The smelly child

[Corygal]

How bad does kid BO have to get before non-parents say something? Just come back, blue-lipped and virtually retching, from a day with a 10 year old who is 'allergic to soap' and has dry skin.

He gives off an odor of stale chippie, with base notes of secretions. Strong enough for other people to open car windows even in the freezing cold.

God love him - that's neglect in most people's eyes. I'd have to speak to the parent or phone Social Services.

From a child protection point of view that's a sign of neglect, and one that as a teacher I would probably report to the child protection officer at school. What's the background?