Thread by @SafeSchools_UK

It is heartening how many individuals & businesses have responded to @MarcusRashford’s appeal to help children needing #FSM over half term. It is really encouraging that many people care about keeping children safe & healthy so they can grow up in the best possible circumstances

#safeguarding must always come first though. We are alarmed at some of the offers of help we have seen. We must not normalise unsafe practises such as encouraging online contact from kids, going to meet adults they don’t know & taking gifts from strangers. Safeguards must be used

We know people want to help but this must be done safely or the consequences could be severe. Sadly children have frequently been groomed with food. The guardian has reported here. Boys are more usually groomed into the drug trade. #ENDCHILDFOODPOVERTY

bit.ly/2J67LVq

And girls are often groomed for #CSE #CSA.
The mirror has reported on this phenomenon here.
We must not disregard normal #safeguarding just because there is a pandemic. #FSM #ENDCHILDFOODPOVERTY #edutwitter #ukedchat #SLTchat
#TeamEnglish #NQTSupply

bit.ly/37Conyl

We are calling on the government & the opposition to work with @MarcusRashford to implement his scheme safely. Children’s charities also need to do their jobs & advise on #safeguarding. @GavinWilliamson @KateGreenSU @ChildrensComm @annelongfield @NSPCC @PeterWanless @barnardos

#Safeguarding is the responsibility of all adults in the community, we must all work together to ensure all children are fed - safely. @MarcusRashford @BorisJohnson @Keir_Starmer @vickyford @AngelaRayner @LordPhilofBrum @Baroness_Nichol @KemiBadenoch @MarshadeCordova @NSPCC