Calls for inspections of NY schools to make sure children are protected from county lines gangs

Many pupils return to class from the Summer break today

Author: Kathy GreenPublished 4th Sep 2023

Inspections are going to be carried out in certain schools this term to see what's being done to protect pupils from County Lines gangs.

A group of watchdogs including Ofsted will carry out the unannounced checks in six unnamed areas of the country.

"It can happen to any child"

Christina Gabbitas is an author who visits schools across North Yorkshire to teach children about exploitation, knives and grooming.

She says every school should be included as no child is completely safe: "I've had instances where parents have been absolutely devastated because their child has been involved and they had no idea. As a parent you can only do your best to bring up your child, there is no script but there is just that one moment where they could get involved so the more that we can educate, the better."

"We do definitely have to had a conversation because it is happening in every area, people think that because you live in an affluent area it's not going to happen, but it does, it can happen to any child."

"Teachers need help, I've been into over 150 schools in North Yorkshire and beyond and what we are finding is that the teachers aren't aware what is happening out there and they are really appreciative of us going in."

You can read more about the inspections here

There is also more information from North Yorkshire police available here

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