Could Margate be the next Rochdale? | Louise Tickle

Sending children in care to live in deprived parts of Kent is exposing them to gang violence and sexual exploitation

Thanet hosts millions of holidaymakers and day trippers from London and further afield during the summer holidays, but away from the sandy beaches of Margate and Broadstairs there are fears that these east Kent coastal towns could become the next Rochdale or Rotherham. A group of local headteachers is so concerned about the risk of exposure to gang violence and child sexual exploitation that last month it very publicly told the government that without ministerial direction, it would no longer give school places to looked-after children sent there by other local authorities.

Related: Children in care being 'pinged' around schools and homes, says report

We give our reasons for not wanting to offer these children a place. Then we're told, 'OK, but take them anyway'

Related: Grooming: Sajid Javid orders officials to build profile of sex gangs

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from Children | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2n6l5Ln