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Safeguarding Briefing - 8th November 2021
Peer-on-Peer Abuse (SAFE!)
SAFE! is a charity working to support young people across Thames Valley who are affected by crime. Although their direct services are limited to young people in the region, their online resources and information are valuable across the country.
SAFE! teach young people to listen to their 'Early Warning Signs' when they don't feel safe. They also encourage young people to work out who they can talk to if they are not feeling safe, and to seek help when they need it.
SAFE! has developed a specific website with resources to identify some of the problems faced by young people online called Safe Stories.
Looking at the issues through the eyes of animated characters, the video short stories are accompanied by advice and guidance on issues such as cyber-abuse, sexting, revenge porn, consent and healthy relationships. This is advice designed to help young people stay safe and to promote positive and respectful relationships.
The characters in the video are fictional, but their stories are based on the real experiences of young people supported by SAFE!
You can find the website and resources here: https://safestories.org/
Experiences of Peer-on-Peer Abuse in the Thames Valley
In May 2020, SAFE! published 'Experiences of Peer-on-Peer Abuse in the Thames Valley.' Although the research is located on the Oxfordshire/Reading area, the report is a valuable read for everyone working with young people, as the messages are universal.
The report can be found here: https://www.safeproject.org.uk/ckfinder/userfiles/files/Experiences%20of%20Peer-on-Peer%20Abuse%20in%20the%20Thames%20Valley%20-%20a%20consultation%20by%20SAFE!(1).pdf
Antisemitism and Islamophobia in schools (Farrer & Co)
Despite the increasing awareness in society of the need to identify and counter racism and religious intolerance, Antisemitism and Islamophobia remain pervasive in British society and have been steadily rising.
Schools of course bring together staff and pupils of many diverse faiths and races and are responsible for ensuring that they create a safe workplace and place of learning.
In this article from lawyers, Farrer & Co, looks at how common antisemitism and Islamophobia is, the definitions used in this context and how the law is used to tackle discrimination and equality.
You can find more information here: https://www.farrer.co.uk/news-and-insights/antisemitism-and-islamophobia-in-schools/
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Book: Song of the Crocodile [FGM] (Caroline Lisa)
Caroline Lisa who works in London's children's services is the author of 'Song of the Crocodile' a fast paced, compelling novel highlighting the complexities involved in Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and why the practice continues. The book tells the story of Binta, a teenager facing the reality of FGM in The Gambia.
The book is a valuable resource for professionals and a tool to facilitate difficult conversations and further equip those safeguarding girls most at risk.
A video trailer for the book can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d18odQC1paM
The author's website can be found here: authorcarolinelisa.com
The book can be purchased from Amazon here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Song-Crocodile-original-compelling-awareness-ebook/dp/B07V8745T8
The book can be purchased from WHSmith here: https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/song-of-the-crocodile/caroline-lisa/paperback/9781916182769.html
Tackling Child Exploitation Programme (TCE): Open Access Learning Events (University fo Bedfordshire/Research in Practice/The Children's Society)
The TCE Programme is hosting a series of open access online learning events focused on child exploitation and extra-familial harm. Colleagues from across the education sector and their leadership teams are invited to attend all these learning events.
On 8th December 2021, 3:45pm - 5:15pm on 'missing from education: child exploitation, exclusion and risk' may be of particular interest to schools. It will ask how do education settings and their wider community and safeguarding partners recognise and respond to child exploitation?
For more information, go to: https://tce.researchinpractice.org.uk/events/missing-from-education-child-exploitation-exclusion-and-risk/
Safeguarding in Dance (Dance School Safeguarding Working Group)
A new organisation, the Dance School Safeguarding Working Group (DSSWG), has been working across the dance sector in the UK, including freelance dance teachers, dance schools and child protection specialists to raise awareness and develop a robust approach to safeguarding young people. There is no regulatory body for dance schools and no legal compulsion for Dance Schools to have the level of safeguarding protections for children that schools do.
The Dance School Safeguarding Working Group's first publication is called 'Supporting the Conversation' which explains safeguarding in the context of dance, allowing school teachers to start to understand what could happen to children in a dance school.
The DSSWG are now working on a guidance document for Headteachers who are approached by independent dance teachers who offer their services as peripatetic teachers or to run clubs. Many people can be wowed by West End experiences and are not always checking the dancer's ability to teach well and safely.
'Supporting the Conversation' can be found here: https://www.dsswg.org.uk/resources
If you don’t know, don’t go (West Yorkshire Police)
We're coming towards the party season now, and many young people will be heading out to celebrations, often in the homes of friends' or acquaintances. Although many of these parties will end with nothing worse than a sore head, other events may lead to greater problems, including sexual exploitation, drug use or other risky behaviours.
West Yorkshire Police has information for young people about the potential dangers of house parties on its website, and how to keep themselves safer.
For information and a poster go to: https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/party
Forthcoming Events
Advanced Safeguarding for DSLs
LIVE ONLINE Tuesday 16th November 2021 BOOK NOW
LIVE ONLINE Tuesday 14th December 2021 BOOK NOW
...and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience BOOK NOW
Whole School Safeguarding CPD Online Session
In this two and half hour online presentation aimed at staff in all roles, specialist safeguarding consultant, Andrew Hall, explores important aspects of safeguarding in schools including child protection, learning from case studies and the latest version of Keeping Children Safe in Education.
You book your online session here: https://cpd.safeguardinginschools.co.uk/product/whole-school-safeguarding-course-online/
Until next time, keep safe and thank you for all the work you're doing,
Andrew Hall,
Specialist Safeguarding Consultant,
Success In Schools Ltd.
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