Opinion

Deep concerns about 'wilful neglect' plan

Definitive government action to tackle the child sexual exploitation crisis in this country is welcome, but Headteacher Update editor Pete Henshaw is worried about proposals that could see education staff jailed for failing to help children

The hard line taken by the prime minister on the "industrial scale" child sexual exploitation that is taking place in the UK is welcome and long overdue – this is one of the crises of our modern times that has to be dealt with firmly and quickly.

However, there is something that leaves me deeply anxious about proposals that could jail teachers (and other professionals) if they fail to protect children from this devastating crime.

Our government must do absolutely everything it can to protect our children, and David Cameron's wider proposals (see news pages) are to be supported – but I am concerned at the implications of this particular policy.

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