We have been working in partnership with West Midlands Police in response to a recent spate of stabbings of young people across the West Midlands region.  We have considered preventative measures which we can undertake in order to ensure our children and young people across the borough are safe.  In order to do this, we require your assistance in helping to educate children, young people and their parents in relation to knife crime.  Attached is a letter from West Midlands Police to headteachers, a separate letter for parents and carers, and suggested resources to use in school to teach pupils how to keep safe. The lesson plan is targeted primarily at Year 6 and Year 5 pupils, however we suggest and wider safety for all pupils in school is considered in an age appropriate way.  We would like you to make this work an urgent priority this week.  Our designated safeguarding lead handbook has a section entitled gangs and youth violence which is a further resource if you need it.

The School Nursing team from Solihull Healthy Child Programme Service (in South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust) have launched two exciting websites for children and young people in the borough to find information on health and emotional wellbeing as well as local services that can help. The websites are packed full of age-appropriate health and wellbeing information and advice and there are quizzes, games and interactive features to engage children and young people. There is a website specifically for primary aged children (aged 4-11years) and a site for teenagers at the links below.

Young Minds have produced a suite of resources to support pupils with transition at all stages of their education. These include films, books, activity packs and advice for parents and school staff on how to support children and young people. For further information, please visit the website below.