TO BE REALLY UPSET BY RUN IN WITH DD'S HEAD TEACHER?

[cheekychirpy]

Can't stop shaking - I parked in the school car park and left DD2 in the car while I collected DD1 from school. Got back to the car to be met by the head teacher and given a right blasting: DD "could let the handbrake off and the car could roll back".

DD can't get the handbrake off AND the car was in gear so couldn't roll back in any case.

Just feel like shit - am I such a CRAP mother? DD2 is ill and I didn't want to get her out as it's bloody freezing at the mo.

Just want some rationalisation really; and feel maybe that the facts could have been established before I was judged.

LittleBrown are you a child protection SW?

I'm a Social Work Service Manager. I've been working in CP for 20 years.

I'm unclear now as guidelines state that parents/carers should be told where appropriate. I did not see anyone who said that SS has to let parents/carers know. There are lots of situations, when conducting an initial investigation (pre assessment) when parental input is vital, wouldn't you say?

Can I just understand what is the truth? Should families be informed before referral to SS or not?

It depends where the referral has come from. If it's from a school/nursery then teachers or early years workers are usually aware of concerns (and in a lot of cases have their own concerns). Information a lot of time is passed between SW and the school/nursery without a case being opened. If, for instance (and this is only an example) a child they are concerned about suddenly stops attending school for no reason then a home visit would be done, therefore the parent would know SS were involved. I don't live in England but have worked there and the concept is roughly the same. It really depends on the individual situation whether parents are told or not. Sometimes if there is not enough evidence then SS will be kept informed without a parent or carer knowing.

I work in Scotland and we have a GIRFEC system (Getting It Right For Every Child) where GP's/Health Visitors/Teachers/Nursery Practitioners/Social Work all share information if need be. Often children are "on the radar" ie being kept an eye on and parents aren't aware of it.

Ed if there is SW involvement at all ie any assessment is taking place yes the parents need to be informed. Involvement is voluntary or statutory depending on the case and parents have to have the opportunity of working voluntary with SS before statutory measures are implemented.

Ed It's best practice to inform parents/carers (except in the stated circumstances) but its not essential. I would imagine quite a lot of referrals are made without informing the parents/carers - that's a tough conversation to have with someone.

As LittleBrown says, not all issues of concern will lead to Safeguarding action due to lack of evidence so parents/carers will not necessarily know anything about it.

How is Mrs D's advice/statements/posts any different to what you've stated little?
I'm struggling to see what extra training you think she should be asking for?

Fluffymouse if your car is in gear, it will not move even if the brake is off ( with engine off obviously). It will move of left in neutral.

Cadle even if the engine is off?

My car will roll back in gear. She is ancient though.

Surely leaving the car in gear is dangerous as well?

fluffy you should leave a car in gear if you park on a hill etc, in case the handbrake fails. In places like San Fransisco with really hilly streets you leave your car in gear with the wheels turned into the kerb. They won't move in gear - it is safer to leave your car in gear. You should start in neutral though - so take it out of gear before starting...
Afaik this is true of all cars - only ones I'm not sure about are moderner cars - from my mum's old (would be 50 yo now) mini I learned to drive in, my 1983, 1992 and 05 cars...and a number of other cars I've hired, driven etc. (Spot the person whose parent's house is on a steep hill!)

I was also taught that cars should be left in gear if you're parking on a hill. I'm pretty sure it's not normal for a car to roll back if it's left in gear.

It can be dangerous to start the car if it's been left in gear and you don't have the clutch down because then the car will lurch forward (or back, if you've left it in reverse). That's why you're meant to check that the car's in neutral before you start the engine.

Thanks Fight and Little for getting the facts straight.

I was certainly not taught that by my driving instructor. I was told to turn wheel into curve but not to leave car in gear, and I took one of my tests in a very hilly area.

My 2001 reg will certainly roll back in gear.

I guess I've learnt something new!

Yep I was also taught to park in gear when on a hill...everyone I know does it!

I don't think it's possible for a car to roll back in gear tbh..

My area isn't hilly so it isn't an issue generally. Interesting to know though!

Seems you have to if you have gears

www.gov.uk/waiting-and-parking/parking-at-night-248-to-252

buttercup you are welcome to come and test mine, she is a an old codger and does all sorts of things that she's not meant to and costs a fortune in maintenance

OP would you also be happy at leaving your child home alone while you popped to a shop for 5 minutes?

This thread is a scary read. I am surprised Ss haven't knocked on my door. I leave dd 2 in the car strapped in seat if signing older one in at reception following medical apointment. I pop into local shop/garage with dd aged 2 locked in car and shock horror I like to hug her at the creche. op sorry you are upset. Just put it behind you.