A statement on the tragic murders of Holly and Jessica

Added: (Fri Dec 19 2003)

Pressbox (Press Release) - I think it's fair to say that all School Caretakers in the UK are appalled by the tragic deaths of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman and our heart felt sympathy go out to their families and loved ones. Judging by some of the comments our forum members have made, I think every School Caretaker in the UK feels betrayed and devastated. Caretakers have a position of trust in schools and carry out their duties with professionalism but this tragic incident has put a black shadow over that trust.

We all agree that things will have to change in the way School Caretakers are appointed so that this sort of incident can never happen again. We fully support the announcement by The Home Secretary, Mr David Blunkett who is opening an enquiry into how Ian Huntley got a job as a school caretaker.

We ask members of the public to understand that although tragic, this is a rare incident. Most Caretakers only have the welfare of staff, visitors and pupils at heart. Caretakers do a great job and they really do CARE!. Some Caretakers have reported that they are receiving abuse from pupils at their schools and we ask parents to understand how hurtful and damaging such remarks can be. We urge any Caretaker who is receiving abuse to discuss the problem with their head teachers.

From all the members of The caretaker's Website, our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of Holly and Jessica. Words cannot express how we all feel at this time.