In not wanting my son to go to school tomorrow?

[CFAW]

Today we received a letter from school, it read..

9 May 2011

Dear Parents & Carers

As you may be aware from press reports this week, police have made an arrest following incidents in which children were approached outside various schools in the watford area.

We will remind the children about "stranger danger" in school, but please make sure that you also speak to your children about strangers. If you are concerned about anyone watching suspiciously near schools or playgrounds, please call the police.

I am actually really panicking, this guy has attempted to take 7 children now. He was arrested on Friday released on bail, and attempted another snatch yesterday.

The victims have been boys and girls, all different ages. He sounds desperate.

I want my son to stay home. What do you all think?

I am megapixels.

its awful that there are resons to even think of these scenarios,kids should be safe to play without having the worry of some stranger or even person they know snatching them :(

That's what got me, talking to my son tonight about strangers! reminding him.

I said what is a stranger? and he said "the bad guy" and i thought, no actually, they are not all bad guys. It is so wrong that they have to think like that!
I just wish the world was a nice place, and little ones didn't need to think like this.

I am very happy with my childs school security (North Watford here too where this is all centered) Like someone said if I was not happy with school security I would not be sending my son to that particular school. Though it does make you paranoid I will admit.

I can't believe how harsh some posters are being.

I am sorry to hear that you lost a child 6 years ago. I can't imagine what that must feel like and how that must perpetuate feelings of feeling fearful for anything happening to your DS.

Speak with the school, and raise your concerns about the gates and buzzers etc. Make sure you or another adult drop and pick up DS, and if you can get there a little earlier to pick him up, then you'll probably feel better.

I've heard about this too. (North Watford) Wont bother relaying the stuff I've heard as it's probably all bullshit. My DD is at nursery so haven't been officially warned I suppose because there isn't much of a threat to under 5's in the same way there is to children at school.

YANBU to be worried I think it's understandable. I'm sure the staff at the school will be loads more vigilant now (although they should be at all times anyway obviously). Honestly if you're that concerned about the school's security you should tell them.

CFAW, so sorry to hear of your loss. And sounds like that is exacerbating how you feel now?

In terms of practical steps... I'm in a 2ndary school and we've just been Ofsteded. We were all over safeguarding like a rash and did very well on it. SOunds like you need to talk to your son's school and say that you have real concerns about gates being locked, people being buzzed through... and anything else.

The head would be able to allay your fears - and mark my words - if you are STILL concerned, you can write to teh Chair of Governors to say that you are still not happy - at which point the head will HAVE to take steps to address any issues where security is investigated (and found genuinely to be lax..just because you have concerns, doesn't mean they're valid, btw...)

I had a real bug up my ass about security at my son's previous school. Amid other concerns. We ended up moving him for myriad reasons, thank goodness. I get your worries.

If I were you, I'd take him to school tomorrow yourself, make an appointment to see the Head and get that face to face reassurance that you clearly need. A horrible feeling, poor you [hugs]

x

I think at primary age it is quite natural to worry because however much you talk to your child (and you don't want to overdo it because you wouldn't want them to think that they are in terrible danger at school) you have to rely on the school to take care of them, and they have so many children to look after in addition to doing the teaching. There have been a couple of incidences at DD's school where children have "escaped" (intentionally, Year 6ers) in spite of staff vigilance.

But realistically speaking, I think the chances of something happening are very, very low while in school (especially now that schools have been warned) and practially nil if you accompany them to school and back.