It’s always a good idea to talk with children about how to keep themselves safe in different situations.

Yesterday, we were advised that a student was approached after school in the village by an adult not known to them. Police have been advised by caregivers.

Please take some time this week to have a conversation about what children could do if someone they don’t know well, or feel unsure about, approaches them or makes them feel uncomfortable.

Encourage your child to:

• Trust their instincts – if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

• Say “no” and move away if they feel unsafe.

• Find and speak to a trusted adult straight away – whether they’re in a public place, at school, at a sports practice, at church, at a friend’s house, or anywhere else.

• Talk about the fact that not all strangers are dangerous - if they are somewhere like the village, approaching a local shop owner is a great idea.

By keeping these conversations open and regular, we help children feel confident about making safe choices and knowing who they can turn to for help.