Businesses Asked To be Wary Of Book Sellling Scam For Local Schools

8th May 2007

Head Teachers in Caithness are concerned that local businesses may be approached to sponsor books. The schools know nothing about these approaches by a company selling the books. Local businesses are approached and asked to sponsor books on a certain subject - often road safety or drug education or health related matters. They are asked for money and specific schools are mentioned BUT the schools are completely ignorant of this. In most cases the material is of no use as it is not suitable and even if it is suitable, very little use is made of it as the schools already have programmes for most health topics which have resources which they like.

Schools feel very bad that local businesses are being conned in this way as it really has nothing to do with them.

A Joint Letter hasbeen issued by
Hugh Fraser, Director Education, Culture & Sport and David Alston, Chair of HDAAT -

It has come to our attention that a company named 'Child Protection UK' has recently contacted local businesses in Highland with a view to sponsor materials to 'their local primary schools'. The materials sold by Child Protection UK are not endorsed by The Highland Council Education, Culture and Sport nor our partners in the Highland Drug and Alcohol Action Team.

Through your links with local businesses, you may wish to highlight this fact in case local firms are approached by salespersons. We are sure that you will be able to advise them appropriately if they do wish to make a donation or otherwise support their local schools.