One way to stop another Soham (From Warrington Guardian)

One way to stop another Soham

I WRITE in response to the letter headed 'Soham Checks' (Dear Star, December 25).

As an employee of the local authority working for the education department one way I suggest we could help to reassure parents that it could not happen in St Helens is for the parents, grandparents, carers etc. to become more involved in the education of their children in their school. This can be done by various means and each school has its own policy on how this can be best achieved.

I have been trying these past six years to generate interest and enthusiasm for drop-ins, support groups - call them what you will - with very little success.

The purpose of these meetings is to provide an opportunity for parents to meet other parents to raise school-related issues which are a cause of concern to them or just to drop in for a chat with other parents.

We who are parents need each other. We can benefit one another with our experiences, viewpoints, ideas and suggestions. When parents meet together with positive energy and a commitment to helping children, not just their own, a lot gets done - and a lot of problems are solved along the way.

Parents are the most important people in a child's life, and because they are number one in importance in a child's life they are also number one in the ability to influence and motivate their children.

Research has shown that the children of those parents who are actively involved in their child's educational development cope better with the day to day trivia of school life, achieve better test results and present a good image for themselves, their families and school.

If you would like to know how you could become involved please ring me on 07766245474.

PARENT, Newton-le-Willows (full name and address supplied).