Useful Websites and Information

We recognise that parenting is one of the most challenging roles there is. Each child is unique, and we all have different approaches to parenting, there are countless variables in life. However, we share a common goal: to help our children (your children) grow and thrive, preparing them for adulthood.

Supporting parents and carers is a fundamental aspect of our safeguarding approach. The challenges our children face today are markedly different from those we encountered in our youth. With this in mind, we have assembled a variety of resources to assist you a library of tools that you may find helpful from time to time.

Mental Health

Initially, mental health support is assessed and directed by our safeguarding team. It is essential to recognise that Social, Emotional, and Mental Health is one of the four key areas of Special Educational Needs (SEN). Consequently, the support may be transitioned to our SEND team within the school.

Staffordshire County Council has developed a road map to detail the support available for children and young people residing in the county. Much of this assistance is accessible to those educated in the county, including those living in Stoke or Cheshire East.

County Lines

The term County Lines describes gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into other areas of the country, often smaller areas, using dedicated mobile phone lines known as ‘deal lines.’ Dealers will take orders from drug users through mobile phones and exploit children and vulnerable people to move and store drugs and money. Often they do this through blackmail, intimidation and violence.

How are children being exploited?

Children and vulnerable people can be groomed online or face-to-face by a stranger or someone they know. They can receive money, mobiles, credit, expensive clothing, jewellery, or other items/gifts in exchange for a specified task.

Common Signs

Common signs to look out for which could indicate that a person is involved in County Lines and possible drug dealing:

Change in emotional wellbeing (e.g. secretive, withdrawn, aggressive, emotional)
An increase in anti-social behaviour
Missing episodes from home or school
Receiving more texts or calls than usual
Substance misuse and/or drug paraphernalia
Unexplained, sometimes unaffordable new things (e.g clothes, jewellery, cash)
Isolation from peers
May be carrying a weapon
Unexplained injuries

Ben Kinsella Trust

FREE online session for Parents and Carers. Will be running this 2-hour session on Wednesday 4^th February 6-8pm.

This session is hosted by knife crime prevention charity, The Ben Kinsella Trust and covers the following topics:

Understanding knife crime from the perspective of young people
The signs and stages of child exploitation
Gangs and gang-life
Exploring the link between trauma and exploitation
Consider online harms, social media, slang and gang-related music
Understanding how ‘issues’ with peers can escalate and how young people can manage them
Having meaningful conversations about difficult topics
Helping our children stay safe; the SAFE ‘T’s approach
Further support and resources

You can book your space using the link below -

https://benkinsellatrust.beaconforms.com/form/dcd0caf8

Useful Weblinks

Sexual Assault and Abuse Service

Where Will It End - Violence Reduction Alliance

Hollie Guard - Violence Reduction Alliance

Ask for Angela - Violence Reduction Alliance

Make no excuses - Violence Reduction Alliance

Safer Nights - Violence Reduction Alliance

Other Useful Websites and information

Anti-Bullying

Child Safety

Family life today: where's the risk?
Child Safety Week: Parents' Pack
NEW Dedicated NSPCC helpline 0800 136 663

This new helpline has been created to provide both children and adults who are potential victims of sexual abuse in schools with the appropriate support and advice. This includes how to contact the police and report crimes if they wish. The helpline will also provide support