From Together for Childhood:
Prior to the latest Covid lockdown, Together for Childhood were delivering groupwork support sessions in 4 of the targeted ward (East & West Marsh) primary schools (Weelsby, Strand, Macaulay and Ormiston South Parade). Find out more about the programme and feedback by clicking on the infographic link below;
www.infogram.com/1pyxpgywnrle3nb373z3vv202ws1671yk0?live
What is Together for Childhood?
The Together for Childhood (TfC) programme seeks to find ways to prevent child abuse and neglect, making communities safer for every child by bringing people together to develop and test effective place-based approaches to prevention. It is understood that child abuse and neglect are often predicated by multiple adversities and the aim is to draw on evidence and examples of best practice from around the world, in order to deliver what works. Locally, TfC is working with the East and West Marsh ward areas.
The partnership ambition is to develop a placed-based approach which will: build local partnerships that can drive preventative activities and services, that are both innovative and based on the best available evidence; create sustainable change at a systems level; increase public and professional confidence in preventing, recognising and tackling child abuse and neglect.
The Together & Stronger programme is just one element of a Together for Childhood partnership approach
Where can I learn more/How can I be involved?
If you would like further information, please email GrimsbySCAdmin2@nspcc.org.uk or call NSPCC on 01472 803500 and ask for Lisa Smith or Bernie Taylor who would be happy to give you more information.
Why is Together for Childhood working in education settings relevant?
Improved mental health and wellbeing: Whilst schools are rightly occupied with supporting children’s learning (as well as health & safety and COVID-19 risks), offering additional support for a child’s health and wellbeing helps to put children and young people in a place where they are more ready to learn, which in turn can help schools achieve their academic outcomes. The TfC package of support helps children and young people to recognise and regulate their emotions, and supports schools staff too.
Meets new government guidance and requirements: The Together & Stronger package meets some of the Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) curriculum and, working with our partners, can fill more of the gaps. The updated KCSIE 2020 includes guidance which focuses on improving children’s mental health and wellbeing.
How might the package of support for schools help them?
Sharing the load: We’re offering a one-stop shop of support, team around a school, partner links. Once a school have a named person to go to, they can get access to more support earlier. The support will help to identify available adults, across each child’s life 24/7, promote of other support national services such as Childline, and link local support mechanisms.
Saves time: TfC works to reduce the need for referrals, which are time consuming and supports the identification and connection to community assets. Avoids the need for completing multiple forms and going to multiple agencies. Increases schools capacity to support children’s wellbeing.
Greater confidence: School staff might feel safer, have more confidence to know how the wider support network and community can help children and their families.
Links to the community: Sharing activities and events in the community – life outside of the school, linking school community with what already is happening in their local community.
What motivates schools to engage with the programme?
We asked CP-co-ordinators and local Heads about what they need, and what they would benefit from the most. We’ve listened and can help them through this programme of support which can be adapted to meet the unique needs of each school.
