January 2022 saw children finally being officially recognised in the Domestic Abuse Act as victims in their own right. However, with around a quarter of a million referrals to Social Services every year and over 600 Child Protection referrals a day, there is still so much to be done to support children living with the effects of this harm.
As schools we have a huge part to play. This masterclass looks at how we continue to further our understanding of Domestic Abuse; explores ways to support children and families; considers how we ensure our settings are places which can enhance the development of any child whose world does not feel safe.
The experience of a 5-year-old boy which will stay with him for the rest of his life. A child who will be attending school, maybe your school, as a 5-year-old, 10-year-old, 13-yearold, 17 year old. A child whose behaviour may be inexplicable. A child who may be unnoticed. With a parent who may be hard to reach, who does not engage. Without fully exploring domestic abuse and its effects, without taking the time to reflect on how this may impact the children and families in our settings, we cannot be fully cognisant of our roles as trusted adults with a duty of care for every child.
This masterclass will provide you with time and opportunities to further your learning, discuss, reflect and share. We will look at both the big picture and also specific responses. We will consider how traumatic events in a child’s life will have a significant effect but may look different in every case. There will be time to look at what you may have on your curriculum and plan what else might be needed.
Key Learning Objectives
This masterclass will enable you to:
Feel confident in your understanding of Domestic Abuse
Share your knowledge and understanding with colleagues
Ensure your Safeguarding Policy shows an awareness of Domestic Abuse and its effects on children
Consider the support you can provide in your setting
Further support disclosure
See Domestic Abuse within the wider context of Violence Against Women and Girls; Consent; Relationships Education; and more
Facilitator
After working in schools for over 25 years, as a teacher and senior leader, Liz then worked as an advisor for Birmingham Local Authority and later with an educational charity for 10 years. As well as leading on Mental Health, Emotional Health and Wellbeing, Liz advised schools and other organisations in all aspects of Safeguarding. Liz now works as an independent advisor working with schools and other organisations in a number of ways such as training staff and auditing wellbeing. She has delivered presentations, workshops and research findings at national conferences. Liz is the author of 8 books, teaching sets and resources that are used across the country and internationally by schools and by other professionals working with children and has written for a number of professional journals such as ‘The Psychologist’. Liz has worked for the Anna Freud Centre and also works as a Wellbeing Award advisor and verifier for Optimus Education and is a Protective Behaviours practitioner, trainer and assessor. Liz also sits as a Magistrate in the Family Court.
