More than 90% of Teachers in the North West have seen an increase in safeguarding referrals

THE NSPCC can reveal new data from a joint UK wide survey of 8,329 Teachers, with the teaching union NASUWT, which highlights the essential role that Schools play in safeguarding children and the concerning landscape of abuse and neglect.

More than 1,400 Teachers were surveyed in the North West, and 95% 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 61% stating that increase was:- 'significant.'

99% of Teachers 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 North West have seen a 63% 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 assembly and workshop, launching a new resource for Teachers, Talk Relationships and running a special Abuse in Education helpline following the Everyone's Invited revelations.

Today the charity announces 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.

Rob Pugal, who volunteers for the NSPCC experienced physical and sexual abuse as a child and as an adult he is passionate about helping children and young people learn the signs of abuse and neglect.

Rob volunteers for the NSPCC's Speak out Stay safe service and he is a supporter of charity's Childhood Day as he can see how it highlights and reinforces the vital work the NSPCC do.

Through Speak out Stay Safe, Rob help's children learn that they have the right to a happy childhood, and that abuse is never their fault.

Rob said:- "I was once stuck with my perpetrator in Somerset. I realised on the 1st day that I was expected to sleep in the same bed as him, and I felt so trapped. The fact that children now have Speak out Stay safe, and that they can contact Childline for free, is wonderful. We do this work because we care about children's safety. But we can't do it without funding. If I could share 1 message, it would be: by donating, you can help children learn to speak out."

Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC CEO said:- "The vital role that Teachers play in keeping children and young people safe cannot be underestimated. They are in a prime position to spot concerns, and, in many cases, they are the trusted adults that children turn to when something worrying, or upsetting has happened to them. We know that the Pandemic left many children at an increased risk of abuse and neglect and since children returned to School, Teachers have been key in raising their hand and reporting concerns to ensure they can get the support they need. Whilst we recognise that Teachers are an essential part of the jigsaw in protecting children, at the NSPCC, we believe everyone can play their part. Strong communities are vital in helping to keep children safe, and that's why we are encouraging people to do their bit in their community and get behind Childhood Day 2023 by taking on the Childhood Day Mile. Everyone can get involved from Schools, work colleagues and families and by taking part, you'll be helping the NSPCC ensure child protection is a top priority."

The survey also reveals the types of referrals that Teachers in the Region have seen an increase in over the past year:-

• 90% have seen an increase in neglect referrals.
   

• 86% have seen an increase in emotional abuse referrals.
   

• 71% have seen an increase in physical abuse referrals.
   

• 58% of Teachers have seen an increase in sexual abuse referrals.

Everyone has to play their part... Half a million children suffer abuse in the UK every year which equates to 7 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:- 9 June 2023, 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.

£24 could pay for the NSPCC Speak out Stay safe programme to reach 1 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 1 of the charity's professionals. People can call:- 08088005000, email:- Help@NSPCC.Org.UK or fill in the online form.

Lidl GB and Sky Cares, Sky's community outreach programme, are sponsoring the NSPCC's Childhood Day for a second year as retail and media sponsors. Lidl GB have been partnered with the NSPCC for 6 years and are currently supporting young people with their mental health by raising money for Childline. Sky Cares has been partnered with the NSPCC for 3 years and is committed to supporting the communities where their customers and employees live and work. Both partners will be helping to raise awareness of Childhood Day, as well as holding their own activities with their colleagues and customers across Great Britain to help raise vital funds.
 

More Foster Carers are needed in Liverpool

LIVERPOOL City Council's interim Chief Executive is calling on more residents to become foster carers. As demand increases, Theresa Grant wants us all to consider whether we can offer a loving and secure home to children in need.

Liverpool City Council interim Chief Executive, Theresa Grant said:- "It's so important that children grow up in a safe, comfortable and loving environment and we're looking for foster carers to give them that opportunity. I'd like to thank all of our existing foster carers for the amazing work they do. They are so committed and passionate about looking after our children. Please think about fostering and the rewards it will bring to you and the children who need your love and your support."

In Liverpool, there has been a 31% increase in the number of looked after children since 2017, whilst the number of foster carers locally and nationally has not grown at the same pace. Between 2018 and 2022 the number of approved fostering households in England declined by 4% (Ofsted November 2022).

Having more Local Authority foster carers in the City means that our children can have homes close to their local community, and they can remain in School with their friends and networks, this avoids them being moved away from the area where they then lose connections with their vital support networks.

Liverpool foster carer of 50 years, Sue said:- "Fostering is so rewarding. My sons keep asking me when are you going to retire, Mum? But I really enjoy it and the babies keep me going. With the 1 that's due to arrive this afternoon, it'll be 412 children in total! Anyone coming into fostering should know it's not easy, but it's very rewarding. If you can get them in a good routine, make then happy, give them plenty of love and involve them in everything, you'll get some great results." 

Theresa Grant is also asking businesses and organisations across the City to consider becoming a Fostering Friendly employer to support employees who wish to foster.

Liverpool City Council's support for foster carers includes:-

• Pre and post approval training.
   

• Child allowances and foster carer payments.
   

• A dedicated social worker and family support workers.
   

• Free Lifestyles gym membership for the fostering household.
   

• Council Tax relief.
   

• Local support groups and social events.

Liverpool's Fostering Service holds monthly information events and regular drop in's for anyone who is interested in finding out more.

Contact our friendly fostering team by email:- Fostering@Liverpool.Gov.UK, or call:- 01515150000.

For further details, visit:- Fostering.Liverpool.Gov.UK.