Safeguarding Children: The Importance of Training

I'm certain readers share the sense of shock that surrounds the Plymouth Nursery Worker who abused her position and the trust that went with it, abusing children for the gratification of herself and others. Vanessa George gained the trust of the families she met professionally and was invited to baby-sit for them at evenings and week-ends.
For those families who granted her access to their children, access based on trust and good-intention, I find it hard to imagine the sense of outrage, betrayal and guilt they may feel.
We are currently delivering Safeguarding Training to Trainee Teachers and other members of the Children's Workforce at a local university. The section on safe practice invites trainees to suspend disbelief; the disbelief that would be abusers would seek employment within the Children's Workforce specifically to gain access to children and their families and that in doing so they seek positions that combine trust and power.
It's a difficult and challenging session-not always easy to hear but nonetheless one that I feel has a vital role to play in increasing the awareness of all concerned on the sorts of opportunities paedophiles will seek to exploit in order to gain access to their targets.