Parental failings leave kids to rely on teachers

TOO many children in Scotland rely on the “individual kindnesses” of teachers due to parental failings, Ronnie Summers, the outgoing president of School Leaders Scotland, has warned, adding teachers were often required to do “corporate parenting”.
Mr Summers is expected to highlight the case of four-year-old Daniel Pelka. Picture: PAMr Summers is expected to highlight the case of four-year-old Daniel Pelka. Picture: PA
Mr Summers is expected to highlight the case of four-year-old Daniel Pelka. Picture: PA

Mr Summers, who will address members of SLS at its annual conference today, is expected to highlight the case of four-year-old Daniel Pelka, who was starved and beaten for months before he died at his Coventry home in March 2012. Mr Summers will say: “Too many children in Scotland are still more dependent upon the individual kindnesses of teachers rather than parents for me to be confident that we are getting it right for every child.”

However, he said he remained “optimistic” that initiatives in Scottish education were going in the “right direction” to benefit children.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “We are committed to ensuring appropriate support for the most vulnerable children.”