More than 90% of teachers in Wales have seen an increase in safeguarding referrals

NSPCC Cymru can today reveal new data from a joint survey of more than 600 teachers in Wales, with the teaching union NASUWT, which highlights the essential role that schools play in safeguarding children and the concerning landscape of abuse and neglect. 

The survey findings show that 93 per cent of teachers in Wales who shared an opinion have seen an increase in the number of safeguarding referrals made within their school over the past year. 

They also revealed 96 per cent of teachers in Wales who expressed an opinion said they had seen an increase in safeguarding concerns since the pandemic. 

These figures are part of a joint UK-wide survey of 8,329 teachers, which also showed 93 per cent of teachers who shared an opinion said they saw an increase in the number of safeguarding referrals made within their school over the past year. 

The NSPCC says the findings underline the vital role that schools play in keeping children safe, and how important it is that everyone connected to education knows how to recognise and respond to concerns whether they happen in the classroom, corridor, or community. 

The children’s charity has worked with educators for many years, including visiting primary schools with its Speak out Stay safe assembly and workshop, launching a new resource for teachers, Talk Relationships and running a special Abuse in Education helpline following the Everyone’s Invited revelations. 

Today the charity announces that it is putting schools at the heart of its annual Childhood Day by launching the Childhood Day Mile – however you choose to complete your mile whether you walk it, wheel it or space hopper it, all funds will go towards the charity’s vital work. 

The survey of teachers in Wales also shows the types of referrals that teachers have seen an increase in over the past year. 

Everyone has to play their part 

Half a million children suffer abuse in the UK every year which equates to seven children in a classroom experiencing abuse before they turn 18. 

The NSPCC believes that this can’t go on and that we all need to work together to protect children. 

This includes schools, the police and health providers in communities working together to identify problems before they escalate, effectively share information, and put in place holistic support. 

Although teachers play a vital role in safeguarding children, the NSPCC believes that we can all play our part in keeping children safe. 

Rob Pugal, who volunteers for the NSPCC, experienced physical and sexual abuse as a child and as an adult he is passionate about helping children and young people learn the signs of abuse and neglect. 

Rob volunteers for the NSPCC’s Speak out Stay safe service and he is a supporter of charity’s Childhood Day as he can see how it highlights and reinforces the vital work the NSPCC does. 

Through Speak out Stay Safe, Rob helps children learn that they have the right to a happy childhood, and that abuse is never their fault. 

Rob said: “I was once stuck with my perpetrator in Somerset. I realised on the first day that I was expected to sleep in the same bed as him, and I felt so trapped. The fact that children now have Speak out Stay safe, and that they can contact Childline for free, is wonderful. 

“We do this work because we care about children’s safety. But we can't do it without funding. If I could share one message, it would be: by donating, you can help children learn to speak out.” 

Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC CEO said: “The vital role that teachers play in keeping children and young people safe cannot be underestimated. They are in a prime position to spot concerns, and, in many cases, they are the trusted adults that children turn to when something worrying, or upsetting has happened to them. 

“We know that the pandemic left many children at an increased risk of abuse and neglect and since children returned to school, teachers have been key in raising their hand and reporting concerns to ensure they can get the support they need. 

“Whilst we recognise that teachers are an essential part of the jigsaw in protecting children, at the NSPCC, we believe everyone can play their part. 

“Strong communities are vital in helping to keep children safe, and that’s why we are encouraging people to do their bit in their community and get behind Childhood Day 2023 by taking on the Childhood Day Mile. 

“Everyone can get involved from schools, work colleagues and families and by taking part, you’ll be helping the NSPCC ensure child protection is a top priority.” 

The NSPCC is asking for people to support Childhood Day on June 9, which will raise vital funds for the charity. 

People can do this through fundraising by taking on the Childhood Day Mile, donating, or volunteering at a Childhood Day collection in their local community. 

The NSPCC is urging anyone with concerns about a child, even if they’re unsure, to contact the NSPCC Helpline to speak to one of the charity’s professionals. People can call 0808 800 5000, email [email protected] or fill in the online form. 

Lidl GB and Sky Cares, Sky’s community outreach programme, are sponsoring the NSPCC’s Childhood Day for a second year as retail and media sponsors. Lidl GB have been partnered with the NSPCC for six years and are currently supporting young people with their mental health by raising money for Childline. Sky Cares has been partnered with the NSPCC for three years and is committed to supporting the communities where their customers and employees live and work. Both partners will be helping to raise awareness of Childhood Day, as well as holding their own activities with their colleagues and customers across Great Britain to help raise vital funds.