To think that this could never happen at my DC's primary school?

[MissMap]

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-13753710
How could this teacher get away with these heinous crimes for so long. Why did the children involved not feel able to tell someone? How could he frighten them in to silence without making their parents suspicious?
This is a truely disturbing news story on so many levels. I do not wish to imply any criticism of the parents or children involved.
I hope all abusers realise that children do "tell" eventually.

As hideous this case is, you can't argue that it should affect the number of male primary teachers. The recent high profile cases of women abusing young children illustrate that females are no less likely than males to be abusers.

It's a sickening situation that children cannot even be safe in the classroom.

The key is to make sure children know that if an adult says "it's our secret"...it is wrong.

I think it is really important to teach children that teachers are not omnipotent beings that can do no wrong. I have had conversations with DD (6) where the teacher has obviously been wrong about something, but it has taken me some effort to get DD to see that her teacher was wrong. Personally I hate the institutionalisation that goes with mainstream school, and I think that it makes it very difficult for children to speak out, especially if they see that their parents have blind faith that teachers are perfect in all things.

OP if you think this could never happen at your dc's school then sadly you are mistaken I hope to God it never does but ykwim.

So by your reckoning mrmagoo we should not let men into family units with children. At what age would you consider it "safe" for children to start seeing their dads, uncles and grandfathers? I would say 21 best be on the safe side eh!!

it's a sad and horrific case.

But what's to be gained from a thread like this? Those parents might be on here.

abuse happens - in all classes and cultures, it is not new. Perverts often activley SEEK OUT roles in which they will be in a position of power/trust/easy access to their victims. They build a false persona as a shield - people THINK they know them, so warning signs get missed.These people are still very very rare compared to the huge numbers of professional sincere people doing their jobs and taking on their voluntary roles. Ridiculous suggestions like not having male primary teachers are absurd.

What i find saddest is that he is a father himself.