Professor Diane Rasmussen spoke with Cathy Mudge and Jennifer Thetford-Kay of Protect and Teach CIC about the research they are doing to increase safeguarding of children in English schools. 

The research is being presented in a series of written articles for UK Column. Part 1 of the series has been published.

According to the Protect and Teach CIC website, the company “exists to promote high-quality education, safeguard the developing mind and support evidence-informed practice. We believe every child deserves an education that develops knowledge, curiosity, resilience and independent thinking”. Their “work is guided by safeguarding, integrity, reason and a commitment to helping children flourish”. 

Cathy Mudge is a Devon-based retired midwife and the Director and Founder of Protect and Teach CIC. She has contributed to UK Column previously, including the long-form interviews ‘Taking Action to Remove Dangerous Indoctrination from English Schools’ and ‘Exposing Queer Fest and the Attack on Our Children's Minds’.  She has also written an article, ‘Queer Fest at Exeter Library: Devon County Council's Child Safety Test’, that accompanies the Queer Fest interview.

Jennifer Thetford-Kay is new to Protect and Teach CIC, but she has over 25 years of experience working in the health, social care, and education sectors, along with several qualifications. 

In this interview, Cathy explained Protect and Teach CIC’s recent transition to becoming a Community Interest Company (CIC) and the reasons behind the move. Jennifer talked about her background and experience, as well as the research she is doing to track what has happened to England’s educational system over the last few decades. All UK residents should be concerned about the lack of true child safeguarding in today’s educational system and take action locally. 

Diane, Cathy, and Jennifer discussed graphic, inappropriate sexual content and violent content now required in the curriculum. Please be aware of this if you have children present while viewing the interview, and take appropriate precautions.

Cathy can be found on X, and Jennifer has a Linktree page with links to her website and online profiles. Protect and Teach CIC has a website and an X profile.