At St Simon Peter, we are committed to the safety and well-being of our students. To achieve this, we’ve implemented the “Keeping Safe Child Protection Curriculum,” which empowers children with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves from abuse. Your involvement in continuing these discussions at home is essential, as it reinforces what they learn at school and helps build a strong foundation for their safety. Together, we can ensure our children grow up confident and secure.

One important focus area of the curriculum is “Recognising and Reporting Abuse.” Here are some key points to help guide your conversations with your child:

• Using Correct Body Part Names: Encourage your child to know and use the correct names for all body parts, including private ones. Open communication helps remove taboos and empowers children to speak up if they feel uncomfortable.
• Respecting Boundaries: Teach your child that their body is private, and no one has the right to touch them without permission. Help them understand the difference between safe and unsafe touch.
• Empowering Assertiveness: Encourage your child to say “No” or “Stop it” if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable with any form of touch.
• Recognising Abuse: Discuss the different forms of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, neglect) and help your child recognise warning signs, such as being hurt, witnessing abuse, or receiving inappropriate touches.
• Seeking Help: Make sure your child knows who they can turn to for help in the community, such as trusted adults like police officers, shopkeepers, or bus drivers.
• Internet Safety: Teach your child how to use the internet safely and responsibly, and remind them not to share personal information online.
• Safe and Unsafe Secrets: Explain the difference between safe secrets (e.g., surprise gifts) and unsafe secrets (e.g., sexual touching or threats). Encourage them to share any concerns with a trusted adult.

By working together, we can create a safe and supportive environment for all our students. Thank you for your ongoing support in this important initiative.