DD's homework downloaded form sparklebox

[Wandaaa]

Should I be concerned?

He has used that very same site in order to access parents and teachers who have diret access to children. he makes money from doing so, with every click.

If he wants to earn a living he should find an alternative methos that is in no way related to children or schools. That would be the only decent thing to do next.

I was an advice and guideance worker in a prison until quite recently. I worked with men with convictions for thi kind of crime and worse. No decent IAG worker would advice him to return to this line of work. Even if he didn't use the site for this purpose initially, working ina way so closely related to children, would be ridiculous and putting temptation in his way. Madness to suggest such a thing IMO.

"He didn't do anything bad on the Sparklebox site"

Not sure this is true. read the thread. He accessed parents (and teachers IIRR) and encouraged them to send in pictures - through the talk/chat fiorum part of the site.

I'm not against him earning money but I don't think we should be using resources in schools made by man twice convicted for offences involving children. OK he hasn't got direct contact with the children in our care (hopefully) but his "hobby" results in children being abused (some as young as 17 months!) and I for one don't want to knowingly fund his hobby !!!

as to him being exceptionally good at making resources that is a matter of opinion unless good equates to free

my colleagues still useit despite me telling them what I found out some time ago.....

Interesting first posts from stoatsrevenge

Mine too popsycal - and they can't understand when I tell them that I disapprove.

Our LEA blocked the site (although they never issued a blanket ban on the resources), but this term they have unblocked it and said it is up to individuals to decide whether or not to use it.

Some teachers genuinely don't know. Speak to the teacher, perhaps, and see what she says?

I would complain very strongly to the teacher if my ds came home with a Sparklebox worksheet. It may well be down to every individual teacher, but if they send it home it implicates other people, it no longer remains a personal issue. I don't want any association with the man whatsoever, and especially not through my child's school.

Well.... dd has this weekend come home with maths homework and a laminated Sparklebox times table grid.

CAn anyone who knows about these things, explain in simple laymans terms how the site generates him income so that I can formulate a letter?

I went on a council run INSET last week and was shocked to be handed Sparklebox printouts as ideas! I did mention that I wasn't happy with it and everyone looked at me very strangely, clearly they don't mumsnet didn't know about Kinge.

elphabade - all sites like that make money because the advertisers on the site pay the site owner money each time someone visits it.

ps. I didn't know about the toolbar. I stopped using the site when I heard, at the same time as everyone else, but I had already downloaded the toolbar. I know there's nothing I can do about it now, but it did make me feel physically sick when I read further up the thread that it was malware

Thanks - I got a very clear explanation on the TES about google ads last night that I used in my letter.

I would complain (although I'd be understanding that the school may not be aware of the background)

IMO there is no reason why schools should use the site if they know about it - there are plenty of other sites to get resources from.

as a teacher I know that the resources were very handy and saved time. They were colourful, informative and did I mention they saved time!!
BUT... as soon as I heard thenI haven't used it. Can't endorse his behaviour by supporting his website there are other sites teachers can use or if need be we could make our own resources!!!!!!!! (screams at thought of how much time it takes )
DO NOT USE THIS SITE