Is your child supported in school?

New research reveals that almost three quarters (73%) of school staff feel that there are more safeguarding concerns being raised now than this time last year. Despite this, the data highlighted that almost 20% of pupils still don’t feel confident reporting concerns, reaffirming the importance of continued work in this area.

The data also shines a light on the sentiment of school staff, as one in four (25%) surveyed reported that they do not think pupils feel safe at their school. More than a third also don’t feel they are getting the right guidance on how to deal with allegations of sexual harassment and violence. However, the good news is that compared with last year, an increased number of staff said they do feel confident handling reports of disclosures from pupils (83% up from 76% last year).

This research comes ahead of the annual Tes Safeguarding Awareness Week, taking place from the 22nd – 28th May. During Tes Safeguarding Awareness Week, Tes will be partnering with the UK’s leading children’s charity, the NSPCC, to deliver an exclusive Live Lesson. The lesson, aimed at Key Stage 2 classrooms, (children aged between 7 and 11) will include a series of activities through which pupils will learn about the rights they have, think about who their safe adults are and the support that is available to them. Pupils will then explore how to develop healthy relationships by responding to different scenarios, followed by pupils on screen sharing their thoughts and ideas. The lesson will be streamed live at 11.00 on Tuesday 23^rd May and available for download thereafter. Tes is also giving away a free course to teachers to help them to deal with disclosures.

Aston spoke to Caroline Roughley, school co-ordinator for NSPCC’s Speak Out, Stay Safe assembly and Childline counsellor and Dawn Jotham, safeguarding lead for Tes.

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash