Kent Statement re the blocking of Sparklebox

 

It has been bought to Kent County Council's attention that many Local Authorities are blocking a teaching resource website: www.sparklebox.co.uk.  Although this website is popular with schools, CEOP has issued a statement supporting both this action and the following statement from South West Grid for Learning: 

 

“It is understood that a person who is on the record as an owner and director of Sparklebox Teacher Resources Limited (which appears to claim ownership of the SparkleBox web site and children’s learning materials) is a registered sex offender who has recently admitted a second offence, is on remand in prison and is awaiting sentence in January.”

For this reason we feel it right to block the site centrally until more information is available and review whether this site should be blocked permanently after consulting schools and other sources.

Failure to block this site may place Schools or Kent County Council in a difficult position regarding duty of care. Should staff wish to continue using the website there is nothing to stop its use from home. We invite discussion from staff who may be concerned about this decision to discuss this on the e-Safety Blog (please note that this blog is moderated so your comment may not appear immediately).

 

 

Published Tuesday, January 05, 2010 9:54 AM by averyr01
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Comments

Tuesday, January 05, 2010 8:33 PM by Stuart Lawton

# re: Kent Statement re the blocking of Sparklebox

I'd be grateful if you can post a link to the CEOP statement about this action. Thank you for your help.

Wednesday, January 06, 2010 10:31 AM by averyr01

# re: Kent Statement re the blocking of Sparklebox

More information can be found via Safetynet: lists.becta.org.uk/.../001111.html

As soon as we have anymore information or details we will update this blog entry.

Many thanks

Wednesday, January 06, 2010 11:57 AM by Graham Bissett

# re: Kent Statement re the blocking of Sparklebox

What is th risk to children? Can any link be proven between the website and the owner's very illegal activities? If not, why should this valuable resouce be blocked?  Can we be sure that any other websites that teachers are using are not owned/hosted by unsavoury individuals?

Wednesday, January 06, 2010 12:20 PM by averyr01

# re: Kent Statement re the blocking of Sparklebox

Hello Graham, many thanks for your comment.

At the moment due to the ongoing Police investigation into this case (including the website itself and the owner) we are only allowed access to limited information so as not to affect or bias the proceedings. Hopefully in the near future we will know more about the situation and will be able to decide whether to re-allow access to Sparklebox or if we need to permanently block the website. We are currently erring on the side of caution until we are satisfied that suitable safeguarding arrangements are in place.

There is of course nothing to stop staff accessing this website for resources from outside of school. Alternatives to some of the resources  can be found on the TES resource bank www.tes.co.uk/resourcehub.aspx

Unfortunately, we can't always verify owners of websites much like in the real world, however when such websites or concerns are bought to our attention or to other agencies such as the Police or CEOP then we will act together to try and ensure that both staff and young people are protected.

Thursday, January 07, 2010 7:26 PM by Anonymous Coward

# re: Kent Statement re the blocking of Sparklebox

The question is the risk to *your* children or the risk to *any* children. The toolbar generates revenue, which could have been used to carry out his illegal activities.

Morally it's wrong. I don't particularly want influence from this person in my childs' school, even more so when this person was a teacher himself.

Sunday, January 10, 2010 12:17 PM by Anon

# re: Kent Statement re the blocking of Sparklebox

The site provides fantastic resources which allow teachers more time for planning and assessment which are also a crucial element of a childs development.

As for 'duty of care' the use of this website by teachers poses no risk to children in the classroom. And only enhances the learning environment.  

To state that teachers can use the website from home is not only contradictory, but also unworkable and unreasonable.

Sunday, January 10, 2010 8:32 PM by beckandem

# re: Kent Statement re the blocking of Sparklebox

I won't be using the resources anymore morally it's wrong. How can we use these resources with our children knowing that the owner is a registered sex offender.

I have been using the TES website and found many helpful resources, ideas and plans also try www.primaryresources.co.uk/

Sunday, January 10, 2010 9:41 PM by Kent Teacher

# re: Kent Statement re the blocking of Sparklebox

Personally I was never a big fan of the resources (Very 'samey' and limited for really enhancing learning) but understand that they were a useful timesaver for some.

However after this recent news I would NEVER be able to bring myself to use them and will be encouraging others to do the same, how can anyone justify using resources that profit such a man and his crimes, regardless of any perceived education value.

After reading about the story on TES I found this useful link with full details on the case which may help people to decide whether they wish to use the resources created by a man just sentenced for his second offence, for 1 year (not enough IMO) for making and possessing indecent images of children (including babies) www.brendenisteaching.com/sparkle.php

Monday, January 11, 2010 8:49 AM by shocked by this

# re: Kent Statement re the blocking of Sparklebox

Yes, the resources are nice to use in the classroom but there are alternatives on the TES or communication4all to name just 2 very good websites.

I personally will not be using a website which CREATES INCOME FOR A PEADOPHILE. That is the crux of the matter for me.

Monday, January 11, 2010 7:53 PM by Anon

# re: Kent Statement re the blocking of Sparklebox

Why is everyone assuming this is a man or a paedophile? Unless thereis more information which i have not seen, all we know is that the person is a sex offender - I understand that for this reason people might choose to avoid the site but we can't make assumptions!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010 9:23 AM by Anon again

# re: Kent Statement re the blocking of Sparklebox

Granted this report is from the Mirror but it confirms that Samuel Kinge, the registered owner of Sparklebox, changed his name by deed poll from Daniel Kinge.

"On Friday [08.01.10] Kinge was jailed for 12 months at Worcester Crown Court after admitting downloading 424 indecent images of children."

www.mirror.co.uk/.../paedo-sir-faked-his-own-death-115875-21955207

There is also a News report at 02:03:35 on iPlayer www.bbc.co.uk/.../Nathan_Turvey_08_01_2010

Thursday, January 14, 2010 6:00 PM by Anonymous Coward

# re: Kent Statement re the blocking of Sparklebox

He was "found guilty of making indecent images" also.

Friday, January 22, 2010 6:12 PM by Bucks NQT

# re: Kent Statement re the blocking of Sparklebox

My school (which I don't have authority to name on a public viewing site over a sensitive nature) has asked us to remove displays which show the Sparklebox title over the next few days, so we are not associated with this offender. A shame, as many of the website's resources were pretty good, but I don't want to be aiding their success by continuing to use the site.

Saturday, February 13, 2010 5:52 PM by Susie

# re: Kent Statement re the blocking of Sparklebox

Hello, if it helps, I now use www.twinkl.co.uk - definately worth checking out!

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