EVERY parent would applaud after-school clubs and events designed to stretch our youngsters and aid their learning. But the case of nine-year-old Charlie Abbott illustrates an important point - systems designed to protect them must be equally as flexible.

Charlie, a pupil at Intack Primary School, Blackburn, was hit by a truck because she had to cross busy Whitebirk Road on her own after staying behind for choir practice. The lollipop lady who operates outside school had left for the day after seeing pupils who left at the normal time across the road.

Charlie's mother, Maria, has called on education bosses to extend the crossing service for pupils who stay behind at the end of the day.

Three cheers for head teacher David Crowther for recognising the problem and vowing to try and do something about it. If schools are asking children to stay later, then surely it is only fair that they ensure they are able to get home safely.

But is there also a responsibility on all parents to help prevent similar incidents by checking on the arrangements for their child?

We can not let others take all the blame when things go wrong.