Madeleine Search: Needham Family's Sympathy

No Trace Of Ben In New Police Hunt

Updated: 10:17pm UK, Friday 26 October 2012

British police have ended their latest search for Ben Needham who disappeared on the Greek Island of Kos 21 years ago.

A fresh hunt was launched by South Yorkshire Police along with Greek officers on October 19 after doubts emerged about whether parts of the site where he went missing were examined thoroughly at the time.

The 21-month-old Sheffield boy, who moved to Greece with his mother and grandparents, disappeared from a remote spot next to a farmhouse that his grandfather Eddie was renovating.

Detective Superintendent Matt Fenwick said: "Police teams out in Kos have not found anything this week.

"The search has now been completed at about 4pm, Greek time today (Friday). South Yorkshire Police are continuing to support the Greek authorities and Ben's family."

Over the last week, experts focused their search on a large mound, which was grassed over, near the farmhouse.

One theory is that Ben could have been buried beneath building material which was dumped there at the time he went missing.

During operations, sophisticated radar equipment was used to provide penetrating images from below ground level.

Olive and lemon groves surrounding the farmhouse were also examined.

Police also discovered parts of toys that Ben may have been playing with before he disappeared.

Despite a number of possible sightings and a range of theories about what happened to him, no trace of the youngster has been found.

South Yorkshire Police renewed their search following a request from Greek police for extra support, which involved a forensic archaeologist and search dogs.

14.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Parents To Be Punished For Kids' Bad Behaviour

Parents have been warned by Education Secretary Michael Gove they will face punishments for failing to ensure their children arrive at school "ready to learn and showing respect for their teacher".

Mr Gove has vowed to raise school standards "higher than ever before" as he set out an uncompromising vision to get rid of what he believes is a culture of low expectations.

In a speech to the Policy Exchange think tank, Mr Gove insisted mothers and fathers have to take responsibility for their children's behaviour or face sanctions.

He also hit out at teachers who "set children up to fail" by refusing to think they might be intellectually curious or capable of greatness.

Mr Gove said: "We need to ensure that those parents who don't play their part in ensuring their children attend school, ready to learn and showing respect for their teacher, face up to their responsibilities.

"We will, later this year, be outlining detailed proposals to ensure parents play their full part in guaranteeing good behaviour and outlining stronger sanctions for those who don't."

Mr Gove wants to eradicate what he thinks is a culture of low expectations

The Education Secretary's approach has seen him clash numerous times with teaching unions, which have accused him of a "personal ideological crusade".

But Mr Gove rejected suggestions his reforms are too demanding, and added his reforming zeal would not diminish.

"I believe we have to embrace reform, lean in to the future, set standards higher than ever before," he said.

Mr Gove said he knew what "real barriers to success look like".

"I spent the first four months of my life in care," he said.

"Both my parents had to leave school at 15.

"My sister spent all her school career set apart from other children who were just as bright as her in a school for children with special needs.

"And I know what setting children up to fail looks like."

14.44 | 0 komentar | Read More