The NSPCC initiative takes place on Childhood Day and as well as encouraging children to have fun, the event will also raise vital funds for the charity’s child protection work.
Schools are being asked to have an extra hour of play, at a time of day that best suits them. And if possible, schools are asked to encouraged pupils, staff and parents to give a small donation. The money raised goes towards funding NSPCC projects such as the Speak out. Stay safe. programme in primary schools – which works to give children the knowledge and confidence to speak out about anything that’s worrying them, including abuse, so they can get help.
The charity says that an estimated half a million children a year suffer abuse in the UK. That means seven children in a classroom suffer abuse before they turn 18.
The NSPCC is encouraging nurseries, schools and children to use The Big Breaktime to play with traditional toys and games. This might include skipping ropes, hula hoops, balls, tag, hide and seek, or hopscotch. Schools can download resources to help them plan.
The NSPCC has also launched Pass the Positivity, a nationwide positivity project taking place ahead of Childhood Day. To take part, children and teachers are invited to share what makes them happy and positive in the form of a message, poem, or artwork.
A selection of the most inspiring messages will be transformed into an installation to be unveiled by television presenters Ant and Dec on May 26, as they launch Propa Happy, their debut children’s book which will raise vital funds for the NSPCC.
Between April 2021 and March 2022 the NSPCC Helpline contacted agencies about 22,505 children to investigate concerns about abuse and neglect. This includes concerns about physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, sexual abuse online and neglect. The charity referred 8,389 children to statutory agencies with concerns of neglect, 6,441 because of physical abuse, 4,418 because of emotional abuse, 3,013 for sexual abuse and 244 for sexual abuse online.
- Schools can sign up for the Big Breaktime via the NSPCC’s Childhood Day hub at www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/events-fundraising/childhood-day/
- For more on the Speak Out. Stay Safe programme, visit https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/services/speak-out-stay-safe
- For more information on the Pass the Positivity initiative, visit www.propahappy.com
- If you're worried about a child, even if you're unsure, you can contact the NSPCC counsellors for help, advice and support. Email help@nspcc.org.uk or call 0808 800 5000.
- Childline offers free, confidential advice and support to children aged 18 and under, whatever their worry: 0800 1111.