A woman from Bedford who was the victim of child grooming has joined the NSPCC’s campaign to highlight the essential role that schools play in safeguarding children at risk from abuse and neglect.
Leah* spoke to the Bedford Independent to coincide with the launch of new data from a joint UK-wide survey of 8,329 teachers.
Complied with the teaching union NASUWT, the findings highlight the essential role that schools play in safeguarding children and the concerning landscape of abuse and neglect.
More than 400 teachers were surveyed in the East of England, and 93% of those who shared an opinion said they had seen an increase in the number of safeguarding referrals made within their school over the past year, with 53% stating that increase was ‘significant’.
98% of teachers who expressed an opinion also stated they had seen an increase in safeguarding concerns since the pandemic.
This echoes new analysis of Government data that shows from 2020/2021 to 2021/2022 schools in the East of England have seen a 55% increase in the number of safeguarding referrals and re-referrals made to children’s services.
The NSPCC says the findings underline the vital role that schools play in keeping children safe, and how important it is that everyone connected to education knows how to recognise and respond to concerns whether they happen in the classroom, corridor or community.
The NSPCC has worked with educators for many years, including visiting primary schools with its Speak out Stay safe assemblies and workshops, launching a new resource for teachers, Talk Relationships and running a special Abuse in Education helpline following the
Everyone’s Invited revelations.
Today (Tuesday) the charity announced that it is putting schools at the heart of its annual Childhood Day by launching the Childhood Day Mile – however you choose to complete your mile whether you walk it, wheel it or space hopper it, all funds will go towards the charity’s vital work.
Leah’s story
Leah is from Bedford and did not grow up in a happy home environment. She was often left outside alone as a child, resulting in her being groomed by a man.
To highlight the importance of today’s research, she agreed to share her story with the Bedford Independent.
“Positive role models are vital for children from imperfect homes,” she said.
“School can be a safe place for a lot of children dealing with abuse and teachers can be a great insight into prosocial and kind people that they may not have come across before.
“That influence and encouragement can help that child feel less alone and heard, it shouldn’t be underestimated.”
Leah said that she had some teachers who were able to take the time to get to know her and were aware that she was going to school hungry, so were giving her extra food.
“I know that if they had continued to teach me, they would have picked up on my spiralling mental health. I would encourage all teachers to report [their concerns] as you could be the only one to notice.”
School was Leah’s ‘happy place’ and she said she’d often arrive hours before school started and didn’t want to go home at the end of the day.
“I loved school, I couldn’t get enough of being there as it was a safe space. Summer holidays were depressing and isolating and school was a lifeline to aim for. I’m sure I’m not the only one to feel like that.
“I think teachers can feel their role is minimal and some of the concerns may seem petty but as part of the big picture it may enforce support early that can prevent further danger to the child.
“In my case if my family had been involved with social services it may have restricted access to a sexual predator.”
Childhood Day Mile to raise vital funds
Half a million children suffer abuse in the UK every year which equates to seven children in a classroom experiencing abuse before they turn 18.
The NSPCC believes that this can’t go on and that we all need to work together to protect children.
It includes schools, the police and health providers in communities working together to identify problems before they escalate, effectively share information, and put in place holistic support.
Although teachers play a vital role in safeguarding children, at the NSPCC, the charity believes that we can all play our part in keeping children safe.
The NSPCC is asking for people to support Childhood Day on the 9 June, which will raise vital funds for the NSPCC.
People can do this through fundraising by taking on the Childhood Day Mile, donating or volunteering at a Childhood Day collection in their local community.
£10 will help the NSPCC Helpline answer more contacts about children at risk and £24 could pay for the NSPCC Speak out Stay safe programme to reach one primary school child, teaching them how to recognise abuse
The NSPCC is urging anyone with concerns about a child, even if they’re unsure, to contact the NSPCC Helpline to speak to one of the charity’s professionals. People can call 0808 800 5000, email help@nspcc.org.uk or fill in the online form.
Leah said: “I think everyone has a bias and it is hard to realise that these things happen to real children and can happen in your school or your class.
“It’s not a nice thing to get your head around but acting now may save that child potentially.”
*not her real name.
