Tackling Child Sexual Exploitation
Today, Thursday 9 May, the department has launched a new service to tackle child sexual exploitation as well as other criminal threats to children such as gangs, modern slavery and trafficking. This was covered by TES and Schools Week, whilst the Children and Families Minister Nadhim Zahawi was interviewed about the launch on Sky News and Good Morning Britain.
The Tackling Child Exploitation Support Programme, backed by £2 million, is designed to improve the way in which local areas respond to child exploitation issues. It will equip professionals involved in protection of young people to identify those at risk from dangers in their communities and online.
Education Secretary Damian Hinds said:
Being safe at school and having a stable home life is the best form of protection for the children as they grow up – but we know that those who are the most vulnerable, are the most at risk of exploitation of those who want to take advantage of them.
We are all united in cracking down on those who try to lead vulnerable young people down a dangerous path, and the threats they face are multiple and complex. We must make sure that we work together and this new approach to better support teachers, police and health professionals will improve the expertise and guidance available to all those who care for and educate young people.
Mindfulness
The international education organisation ClassDojo has today released research, which finds that two thirds of parents say their primary school children regularly feel anxious about school life. The research is based on a survey of 1,049 primary school parents and 777 primary teachers. This was covered by the Express and the Sun in brief.
On Friday 10 May, ClassDojo is coordinating one of the world’s largest ‘mindfulness moments’ which will see children across the world set aside 30 minutes to take part in a range of mindfulness activities, learning relaxation techniques and raising money for mental wellbeing charities.
Education Secretary Damian Hinds said:
I want school to be a place where pupils develop a love of learning and gain the knowledge and skills they need to prepare them for adult life. I know many young people can feel worried about exams and school work, especially at this time of year, but it should never be something that has a disproportionate effect on their wellbeing.
Learning how to cope with life’s inevitable pressures is part of growing up, and I’ve seen how calming the practice of mindfulness can be where schools choose to use it, so I’m pleased to support this ‘Mindful Moment’.
Supporting good mental health goes hand-in-hand with getting the qualifications pupils’ need to succeed – that’s why we launched one of the world’s largest trials of mental health and wellbeing approaches in schools, including mindfulness. We are also introducing compulsory health education so that children learn about issues around mental health, wellbeing and happiness right from the start of primary school.
Care Leavers
Yesterday, Wednesday 8 May, Channel 5 News aired a report called Duty of Care – which looked at the experience of young people who grew up in the care system. Channel 4 News also ran a package in the evening , which focused on care leavers and the support available for them. The Children and Families Minister Nadhim Zahawi was interviewed for both reports.
The department has invested nearly £6 million in a pilot programme called Staying Close, which will provide further support for young people leaving residential care. In addition to this, £5 million has been invested to pilot three Social Impact Bonds for care leavers, helping them into employment, education or training.
Education Secretary Damian Hinds said:
I want school to be a place where pupils develop a love of learning and gain the knowledge and skills they need to prepare them for adult life. I know many young people can feel worried about exams and school work, especially at this time of year, but it should never be something that has a disproportionate effect on their wellbeing.
Learning how to cope with life’s inevitable pressures is part of growing up, and I’ve seen how calming the practice of mindfulness can be where schools choose to use it, so I’m pleased to support this ‘Mindful Moment’.
Supporting good mental health goes hand-in-hand with getting the qualifications pupils’ need to succeed – that’s why we launched one of the world’s largest trials of mental health and wellbeing approaches in schools, including mindfulness. We are also introducing compulsory health education so that children learn about issues around mental health, wellbeing and happiness right from the start of primary school.
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