Killer Scarlett Jenkinson was described as a student who had made a mistake after being suspended for bringing cannabis edibles to Culcheth High School. The Cheshire Coroner’s Court heard that Culcheth High School requested a transfer for Scarlett to Birchwood High School in 2022 following the incident.
Angela Clark, the deputy safeguarding lead at Birchwood Community High School, testified that Culcheth described Scarlett as a good student who deserved a second chance instead of permanent exclusion. However, there was no consistent recollection of the information passed between the two schools regarding Scarlett.
During Scarlett’s time at Birchwood, she did not display any concerning behaviors that would warrant a risk assessment. She was described as quiet and reserved, and her interactions with other students, including Brianna, were seen as positive. There were no signs of inappropriate behavior or indications that Scarlett could pose a danger to others.
Fiona Cowan, head of children’s safeguarding services at Warrington Borough Council, stated that practitioners were not aware of any serious risks associated with Scarlett. A review conducted concluded that giving a child a cannabis edible without their knowledge did not indicate a level of behavior that would lead to murder.
The managed transfer of Scarlett from Culcheth to Birchwood was withdrawn in February 2023 due to attendance issues and allegations of bringing in cannabis edibles. At the time of Brianna’s death, a full mental health assessment of Scarlett by CAMHS had not yet taken place.
The inquest is expected to conclude later in the afternoon, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Brianna’s tragic death. This case highlights the importance of communication between schools and the need for comprehensive support services to address students’ well-being and potential risks. It also underscores the complexities involved in assessing and managing student behavior to ensure a safe learning environment for all.