Staffordshire schools pilot project to help protect pupils

The Safer Schools Initiative will be rolled out to a handful of primary and secondary schools in Stafford and Stone, in a bid to prevent and tackle issues such as child sexual exploitation, substance misuse and cyber bullying.

Organisers hope to expand it to other schools if it proves a success.

Doxey Primary, Stafford Manor High, Stafford Grammar, Walton Priory Middle and Alleynes Academy in Stone will take part in the scheme, with other schools already expressing an interest in taking part.

Run by Stafford Borough Safer Communities Partnership, it is the first scheme of its kind in the country and agencies from across the area have joined forces to run the workshops.

Agencies taking part include the police, fire, Staffordshire Women's Aid, and Chase Against Hate Crime.

The work will also help schools comply with their Ofsted requirements to have measures in place to keep children safe.

Council chiefs say the scheme is the first of its kind in Staffordshire and could see authorities following its lead in months to come.

Councillor Jeremy Pert, cabinet member for communities at the borough council, said: "This is a first in the county and demonstrates how we are leading, and delivering, for our communities.

"This is all about our key agencies working together with schools to continue to keep our children safe. We don't want to scare children – we want to protect them. We want to give them the appropriate and consistent advice so they can help themselves, and their friends, keep safe."

He added: "We are pleased that these five schools have put themselves forward to be part of the pilot and it is great to hear that others have already been in contact with the partnership to be involved in the future."

Police say schemes like this, with officers and council staff working together, are likely to become more common in the future and are a good way to use resources.

Inspector Giles Parsons, South Staffordshire policing team commander, added: 'The Safer Schools initiative in the Stafford Borough area is an excellent example of partnership working.

"It will improve how we work with schools across the borough, ensuring all partners work together to support schools in making them even safer.

"It will help ensure children in the area are supported and educated to keep them safe whether in or out of school.'

For more information about the scheme visit www.staffordbc.gov.uk/CommunitySafety