you.

You obviously want to unburden yourself, so what is it?

I had one of your staff approach me.

A grievance about the way you've been running this place.

If that were true, I think my staff would approach me first.

Well, they kept on approaching me,

we've built up quite a little dossier in the last few weeks.

Why are you telling me this?

When this school closes,

just remember the seeds of destruction were sown here, by you,

not in my office.

This member of staff...

The council has a policy of protecting the anonymity of whistle-blowers.

It wouldn't happen to be Eleanor Chaudry, would it?

You should learn to be more suspicious of people, Karen.

Hey guys, nice work... I think it's neck and neck.

All right, let's have a ten minute break, everyone.

God, this is the hardest I've worked in my life, ever.

-Hey, Eleanor, will you give us a hand with this lot?

-We're on a break.

Come on!

We want to win this, don't we? For the kids.

Eleanor, you got a sec?

Look, it's pretty obvious that you don't want to be here,

but the kids do and we've got a responsibility to them.

-What does that mean?

-It means, that I think you should buck your ideas up.

-Is this you pulling rank?

-If you like.

Look, this is supposed to be a team effort, everyone mucking in together.

-Looks to me like you don't give a damn.

-You couldn't be more wrong. I do give a damn.

-Just cos I'm not singing and dancing doesn't mean I don't want to do well.

-Good.

-Then at least make it look as if we want today to a success then, eh?

-OK, I'll try.

So, what are you two doing with your flowerbeds?

Don't try and steal our ideas, Emily, all right?

-We've got this one sewn up.

-As if I'd copy you.

We're two down. Scout and Denzil.

-Has anyone seen them?

-Who?

-Scout and Denzil, they're not here.

Well, they're not in the garden, I was the last one out.

We should get back, they would have clocked us by now.

I can't take him with us.

Can you not leave him with someone? An Aunty or a neighbour?

Mum's fallen out with all our relatives and neighbours.

Could we not come back at lunch?

Leave him? I can't, Den, he don't like being on his own.

We've got no choice.

If Mead finds out we've gone, you've had it.

All right.

Don't let him see us. Just till lunch, yeah?

OK. Come on.

He should be all right.

Ronan? Would you like to come through? Vicki wants to see you.

-Is she OK?

-She's just through here.

I'll let her talk to you.

Vic?

I've lost my baby.

Vicki's had a miscarriage.

I'm so sorry.

She's going to need all her friends and family to support her.

Why me, Ronan?

Maybe if we could have come earlier, then they could have stopped it.

I don't think so.

Ronan's right, there's nothing we could have done at this stage.

But what's important is what happens next.

You've been through something that's very tough emotionally,

you need to treat this as a grieving process.

-Grieving'?

-Absolutely.

Don't try to face this on your own.

I'll go and get that information we discussed

and we can arrange your hospital follow-up.

I'll give you a few minutes alone.

I don't know what to say.

I'm OK.

I'm fine. I'm...

I'm just going to wait for the doctor to come back and then I'll go.

I can get myself home if you want to get back to school.

I'll wait here with you.

Well...

I must admit, I'm not Eleanor's biggest fan, but...

snitching to Richard behind your back?

Oh, that's low.

-What has she actually told him?

-I don't know exactly

and that's part of the problem.

It could be a ploy.

-It's a way for him to mess with your head?

-Well, it's working.

If I thought for a minute that...

my staff were turning against me, I'd get my coat and go now.

You don't know that for sure.

So find out what's happened.

Know your enemy and all that.

-All right.

-OK.

-Thanks.

-No problem.

Janeece.

Do we have the staff passwords for the school computers?

-Don't say a word.

-Where have you two been?

Well, come on!

What, have you not agreed a lie to tell. Where did you go?

Look, you can't just run off whenever you feel like it.

-Right, you'll be spending some time in the cooler when we get back.

-Fine.

-Pardon?

-Whatever.

You have disappointed me.

-I expected a lot more from you today.

-Yeah, right. We were bored.

This whole stupid garden thing is totally crap!

You've got a lot of work to catch up on.

-Shift. Grab some compost, get a spade in your hands.

-Hang on, you.

You were perfectly happy this morning, what's changed?

-Has this got something to do with what we spoke about earlier?

-It's nowt to do with that.

Really? What so it's just you being selfish is it?

Oi, just chill out, yeah.

-Liam will be fine.

-I shouldn't have left him.

Oh, guys, it's looking really, really good.

We do still have to lay all the turf out and can we get all the benches out as well?

But we're doing really well for time.

-Alan Titchmarsh would be proud!

-Who's Alan Titmarsh?

Hey, I was wondering, after all this thirsty work,

do you fancy going for a drink later?

Yeah, sounds good to me.

"Sounds good to me."

-Sorry, did you say something?

-Me? No, didn't say a word.

Be careful with that! Bring it here.

-I thought you were supposed to be watching them two?

-I'm busy.

-It's a good job I'm taking control.

-Mr Clarkson said this was supposed to go on our side.

Did he? It needs to go somewhere where there's sun. There.

Aw, moving a bench too much like hard work?

Why don't you stick it where the sun don't shine?

What did you say?

Er, sitting in the sun's not good for you, gives you wrinkles.

I think I've had just about as much as I can take of your smart remarks.

-What's going on here?

-She just as good as told me to stick that bench...

Ah, look, it was just a silly remark.

-She knew exactly what she was saying.

-OK, I'll deal with this.

You can work through your lunch. This path needs sweeping.

No way! We're entitled to a lunch. I'm having a lunch!

You're entitled to nothing, you'll do as I tell you!

Right, everyone! Let's go and eat.

This isn't fair.

No. Do you know what else isn't fair?

Swanning off and leaving your team to do all the work.

You know what?

-I nearly lost my job because of you and I this is the thanks I get?

-You don't understand.

No, I don't and do you know what? I don't care.

So, get a brush in your hand, otherwise you're off the project. Simple as.

Right! Well, if that's what you think of me.

-Scout!

-What are you doing?!

-Get off you little skank!

-Stop her!

-Pack it in!

Scout!

-Scout, come here!

-Get off!

-Stop it! Listen to me.

-Get off me!

-Listen to me!

-What's the matter with you?

-I want to get away from this dump!

-Just calm down!

-You want me deal to with this?

-No, it's all right, I can handle it.

Right, come on, you're coming with me.

Get inside that centre, now! Keep this lot out here.

Right, what is wrong with you today?

-I'm not being selfish, I just need to go home.

-You're going straight back to school!

-Mrs Fisher will contact your mum to discuss your behaviour.

-She'll have to find her first!

-What does that mean?

-She's with her boyfriend on holiday.

-What?

-She's left Liam with me.

I was supposed to go back at lunch. Liam's at home on his own.

You're telling me your mum has left your three-year-old brother on his own?

You can't tell anyone. I've got to get back to him you've got to help me.

It's ruined.

-It took us ages to do those.

-Shut up! You've done nothing.

Hey, she worked hard actually, Denzil. We all did.

I hope your friend's got all her anger out of her system.

-You don't know what you're talking about.

-Denzil.

-No, Sir!

She doesn't. All you've done today is shout at people and go on one.

-Satisfied?

-Two peas in a little feral pod.

I don't believe you.

Daniel, what's your problem?

My problem? My problem?!

You haven't got a clue, have you?

I don't know what it is that's bugging you, but you've been taking it out on the kids all day.

Your behaviour is appalling.

You're a bully, Eleanor - plain and simple.

I will not be spoken to like that.

Oh, yeah, yeah. You can give it but you can't take it.

Just like all bullies. A coward at heart.

Well, do us all a favour and sod off back to school!

Right, er, c'mon...

Two teams, let's get this sorted.

What's the point?

No...c'mon. Come on. We can do this. Come on!

It's open... I definitely closed it.

-Liam!

-Liam?

Liam! Don't hide. He's not in here.

All right, all right, let's just calm down.

-He must have got out. Sir, we've gotta find him, he's only three!

-We will. He won't have gone far.

Liam!

He didn't mean all of those things.

Yes, he did.

All right...

..he did.

And he's got a point.

You can be a little confrontational.

It's called discipline.

Something's not right with you, Eleanor.

What is it?

It's this place...

Waterloo Road.

I don't fit in. I never did, I never will.

Be honest, how hard have you really tried?

I'm just not used to working with these kind of kids. I mean, Scout Allen?

I just don't "get" them.

Maybe she doesn't "get" you.

But you think a school is all about exam results and nothing else.

I did think that.

Good, if you've changed your mind.

What you said earlier...

..I do care about this school...

..and the children.

Well, the kids need to see that.

Are you going to suggest I start dishing out hugs?

See, let 'em see that side of you.

Kids love a sense of humour.

I know I need to change.

I want to change...it's just...

..it's too late.

What, Eleanor Chaudry throwing in the towel?

What is the world coming to?

Come on.

Let's go and see what we can salvage.

Liam!

Liam! LIAM!

-Anything?

-No! He's gotta be somewhere!

All right, let's try down this way. C'mon.

Look!

Liam!

He might be down 'ere.

You go down there, I'll check the other side.

If we can't find him in a second I'll call the police.

Scout! Scout! He's there!

-Where?!

-Liam!

Liam!

Liam! Liam!

-Stay there, just stay there. Don't move, don't move.

-Which one?!

Stay there! Just stay there.

Where d'you think you were going?!

You all right, Miss?

Yeah, I'm fine, Rhona. Thanks.

-Erm, sorry I lost my temper.

-No, no need to apologise.

I deserved it.

-All of it.

-You're not as bad as I made out.

Actually I am...

I was.

In a funny sort of way, I'm glad you did it.

I'm really sorry, Daniel.

Nah...it's forgotten.

Right. Why are we are we all stood here like City's back four?

-We're well into injury time.

-But Sir...

-No "buts". Come on.

That's one way to speed things up, Emily.

Not the most efficient way of painting but... It might be better to...

No.

No, it looks good...

excellent.

Here we go.

-That's the last of 'em.

-Thanks,

that's just what we need.

Everybody? They're here, come on.

Hi, everyone, thanks for coming. And, er, we really hope you like it. Come in.

Miss Fisher, there's a woman on the line, some inspector about the appeal.

Karen Fisher.

OK, so, you've all worked amazingly hard,

but there can only be one winner...

Actually, you're all winners for putting in your time and effort, so thank you.

However, I think that the team that has just sneaked it is...

Miss Chaudry and Mr Chalk!

CHEERING

THEY CHANT: We are top of the queue, I say, we are top of the queue,

We are top of the queue, I say, we are top of the queue.

Keely, about that drink, by the time I get this lot back...

Oh, look, some other time, eh?

-Thanks for all your help.

-Yeah, no problem, they've really enjoyed it.

-Me too.

-See you later, thank you.

-See you.

Thanks, Keely,

you've been great.

Oh, look, I wouldn't have missed it. But listen,

you do something about him, cos if I see him again...

Bye.

I'd started thinking about names...

what school he'd go to..

I even bought some baby clothes.

You'd have been a great mum, Vic...

I was really looking forward to that feeling, that total love you get from a baby.

Just cos they depend on you so much.

This baby would have been a part of me...

something that was mine.

I don't mean like, "I own it".

Yeah, I know what you mean.

I just feel...

like I'm being punished.

I don't think I was ever supposed to have this baby.

Not after what I did to you and Jess.

Vicki, what you did...

yeah, it hurt,

but that is not why you've lost your baby.

We were engaged, living together...

and I messed all that up,

by going off with Aiden.

I don't even know how you can still talk to me.

Vicki, don't do this to yourself.

You don't think things happen for a reason?

No... 'Course I don't.

Look...

probably don't want to hear this,

but I wanted that baby...

It was going to be my family...

I can't believe it's gone.

She won't answer, sir. You're wasting your time.

She didn't even tell you where she was going?

That's just the way she is. She in't bad or anything.

Scout, she's left you to fend for yourselves.

This is serious. She could go to prison.

Please don't, they'll split us up.

Social services would try to keep you together.

If you call 'em, I'll take Liam and I'll run away. I mean it.

OK, OK, I didn't say I that would call them.

Liam would hate it...he wouldn't sleep unless I were with him.

-Is there no-one else that you can call?

-No.

Meter's run out.

I've only got 20 quid.

Look, we'll be fine till she gets back.

Just please don't tell anyone.

-We're going back to school.

-No...

-I need to speak to Mrs Fisher.

I've been AWOL for the last two hours.

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

whatever.

You're coming back to mine.

I don't know how I'm going to tell Aiden.

-Or Jess.

-Don't worry, I'll be there with you...

I know you'll get through this, Vics...you're dead together.

I am so sorry that I hurt you, Ronan.

If I could do anything to change what happened...

So many times I wished that baby was yours...

You don't have to say anything.

I just want to say...

I love you.

And thanks,

thanks for being here.

I love you, too...

I've always loved you.

So what happens now?

Maybe we can start again?

I've enjoyed it,

but I'll be glad to get back to some hard sums.

See you tomorrow.

Great work, guys.

-See you later, miss.

-Bye, girls. Bye.

Bye, guys.

Well, at least we're talking to each other.

That is a good thing.

We could go for a drink later if you want...

No politics.

Well, I'm not coming if we can't argue.

We did well today... kids got a lot out of it.

Yeah, not just the kids.

Our leader has called a meeting.

Looks like the appeal decision has come through.

So, if anyone fancies a drink later,

it's either a celebration

or a wake.

Right... I'll be five minutes.

Will you get in trouble, sir?

No, I'll be fine.

Don't open the door, don't get out the car for anyone.

Thanks for hanging on, everyone.

The news is that we haven't lost our appeal...

But the independent inspectors can't uphold it either.

They want to make their own informed decision,

so they have decided to carry out an inspection here tomorrow.

Will all subjects be inspected?

Assume you will be observed, all of you.

As you know,

Richard Whitman was the person responsible

for instigating all of this.

I have to tell you that he wasn't acting alone.

It doesn't please me to have to tell you that

someone in this room has been passing information

about us to him.

Ill-informed opinions and tittle tattle, but...

enough to convince him to act.

What, a teacher?

-Yes.

-Do you know who it is?

So we can string them up.

I would hope that the person responsible will have the courage

of their convictions to stand up and speak up for themselves.

It was me.

It's me.

I've been passing information to Richard.

Every time something happened

or got messed up, I, I erm...

I reported it.

I'm so sorry.

I made a mistake.

I know it's too late,

but...

..I'm really sorry I did it.

And if you just let me explain...

-How do you explain stabbing your colleagues in the back?

-Last week...

the drugs in school...

it was you who called the police, wasn't it?

Chris.

Hope it was worth it.

Well, we all have a very important day tomorrow,

I would suggest that we should try and concentrate on that.

If I could take it back, I would.

You have to believe me.

I'll deal with you in a minute.

Chris!

Chris!

-Where are you going?

-I... I've got to get the lab ready for tomorrow.

I think we need to talk about the inspection.

Absolutely, er, let's meet first thing.

But it's like you've just said though - we're ready for them.

I can't believe how manipulative Eleanor's been.

-I know, she's fooled all of us.

-Day in, day out,

working with her colleagues.

Lying to their faces like that?

Let's forget about Eleanor, let's concentrate on showing these inspectors what we're made of.

Oh, OK.

So how's the project going?

It's going really well. I'll fill you in tomorrow.

OK...this is for one night. have you got that?

If I can't get in touch with your mum tomorrow, I'll be phoning social services.

Did you get in trouble?

No. No, I didn't.

You had to lie for us, though, didn't you?

Thanks, sir.

I just don't know why she did it.

He'll have paid her. I mean, you don't do this sort of thing out of conviction.

You're wrong...she did. I'm sure of it.

Oh, well,

better go and break the habit of a lifetime and prepare a lesson.

-You OK?

-Yeah, I'm fine, why?

-Nothing. Just you and Eleanor...

-Chalky, I've got a lot to do, mate.

Yeah, me too... I'll...

I'll see you tomorrow.

At first I thought I was

doing the right thing.

I didn't agree with the way the school was being run.

All your years of experience tell you that, did they?

I was wrong...

-..and I'm sorry.

-I've seen your emails to Richard.

This was personal.

He recruited you, didn't he?

Yes.

At first it was just general stuff...

areas the school was struggling in,

parent complaints, and then it became more about...you...

..the decisions you made,

or hadn't made.

I've always tried to help you

and guide you the best way I can.

Why didn't you come to me?

I wish I had...

..but he just kept going on about promotion and...

I know he used me.

I'm so stupid.

I just can't understand why you would take sides with a man like that,

and then call the police in behind my back.

I know I've let you down.

Well, it's done now.

I'll resign.

I'll hand my notice in first thing tomorrow.

If you really are sorry, then prove it.

You come in here first thing tomorrow morning,

face your colleagues,

and give us your very best for the inspection.

Even after what I've done?

Resigning's the easy way out.

Wow! Nice pad, sir.

Look at the size of that!

Have a look around(!)

No way, is this your fridge?

You like your beer, don't ya?

You hungry?

Yeah...you got any oven chips?

You sit yourself down, I'll make us something.

-Can I put the telly on?

-Remote's on the side.

I want their decision, in writing, on my desk.

I don't care.

I'll call you back.

Who the hell d'you think you are?

Intimidating my staff...

to do your dirty work for you?!

I assume you've spoken to Eleanor Chaudry?

Using a gullible young woman to try and close a school?

I wouldn't describe her as gullible...

Ambitious, yes, I haven't seen ambition like that in a long time.

And you tapped into that, to get what you wanted?

What I wanted was a failing school closed.

And what have you achieved? Nothing.

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

You'll fail tomorrow.

D'you want to bet on that?

What if all this manipulation of yours comes to nothing?

It could be the biggest waste of your time.

Then I'll find another way to get you out.

You just going to get rid of Eleanor now, now that you've used her?

Well, I'm sure she'll find another job.

She'll be back in my school tomorrow morning.

I refused to accept her offer of resignation.

You see, that's what you don't understand about my school, Richard.

We're loyal.

Your grotty little school

will fail tomorrow, and when it does, you'll never work as a head teacher again.

I'll blacken your name so much you won't be able to get a job carrying a lollipop.

You know, up close...

you're really rather pathetic, Richard.

There's the door.

You stay away from my staff.

You need to get some oven chips, sir.

You won't be here to eat them.

-What happens tomorrow?

-I'll get hold of your mum.

I meant at school.

I'll sort it. You finished?

Who's going to look after Liam?

Look, Scout... I need some time to think.

Talk about it in the morning, yeah?

He'll need more clothes...

-and food. He can't have any of that stuff you've got.

-I'll figure something out.

TV PLAYS

DOORBELL

Karen?

-Sorry to turn up unannounced.

-No worries.

-Are you busy?

-No, no, er, come through.

It's not too late, is it?

No...let me take your coat.

-Bad day?

-No...it was quite good, actually.

Just thought with Eleanor and...

No, I took your advice and...

let go of my anger.

What, you do listen to me occasionally?

You have your moments.

Um...drink?

No, I'm not thirsty.

Um...right.

Actually, I haven't come here for a drink.

# I was there in the morning

# I take on the wall

# The sweeter the face The sweeter the fall

# I was kissing a window

# My breath on the pane

# Gone in a moment again

# All these thoughts will fade away... #

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.

Chris, we're being inspected today

and you land this in my lap?

Alison's going to get wind of it and then she's going to think I can't manage my staff.

Scout's left school and taken her brother, I'll try to find them.

This is not good timing, I need you here.

No, this is too important. I said I'd look after her!

You know what this is, Li? How to get out of here.

That was close.

-Tickets, please!

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

I believe that this school is important,

and I believe that it's worth fighting for and that's what I intend to do.

Are you with me?!!

ALL: Yes!

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