A key aspect of our curriculum at Newdale is to educate children about how to stay safe. One of the many ways in which we do this is through themed weeks. Next week is Expect Respect Week. During this week, we work sensitively with children, looking at the importance of healthy, non-violent relationships.
Why we have Expect Respect Week
Unfortunately, domestic abuse is a widespread social problem that impacts children and young people’s lives directly in many ways. One in seven (14.2%) children and young people under the age of 18 will have lived with domestic violence at some point in their childhood, with damaging impact on every area of children and young people’s lives.
Learning about what positive relationships are is important from a young age. Such lessons can help to support children’s understanding of what healthy, non-violent relationships look like.
What staff do at Newdale to help keep children safe, with regards to domestic abuse:
- Have up-to-date knowledge and understanding of domestic abuse
- Support children to seek help and safety
- Model and promote healthy, non-violent relationships
- Report disclosures by following our safeguarding procedures
All professionals working with children and young people have a role to play in supporting children in a safe, open environment. Each session is designed to be active, fun and engaging. Many of the session plans do not raise domestic abuse directly. Please see below for the theme for each year group. Please feel assured that the sessions are very much age-appropriate for your child.
| Year Group |
Theme |
| Nursery |
Sharing of books which challenge gender stereotypes/role play jobs. |
| Reception |
Looking at and challenging gender stereotypes using toys |
| Year 1 |
Friends, secrets and people who help us |
| Year 2 |
Gender, careers and assumptions |
| Year 3 |
Resolving conflict and where to get help |
| Year 4 |
Examining violence, excuses and responsibility |
| Year 5 |
Secrets and stories |
| Year 6 |
Courtroom game and My identify online |
We know the value of preventative work and the real importance that early conversations can have on children and young people’s lives. I am pleased that we can engage with prevention work to address gender-based violence from its roots.
If you need more information, or are suffering from the effects of domestic abuse, please contact the school or visit https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ for further support and guidance.
Yours sincerely,
Miss R Cook
