Teachers sound alarm over bullying and sexual harassment in East of England
Around 3 in 4 school staff feel that there are more safeguarding concerns raised now than this time last year, survey suggests
New research reveals that almost three quarters (73%) of UK school staff feel that there are more safeguarding concerns being raised now than this time last year.
A survey of 1,202 schoolteachers, teaching assistants, and other school staff from schools worldwide, including all UK regions, was conducted by the Tes newspaper (Times Educational Supplement) between April and May.
In the East of England, 72% of teachers agree there are more safeguarding concerns being raised now than there were a year ago, and almost a quarter (25%) says they think some pupils don't feel safe in school.
The same survey also revealed almost 4 in 10 teachers don't feel they are getting enough guidance on how to deal with allegations of harassment and violence.
Children's confidence to report concerns requires "continued work"
The data highlighted that almost 20% of pupils still don’t feel confident reporting concerns, which the UK's leading children's charity - the NSPCC - says reaffirms the importance of continued work in this area.
The findings from the research come as the annual Tes Safeguarding Awareness Week gets underway. This year, it's partnering with the NSPCC to deliver live lessons aimed at Key Stage 2 classrooms (children aged between 7 an 11).
It will include a series of activities thought which pupils will learn about the rights they have, think about who their safe adults are and the support that is available to them.
The lesson also aims to show children how to develop healthy relationships by responding to different scenarios. Tes is also giving away a free course to teachers to help them to deal with disclosures from pupils.
Dawn Jotham, pastoral and safeguarding lead for Tes said:
“Safeguarding is a priority for schools, but it is clear from the results of our survey that not all staff feel confident in the role they must play.
"A whole school approach where anyone a child may address feels properly equipped to deal with a disclosure is vital."
Caroline Roughley, Schools Co-Ordinator for the NSPCC’s Speak out Stay safe assembly said:
“We are thrilled to have collaborated with Tes this Safeguarding Awareness Week. At the NSPCC we know that educating children and young people about the signs of abuse and how and who to speak out to is a vital part of keeping them safe.
"We hope this Live Lesson will reach many children and begin to empower them with knowledge on what their rights are, who their safe adults are and when a child might need to speak out."