Keeping Children Safe

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Helping children understand how to keep themselves safe is one of the most important things we can teach them.

We believe every child has the right to feel safe, respected and listened to. Through age-appropriate learning, positive relationships and open conversations, we help children recognise when something isn't right, understand personal boundaries and know where to turn for help.

Our aim is to give children the confidence to speak up, knowing that trusted adults will listen and help them.

Learning to Keep Safe

Keeping safe is woven throughout our curriculum and everyday school life.

Through PSHE, Relationships and Health Education, collective worship and daily conversations, children learn about:

• Personal safety: Recognising safe and unsafe situations and knowing how to seek help.
• Healthy relationships: Understanding kindness, respect, trust and appropriate boundaries.
• Body safety: Knowing that their body belongs to them and understanding privacy and consent.
• Recognising worries: Identifying situations or behaviour that makes them feel uncomfortable.
• Speaking up: Knowing which trusted adults they can approach and understanding that it is always OK to ask for help.

We adapt our teaching to children's ages and individual needs, ensuring important messages are accessible, reassuring and empowering.

PANTS – The Underwear Rule

The NSPCC's Talk PANTS campaign helps parents and carers talk to children about body safety in a simple, age-appropriate way.

Using the friendly character Pantosaurus, the campaign helps children understand five important messages:

P – Privates are private.

A – Always remember your body belongs to you.

N – No means no.

T – Talk about secrets that upset you.

S – Speak up, someone can help.

These conversations help children understand their right to feel safe, recognise inappropriate behaviour and know that they can always tell a trusted adult.

The NSPCC provides free videos, activities and parent guides, including accessible resources.

Explore NSPCC Talk PANTS resources

Recognising When Something May Be Wrong

Children do not always find it easy to explain when something is troubling them.

Changes in behaviour, mood, confidence or relationships may sometimes indicate that a child is experiencing difficulties.

Possible signs include becoming unusually withdrawn, anxious or fearful, unexplained injuries, or sudden changes in behaviour.

These signs do not necessarily mean that a child is being harmed, but concerns should always be taken seriously.

If a child tells you something worrying, listen calmly, reassure them that they have done the right thing by speaking up and seek appropriate safeguarding advice. Avoid asking leading questions or promising to keep the information secret.

Talking About Safety at Home

Regular, everyday conversations can help children develop confidence and understand how to keep themselves safe.

We encourage families to:

• Talk openly about feelings, worries and personal boundaries.
• Help children identify several trusted adults they can approach.
• Reinforce that children have the right to say no to unwanted physical contact.
• Explain the difference between happy surprises and secrets that make them feel worried or unsafe.
• Reassure children that they will never be blamed for telling someone about something that has frightened or upset them.

The most important message is simple: children should always feel able to speak up, and adults have a responsibility to help keep them safe.

Useful Resources

The following organisations provide practical information and guidance:

• NSPCC – Talk PANTS – Child-friendly resources about body safety and personal boundaries.
• NSPCC – Keeping Children Safe – Advice on recognising concerns and protecting children.
• Childline – Free, confidential advice and support for children. Telephone: 0800 1111.
• NSPCC – Advice for Families – Guidance for parents and carers on a range of safeguarding topics.

Working Together

Children are safest when families and schools work together, communicate openly and take concerns seriously.

If you would like advice about discussing personal safety with your child, please speak to their class teacher.

Together, we can help every child feel safe, respected and confident that their voice matters.