IMMEDIATERELEASE 8September 2003
Commenting on the Governments Green Paper on childprotection published today, 8 September, Doug McAvoy, NUT General Secretary ofthe National Union of Teachers, said:
The Green Paper responds to a tragedy that must neverhappen again. The agencies must work together to ensure that no child eversuffers again as Victoria Climbie did.
The Childrens Commissioner can help focus services tosupport the most vulnerable.
In education what is essential is that roles are notblurred. It is the responsibility of social workers to follow up potentialcases of abuse. Teachers are responsible for childrens learning but theteacher may spot a potential case of abuse because a childs approach to schoolalters. That is when a range of other services must swing into action. But allagencies must work together and exchange information.
The Government must rememberthat teachers are already over-burdened. It needs to make sure there areadequate staff and investment to deliver the change and ensure the potentialbenefits from the Green Paper are achieved.
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For further information contactOlive Forsythe on 07879 480061.