I was interested in the article (TES, February 7) on the full-service school’s role in protecting children from abuse.
Lord Laming’s report on the death of Victoria Climbie called for training bodies to stress inter-agency working. A move towards this practice is single agency training. Most initial teacher-training courses cover child protection but time constraints limit the input.
A recent survey of more than 1,100 newly-qualified teachers showed that training during the induction period could be even more significant.
Lord Laming cited the importance of agencies co-operating over child protection. LEAs have a major role to play in supporting schools in this. A report, Responsibility without Power, just published by NSPCC, shows the difficulties they face here.
Mary Baginsky
Senior research officer
NSPCC
42 Curtain Road, London EC2
