What schools could really use......

Reading an article in The Guardian from earlier this week, the words 'preaching to the converted' come to mind. Mr Gove, our country's education secretary, has written to every school in the country (....I've yet to see the letter myself, which was promised to us prior to the Easter holidays....) 'warning' staff to ensure they are watching children for signs of abuse, radicalisation and sexual exploitation.

www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/may/08...calisation-abuse-fmg

Despite widely varying levels of teaching and output where academic results are concerned, I think most schools can consistently demonstrate basic levels of at least statutory compliance, good practice and even 'best' practice in some cases, in terms of their safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures.

Wouldn't it be marvellous if Mr Gove had saved himself the cost of those letters (the time, the paper, the envelopes and the postage) and spent it instead on resourcing the education sector with a nationwide Protective Behaviours training initiative for all schools staff? In terms of 'warning' staff about abuse (which, in my opinion, most schools are all too well aware of), Gove might have been savvy to acknowledge that staff are only with children 6 hours out of every 24, and that perhaps Protective Behaviours might be a vital key for children during the other 18 hours of every day in terms of helping them to find ways to feel safer.

Anyone have his email address to hand?...

Hi Judith,
Agree totally and have checked my networks but no joy so far with an email address
However did rediscover this letter to Mr Gove:

I think it's an amazing message and would love to find a way for it to be heard!
Looking forward to hearing if anyone else has any ideas.
SA