Author Archives: ekharodia
Latest Educational News – Reporting Abuse
Teachers and other professionals who fail to report child abuse suspicions should face prosecution, the former director of public prosecutions says. Keir Starmer said that under a “mandatory reporting” law, those who failed to act could be sent to jail.
Keir Starmer said “There are just too many examples of cases where those who have suspected abuse have not really done anything about it and the perpetrator has either got away with it or, worse still, been able to perpetuate the offending”. While statutory guidance has been issued previously urging professionals such as teachers, doctors and social workers to report child abuse, failure to do so is not a crime.
Mr Starmer said a criminal penalty would “focus people’s minds” and said there should be “immunity for individuals if they did report”. He said the penalty for failing to report abuse could be a short jail sentence or a fine.
Parking on the zig zag lines outside school on Bruin Street and Ross Walk
A few parents still (despite the cones) park on the zig zag lines outside school. Having consulted with the police, they have informed me of the following. Whilst it is not normally an offence in itself to park on the zig zag lines, drivers who do park there could commit an offence of causing an obstruction. In some areas the zig zag lines are accompanied by a traffic regulation order which does make it an offence to park there. In future we will now be photographing and reporting to the police any cars parking on these lines in all cases. This move is in place to ensure that the children of Abbey Primary remain safe at all times when they are entering and leaving school.
Message from Mr Foster
Dear All
I hope that you will find the news stories about education on this newsletter interesting. The pressure on teachers and staff in schools is greater than ever. At Abbey all the teachers and staff take their professional responsibilities very seriously.
To us all, being at Abbey is more than just a job. We always attempt to appoint bright, highly qualified and dedicated staff who are fully committed to the community, maximising the achievement of our pupils and giving them the best possible life chances.
I know that the vast majority of parents and carers are very respectful of our work and hold the school and staff here in high regard. Thanks to all of our pupils, parents, staff and governors for your continued support.
Mr Foster (Headteacher)
Message from Mr Foster
Dear All
Healthy Eating – at Abbey we encourage ‘healthy eating’ at all times. However, as one parent correctly pointed out this week, this is not helped when well-meaning parents and carers send large quantities of sweets, biscuits, crisps and cakes into school to be distributed amongst the pupils. As part of our healthy schools work, I would urge all parents to seek healthy options when sending food into school. After the autumn half term break we will be having a push on healthy packed lunches – F2 children (below) are working on this already. It is important to make sure your child takes a healthy, balanced packed lunch to school. Try this website for ideas – http://www.nhs.uk/Change4Life/Pages/healthy-lunchbox-picnic.aspx
Mr Foster
