On Wednesday before half term all the children at school participated in the NSPCC Speak Out Stay Safe programme.
Our children in Nursery and Reception were introduced to Pantosaurus . The children learnt about how their underwear covers up your private parts and no one should ask to see or touch them. Sometimes a doctor, nurse or family members might have to. But they should always explain why, and ask you if it’s OK first. They were reminded that their body belongs to them and no one should ever make you do things that make you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. That no one has the right to make you do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. If somebody does make you do something, it is never your fault. Even if the person who has made you feel uncomfortable, has told you it is your fault. We explored good and bad secrets. Good secrets can be things like surprise parties or presents for other people. Bad secrets make you feel sad, worried or frightened. Finally that we should always talk to a safe adult who you trust about a bad secret or anything that doesn’t feel right.
The children in Key Stage 1 met Buddy who is a speech bubble. They learnt about how important it is for children should speak out if they have any worries. That all children have the right to speak out and have their views taken seriously, be kept safe and get help when they need it. The children explored the different forms of hurt in a simple age-appropriate way so children understand when something is not right. Children thought about safe adults who may be good to talk to, both in school and out of school and learnt about Childline, and how they can get in contact if they’re worried or need to talk.
In Key Stage 2 the children talked about the types of worries a child might have. We used bricks to represent worries and put them in the sack. We then use the sack of worries to talk about safe adults a child could talk to. With each example, a brick is removed. We talked about the different types of abuse in a simple, age-appropriate way, so children understand when something is not right. We encouraged the children to think about safe adults who may be good to talk to, both in school and out of school. Children learnt about Childline, and how they can get in contact if they’re worried or need to talk. We discovered that all children have the right to speak out and have their views taken seriously, be kept safe and get help when they need it.
At Minchinhampton keeping children safe is paramount to enabling each child to flourish. We want to empower children to be able to speak out if ever they or someone they know is feeling unsafe. This day is one of those small moments of reflection of this priority. Please encourage your child to speak about their experiences during Speak Out Stay Safe Day at home and contact Mrs Kingscote if you have any questions.