Speak out Stay safe

How it works

Speak out Stay safe consists of a 30-minute assembly to all pupils followed by a one hour workshop for older pupils. Teachers are present throughout so everyone's familiar with the topics covered after the visit.

> Request a visit for your school

The assembly

We hold different assembly presentations for reception, years 1 and 2/primary 1-3 and years 3-6/primary 4-7.

The assembly helps children understand about different types of abuse so they can get help if or when they need it. This includes talking about neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and bullying. We help children to identify a trusted adult they can speak to if they are worried about themselves or a friend. They also learn about Childline, and how the service can support them.

The workshop

During the workshops, children in years 5-6/primary 6-7 explore the definitions of abuse in greater depth. They take part in engaging activities and exercises, including looking at different scenarios and deciding whether they are OK or not OK.

How we support you

Our trained staff and volunteers help you prepare for the assembly and class workshops, so you know what to expect and are confident about how to support your pupils before and after the visit.

Before the visit, we talk to you about any specific needs or requirements your pupils may have. We have also adapted our programme for special schools. And we can deliver our assembly bilingually in Wales.

The programme helps your school meet statutory duties, and will support you to evidence your school's safeguarding to Ofsted.

Request an assembly at your school

Since the service began, around 80% of schools have received a Speak out Stay safe session and we'd love your school to be next.

Request a visit for your school

What we cover: key stage 1 and primary 1-3

We hold a 30-minute assembly, covering the topics below, for children in key stage 1 (reception and years 1 and 2) and primary 1-3. 

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Meet Buddy - The children meet Buddy, a friendly, green speech bubble who believes that children should be able to speak out to someone if they're worried or unhappy.

Children's rights - The assembly explains that all children have the right to speak out and be heard, to be safe and to get help when they need it.

Explaining the ways that children can be hurt - We explain the different ways that children can be hurt in a simple, age appropriate way, so that children understand when something's not right.

Speaking out - Children think about grown-ups who may be good to talk to, both in school and out of school.

Getting help - Children learn about Childline, and how they can get in contact if they're worried or need to talk.

Request an assembly at your school

Since the service began, around 80% of schools have received a Speak out Stay safe session and we'd love your school to be next.

Request a visit for your school

What we cover: key stage 2 and primary 4-7

We hold a 30-minute assembly, covering the topics below, for children in key stage 2 (years 3-6) and primary 4-7. This is followed by a one-hour class workshop for years 5-6 and primary 6-7.

> Request a visit for your school

Meet Buddy

The children meet Buddy, a friendly, green speech bubble who believes that children should be able to speak out to someone if they're worried or unhappy.

What's worrying you?

Children get involved and discuss some of the reasons why a child may feel sad, worried or anxious and need someone to talk to.

Explaining different types of abuse

We explain the different types of abuse in a simple, age appropriate way, so that children understand when something's not right.

Someone to talk to

Children think about trusted adults who they could talk to if they're worried, both in school and out of school.

Childline

Children learn about Childline, and how they can get in contact if they're worried or need to talk.

Request an assembly at your school

Since the service began, around 80% of schools have received a Speak out Stay safe session and we'd love your school to be next.

Request a visit for your school

Testimonials

From schools

"The session gave children clear ideas of where they could go for help and advice in a straight forward way. They make it really child friendly."

Vera Jajechnyk, Head of School and Safeguarding Lead, St John’s Catholic School

From children

"You visited our school last term and it was really fun. I liked Buddy and still remember the number you taught us. It's nice knowing that Childline is always here for me if I ever need them."

Girl, age 11

"The NSPCC came into my school today. It was really good to hear about Childline and to know that I can talk to you about anything. I have been getting bullied at school so I have been feeling quite sad. Knowing that Childline is always here for children really helps."

Boy, age 11

From parents

"My daughter thought the volunteers were fantastic, really real people, very warm and friendly."

Sally, Prestatyn

Request an assembly at your school

Since the service began, around 80% of schools have received a Speak out Stay safe session and we'd love your school to be next.

Request a visit for your school

Support us

We believe it's important that our Speak out Stay safe programme is available to every primary school at no cost to the school.

> Request a visit for your school

As a charity we can only do this thanks to our many generous supporters and amazing volunteers.

Volunteer with us

Our volunteers visit local schools giving assemblies and workshops in primary schools, teaching them to speak out if they're ever worried.

We provide the training and tools you need to play your part.

> Find out more about volunteering opportunities on the NSPCC website

Fundraise for us

Speak out Stay safe is available at no cost to schools, thanks to the financial support and generosity of our supporters.

If you'd like to take part in a fundraising event to help us continue this work, take a look at our fundraising ideas for schools on the NSPCC website or email us for more information. 

Request an assembly at your school

Since the service began, around 80% of schools have received a Speak out Stay safe session and we'd love your school to be next.

> Request a visit for your school

More resources

We work with primary and secondary schools across the UK. In addition to Speak out Stay safe, we have specialist resources, lesson plans and training to help schools safeguard children. This includes:

• Child protection training courses
• Designated and lead officer training
• Monthly Safeguarding in Education Updates email
• Teaching resources
• Briefings and factsheets on key topics 
• Safeguarding in Education Self-Assessment Tool (ESAT) 

You can also find out more about what to do if a child talks about abuse in our recognising and responding to abuse briefing.

Request an assembly at your school

Since the service began, around 80% of schools have received a Speak out Stay safe session and we'd love your school to be next.

> Request a visit for your school

Request a Speak out Stay safe visit

If you are a primary school and would like to arrange a Speak out Stay safe programme visit please fill out the form below.

For advice and support on child protection for in secondary schools please visit our safeguarding and child protection in schools pages.

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