Keeping You Safe

Your Voice Matters : Speak out. Be heard. Be safe.

At Lainesmead, there are grown-ups who are here to help you feel safe, happy and looked after.

If something feels wrong, confusing, scary or upsetting — you can always talk to us.

You will not get in trouble for telling.

�� Worried about something?

You might feel:

• �� Worried
• �� Unsafe
• �� Sad
• �� Cross
• �� Confused
• �� Or like something just doesn’t feel right

That feeling is important.

Your body sometimes gives you clues — like a wobbly tummy, tears, feeling shaky, or wanting to hide.

If you feel like that, it’s time to tell a trusted adult.

�� What is a Trusted Adult?

A trusted adult is:

• A grown-up who helps keep you safe
• Someone who listens to you
• Someone who takes your worries seriously
• Someone who helps you feel calm and protected

Trust means believing someone will listen, help you, and keep you safe.

✋ My Trusted Hand

Every child at Lainesmead creates a Trusted Hand.

Each finger is a person you can talk to when you need help.

Your Trusted Adults might be:

• A teacher
• A teaching assistant
• The Headteacher
• A parent or carer
• A grandparent
• A lunchtime supervisor
• A club leader
• Another safe grown-up in your life

You can have different trusted adults at home, at school, and in other places.

And your Trusted Hand can change as you grow.

�� What if something feels unsafe?

Unsafe means:

• Something feels wrong
• Someone makes you feel scared or uncomfortable
• You are asked to keep a secret that makes you feel bad
• Someone hurts your body or your feelings
• Someone keeps being unkind again and again

If that happens:

�� Tell the Headteacher
�� Or talk to any trusted adult

It is always okay to tell someone.

�� Secrets and Surprises

There is a difference between a surprise and a secret.

�� A surprise is happy and gets told soon.
�� A secret that makes you feel sad, scared or confused should always be told.

If someone says:
“Don’t tell.”
“You’ll get in trouble.”
“Don’t be a snitch.”

Remember:

Speaking up to keep yourself or someone else safe is not snitching.

It is brave.

�� How do I ask for help?

You could say:

• “Can I talk to you?”
• “I feel worried.”
• “Something happened.”
• “I need help.”
• “I don’t feel safe.”

If talking feels hard, you can:

• Write a note
• Ask a friend to come with you
• Show your Trusted Hand
• Tell a different adult

Keep telling until someone listens.

�� Staying Safe Online

When you are online:

✔ Send kind messages
✔ Tell an adult if something upsets you
✔ Ask before downloading games or apps

Never:

❌ Share your password
❌ Share personal information
❌ Keep unkind online messages secret

If something online makes you feel worried, sad or uncomfortable — tell a trusted adult.

�� If you see someone else being hurt

If you notice:

• Someone being left out every day
• Someone being called names again and again
• Someone looking sad or scared
• Someone being hurt on purpose

You can:

✔ Tell a trusted adult
✔ Help them walk away
✔ Sit with them
✔ Be kind

Bystanders can make a big difference.

�� Remember

• Bullying is repeated and unfair.
• Unkind behaviour can happen once.
• It is never your fault if someone hurts you.
• You deserve to feel safe.
• We will always listen.

�� Say it with us

“I am not a snitch — I am brave.
I speak up because I care.
I can talk. I can tell. I will be heard.”

Need more help?

If you cannot talk to someone in school, you can also contact:

�� Childline – 0800 1111
�� NSPCC
�� ThinkUKnow