SAFEGUARDING CONCERN: Spy Pet and Spy Dog books by Andrew Cope

Dear Parents and Carers,

We have been alerted to a safeguarding concern linked to the Spy Pet and Spy Dog books by Andrew Cope.

We have been advised that towards the back of each book there is a URL link intended to direct keen readers to a companion website featuring bonus content. We understand that this URL link has been taken over by a third party who has used the site to post inappropriate material intended only for adult audiences.

The author, Andrew Cope, and Puffin Books have taken the matter extremely seriously and have commenced a complex legal process to have the website taken down as soon as possible.

In the meantime we have been ask to:

• remove these books from your shelves immediately and either black-out the URL, remove that page or remove the book from circulation
• check classrooms for any books that may be in reading nooks and corners, or on display
• ask parents/carers to:
  • return any copies they have borrowed from school immediately
  • check for copies they have at home, independently of school, and black-out the URL if they have any (to prevent their children from accessing the site)
  • notify us if they know/suspect that their children have accessed this URL site 

Andrew Cope, the author of these books and Puffin Books have both been proactive following this takeover of Andrew’s website. The stories shared within these books, however, continue to be suitable for children.

Thank you for your support and cooperation.

Kind regards,

F Barratt - Headteacher