What do Kent Safe Schools do?

Anti-Bullying Activities
We provide direct work with children and young people in educational environments to raise awareness of bullying issues, including assemblies and workshops. We also run groups to support the development of preventative factors in young people, including self-esteem groups, social and communication and anger management groups.

In addition, Kent Safe Schools organise and support the Safe School Accreditation. This scheme supports the development of school wide policies, procedures and strategies to embed an anti-bullying ethos within the school thus improving the safety of children and young people. To date, 176 schools have or are currently participating in this scheme.  Kent Safe Schools also facilitates the Safe at School online survey, a county wide anonymous survey that all children and young people can complete to express their views and experiences of bullying within Kent schools. This survey has been running for three years and is providing a valuable picture of the experiences of children and young people in schools.

To support this agenda, KSS has produced a resource entitled “Why Me? A parent’s guide to helping your child deal with bullying”. This booklet provides information and strategies for parents whose child might be experiencing bullying.

Parenting Support
We support and train parenting practitioners and groups in Thanet. Kent Safe Schools also provides direct support to parents in the Thanet area via the Strengthening Families Strengthening communities programme.

Kent Vocational Training Programme (KVTP)
KVTP provides young people aged 14-19 with additional curriculum learning through varied vocational career placements, for young people interested in working in the care sector, as well as work placements, work experience and work based learning in all other industry sectors.  Special programmes include community programmes and projects for pupil experience and work base learning in all other industry sectors. Special programmes include community programmes and projects for pupils at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training), giving young people the encouragement to develop work-based skills, social skills and team work. Student placements are varied in length and may be over a number of days, by working with schools and agencies KVTP aim to provide the direct and managed support the young people require in engaging and learning. KVTP also encompasses the KS4 Schools Engagement programme for students undertaking vocational studies as well as those at risk of exclusion as part of a 12 month educational programme.

KVTP work with EWO’s (Education Welfare Officers), SS’s (Social Services), PRU’s (Pupil Referral Units) and other external agencies within the county supporting young people in and out of school, and include young pregnant students needing support as well as looked after children and those educated at home.

KVTP will wherever possible, work with employers and training providers to develop a ‘Moving On’ programme for young people by providing a continued learning and engagement progression.

Restorative Practices
Kent Safe Schools are actively working within schools to develop restorative approaches. We are doing this through direct restorative work children and young people, training for professionals and the development of school processes that support a restorative culture. The value of restorative approaches as a non-punitive strategy to address disruptive behaviour within the school environment is beginning to gain widespread interest and acceptance and we are pleased to be at the forefront of this work in Kent.

Schools Drugs Educational Advisory Service
Drugs Education is a legal requirement of the National Curriculum Science Order. Schools are expected to extend substance misuse education (including illegal drugs, alcohol and smoking) through Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education.

The Schools Drugs Education Advisers (SDEAS) have been in post since 2002.  They ensure that all Local Education Authority Schools, teachers, Local Children’s Partnerships, parents, children and young people have access to appropriate drug education, information and advice in order to support school improvement, Every Child Matters, Hidden Harm, National Healthy Schools Programmes and the Local Children’s Service Partnership Action Plans. This is achieved through the development of effective partnership networks including the Drugs Alcohol Action Team and other working group within the Borough Councils etc.

The SDEA can and do play a major part in addressing the needs of schools through policy development, and local initiatives. They also play a major part especially where young people are identified as ‘at risk’ and require onward support and referral.

Alternative Curriculum
Kent Safe Schools have run Alternative Curriculum provisions since 2005.  We currently deliver statutory education to 92 students across the County in provisions in Dover, Deal, Thanet and Maidstone.  We offer a broad, inclusive and imaginative curriculum to Key Stage 4 students who have found the environment of mainstream school too challenging.  Students also have the option to access more vocational subjects off site, delivered by specialist providers.  All of our alternative curriculum provisions reflect the aims and ethos of Kent Safe Schools.

Launch Pad

Launch pad is a project that provides educational support for KS 1 / 2 children that have been temporarily excluded from school. It works with the children to complete their academic work, but also emphasises a strong focus on restorative practices to address behavioural issues and support a successful reintegration into school. Launch Pad also work with children on follow-up and preventative work for children at risk of exclusion.

Partnership Working
We work with partners to ensure a joined-up approach to working with children and young people.

If you would like more information on any of these services please contact us at kentsafeschools@kent.gov.uk or telephone 01227 284596.