A Calne school has joined forces with the NSPCC to make sure its pupils are well equipped to keep themselves safe
Children aged from 5 to 11 at St Margaret’s Preparatory School were given important knowledge and understanding from the charity through its ‘Speak out. Stay safe’ programme.
Deputy Head and Safeguarding Lead, Cath Jones, explained, “Sam Nolan from the NSPCC led two assemblies, one for children from Years 1 to 3, and another for the older pupils. The talks were pitched so they were age appropriate and focused upon making sure that the children know they should speak to an adult if there is anything in their lives making them feel uncomfortable or frightened. It may be that they speak to a parent, a teacher or another adult they feel comfortable with and for them to be re-assured they will be believed.”
Headmistress Karen Cordon wrote to parents in advance to tell them of the visit and the nature of the talk and everyone was supportive.
She added, “Through child-friendly, interactive assemblies and workshops, the NSPCC specially trained staff and volunteers gave our children information about how to keep themselves safe from harm and how to get help if they have any worries, sensitively discussing issues like bullying and sexual abuse, without using scary words or adult language. By the end of their visit, we are confident that our children undoubtedly felt empowered – knowing how to speak out and stay safe.”
The NSPCC subsequently returned to St Margaret’s in order to lead workshops with children in Years 5 and 6.