The news from the Oxford study is so depressing.
It reminded me of when I was 16 and worked one summer in a children's home. The things that went on really shocked me. On the first night I heard a child sobbing and got up to see what I could do. A little boy of about 7 was being hit for not being able to wee. The bedwetters were all got up at midnight to wee, and if they could not do it they were hit. It was horrifying. And the next day I had to make the beds and went looking for a new pillowcase because a little girl's was filthy with green pus (she had an ear infection) - I was told off for being profligate - they would turn the pillowcase over, then inside out, then over again and make it last the week - it stank dreadfully. And I never saw her being treated for her ear.
They would send me to the beach on my own with about 10 children of different ages and I had full responsibility for their safety - it was a nightmare - I had little toddlers and teenagers, some of whom were really disturbed.
When I went to what was then the welfare department and expressed my concerns, I was completely dismissed as being too young to know what I was talking about. It played on my mind for years and I still feel upset about it.
It is sad that little seems to have changed. The sexual exploitation of these young girls is tragic.
Evidence on Andy Burnham's National Care Service proposals
Good Morning Wednesday 29th July 2026
Burnham to tell schools in England to adapt teaching to local business needs- what do you think?
