CHILDREN at a primary school in York learned how to speak out about their problems in a special assembly this week.

The NSPCC Speak Out Stay Safe programme regularly visits schools around the UK to help five to 11-year-olds understand how to deal with inappropriate behaviour which affects them, whether abuse, neglect or cruelty from others.

York Press:

Rosy Rowley from the NSPCC delivered an assembly to pupils.

She said: "We talk to children about all different kinds of abuse so they can understand and identify what abuse means. We also talk to them about how important it is that they speak out to a trusted adult if they have any worries at all.

"This is a free service for schools because it's such an important message we don't charge for it at all, which means we rely a lot on our fantastic volunteers."

York Press:

Joyce Brown has been a local volunteer for the NSPCC for about three years, and has visited most schools in York as part of the scheme.

Joyce said: "Come and try it, it's fun it's interesting and it's educational. Some of the things the children tell us are so funny, also serious, but we're very entertained by the children. Come and join us."

Hannah Gibson, deputy headteacher of the school said: "The assemblies are a wonderful free resource for schools which reinforces the existing safeguarding work already carried out at our school. Our pupils find the assemblies really engaging and absolutely love Buddy, the mascot.

"The children respond so positively to the NSPCC’s safeguarding messages, for me it underlines why it is so important that children are given the tools they need to help protect themselves. Children who suffer abuse often don’t recognise what is happening to them is wrong so it is hugely important to make sure our pupils are given the information and knowledge they need to help protect themselves against abuse, cruelty and neglect."

To find out more about volunteering nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do