Call for more training on child neglect

A children's charity says teaching assistants need more training in how to spot the signs of child neglect.

In a survey of primary school teachers and teaching assistants by the charity Action for Children, one in five said they'd had no training or information about what to do if they suspect a child is neglected.

One in four said they felt under more pressure to intervene in suspected child neglect cases than five years ago, mostly because of media coverage of high profile cases. But only 13 per cent reported noticing an increase in the number of cases over the past year.

Action for Children has launched an appeal to raise £17 million to help neglected children. The charity's chief executive Clare Tickell said "Frontline staff are key to identifying early signs of neglect and giving children and families long term, stable support to tackle the causes. Yet many professionals are telling us that they lack sufficient training and information to appropriately deal with suspected neglect. The Government must listen to what is being said and act to support early intervention."

TA wins top librarian award

A primary school teaching assistant has won the prestigious School Librarian of the Year award.

Lucy Bakewell of Hill West Primary School, Sutton Coldfield was presented with her award by author Anne Cassidy at a ceremony in London this week.

She's the first TA to receive the award, which is made each year by the School Library Association.

The judges said Lucy inspires her pupils to love books and reading, and inspires the adults around her.

"As a reluctant reader herself until she was hooked by a book at age ten, she has a unique understanding of how to engage reluctant readers. she has great skill in finding the right book to offer to a struggling pupil."

They also praised the way she'd used inexpensive objects to make the library more attractive, including a blue nylon cat sleeping bag used as a book returns unit.

Lucy said, "I am ecstatic and honoured to be given this award for something I love doing. I have the best job in the world and it's a joy to spend time in the library."

Ginette Doyle who chaired the panel of judges visited many librarians around the UK, all nominated by their colleagues. She said primary schools were vital in inspiring children to read. "Few primary schools can afford to have a librarian and many rely on dedicated individuals such as Lucy to run their libraries."