Next week all children at Somerfield Te Kura Wairepo will start their Keeping Ourselves Safe program for two weeks. You will have received information from your child's teacher on the content of these sessions

What will children and young people learn?

They will learn:

· to work out when their safety is at risk

· how to keep safe when they meet and mix with other people

· who and how to ask for help if they, or someone they know, is being abused

· to go on asking for help until someone does something to stop the abuse

· that it is important to make and follow personal, family and school safety rules.

They will know:

· that abuse is never okay

· that abuse is never their fault.

What part do parents, caregivers and whānau play?

Parents and whānau are strongly encouraged to support Keeping Ourselves Safe.

· You can find out about abuse and what to do if you think a child you know is being abused.

· You can talk to your child about what they have learnt in Keeping Ourselves Safe.

· You can set safety guidelines with your family.

· You can help young children with the Keeping Ourselves Safe activities they bring home.

· You can give the same safety messages as the school is giving.

Can I withdraw my child from Keeping Ourselves Safe?

You can withdraw your child if the school agrees to this. Remember, though, that any child can be abused and your child does need some education on how to avoid abuse.

Click here for the link to more information about the program