Fernielea School

On Wednesday (28th) and Thursday (1st), NSPCC will host a range of assemblies and workshops for pupils and parents.

The NSPCC’s Speak out. Stay safe. programme is visiting our school to make sure our pupils have the knowledge and understanding they need to stay safe from abuse.

I’m pleased to tell you that we will be working with the NSPCC, the UK’s leading children’s charity, who’ll be delivering their Speak out. Stay safe. programme on Wednesday 28th February and Thursday 1st March. This is a nationwide programme for every primary-school-aged child in the UK and Channel Islands. With the help of their friendly mascot Buddy, they’ll be presenting an assembly to the children in our school as well as a workshop for P6 and P7.

“NSPCC has helped me to build the confidence to tell people about my worries and problems.” Child’s feedback

What is the Speak out. Stay safe. programme?

Through child-friendly, interactive assemblies and workshops their specially trained staff and volunteers will give our children information about how to keep themselves safe from harm and how to get help if they have any worries, sensitively discussing issues like bullying and sexual abuse, without using scary words or adult language.

We have studied the content of the materials and heard from other schools who have participated and are extremely confident that they are appropriate for primary-school-aged children. By the end of their visit, we’re convinced children will feel empowered – knowing how they can speak out and stay safe.

“This service provides important information in a child-friendly way – it should be made mandatory in all schools. A brilliant service!” Teacher, Wistaston Primary, Crewe

If you would like any more information about the NSPCC Speak out. Stay safe. programme, including frequently asked questions, you can find it on the NSPCC website nspcc.org.uk/schools or please come into speak to me and I can provide more information.

Talking about the Underwear Rule with your children

The NSPCC’s work in schools will help encourage conversations about staying safe – and they have a number of child-friendly materials to help you carry on the conversation afterwards. That includes ‘The Underwear Rule’, a simple way for parents to help keep children safe from sexual abuse – without using scary words or even mentioning sex.

The guide uses the rules of PANTS to teach children that their body belongs to them and them alone. You can find out more and download the free resources at nspcc.org.uk/pants

If you’d like to know more about the NSPCC’s work, or take a look at the wide range of information and advice which is available for parents and carers, please visit their website nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/

Today we were entertained with a Chinese Lion Dance to celebrate the Chinese New Year.  We all gasped and cheered at the magnificent moves of the Lion.

One of our favourite days of the year is fast approaching – WORLD BOOK DAY! 

It is on Thursday 1st March 2018.

We are inviting pupils to dress up as a book character for the day.  There are house points to be won for competition winners too!  More information will be shared with you nearer the time so start planning your costume!

We will also be having a book swap so start looking out the books that you don’t need any more.  They can be brought to school on Wednesday 28th February and on World Book Day too.  Children will get the chance to select a new book for themselves on the day.

Schools have been alerted to the potential dangers of using the app ‘House Party’.  There is the chance that children could be exposed to inappropriate contact with strangers through this app.

All schools have signed up to the Scottish Government 360 Degree Safe Programme and this provides further guidance on school approaches to Internet Safety and Responsible Use. We also promote the ThinkUKnow materials provide by CEOP, which are age appropriate and deal with the issues of inappropriate contact and online grooming.

The following information is useful guidance for pupils and parents. This is available online at http://www.abernet.org/2018/01/19/keep-safe-online-what-pupils-need-to-know/

Keep Safe Online: What pupils need to know.

We all need to keep safe online: on our computers, devices, game consoles and on our mobile phones.  This is a quick list of what you need to know to stay safe.

1. Don’t post any personal information online – like your address, email address or mobile number.
2. Think carefully before posting pictures, videos or live streaming of yourself.  Once you’ve put content of yourself online most people can see it and may be able to download it, it’s not just yours anymore.
3. Keep your privacy settings as high as possible
4. Never give out your passwords
5. Don’t befriend people you don’t know
6. Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online.  Speak to your parent or carer about people suggesting you do
7. Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are
8. Think carefully about what you say before you share something online
9. Respect other people’s views, even if you don’t agree with someone else’s views doesn’t mean you need to be rude
10. If you see something online that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried: leave the service or app, turn off your device and talk to a trusted adult.  If anyone contacts you online in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, tell a trusted adult.

In some apps, your details might be shared with other people who are not your friends, but friends of someone else you are sharing with.  Be aware, if you don’t know someone it’s best to leave the conversation.

More Information Online at:

• ThinkUKnow
• NSPCC: Advice for Parents
• Advice for Schools: 360 Degree Safe

Welcome back everyone and Happy New Year to you all!

Please read our January 2018 Newsletter by clicking on the link below.

January 2018