Safer Schools & Young Persons Partnership News:
Hand Spinners
Can I make you aware of the following about ‘Hand Spinners’, which are a fidget toy
and the latest craze for Young People. As per most things there is always a dark
side, the hand spinners are now being produced in the form of throwing stars etc.
What are they?
Fidget toys are tiny, pocket-sized toys intended to keep hands busy. A step up from
stress balls, they typically feature little buttons, switches and joysticks that move
back and forth, or propellers that spin. But the toys are being marketed as stress
relievers or to help kids burn up pent-up energy that so often gets them into trouble.
Some claim to have been modeled after stress tools for kids with ADHD (attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder); others say they’re just for fun.
The most popular of the fidget toys are fidget spinners that are mesmerizing to
simply watch, but can also be used for tricks. The spinners typically feature two or
more propellers and a low-friction, ball bearing centre that allow them to spin for a
minute or more at a time. While they spin, users transfer them from hand to hand or
finger to finger, while tossing them in the air.
However, there are spinners available with blades, retractable blades which are
available online – some go by different names such as Naruto Shuriken Turn darts,
Naruto Shuriken and Naruto Dragon.
Please be mindful for the safety of yourselves and children.
Please note- Young Person in possession of throwing stars or any object with
a blade attached leaves them open to being dealt with for being in possession
of a blade on school premises and throwing stars are themselves an offensive
weapons.
E-Safety Officers programme Updates
It’s come to our attention that several young children have access to apps and
games on their electronic devices which are scary and not suitable for their age. We
thought it might be useful to highlight for parents and Guardians that each app and
game should have a PEGI rating which will give them a clear idea of what age their
child should be to access it and the type of content you should expect on the
site/app. Some of the games that the Young People are accessing are 12 rating
games which can be extremely scary for children under 12. Please see below the
PEGI rating and symbols and for further information please visit the think u know /
net-aware site for some really good & helpful tips –
Stay up to date and keep your child safe in today's digital world
Your guide to the social networks your kids use
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
https://www.net-aware.org.uk/
Blue Whale Update – For professionals and school staff only – not to be
released to general public .
You may be aware of the ‘so-called’ online challenge called Blue Whale which has
been widely reported in national media as apparently targeting young and vulnerable
people.
Blue Whale is an international/national issue and there is speculation that it is
responsible for a number of teenage suicides in Russia. However, this has never
been proven and the NCA have described it as a hoax.
There has been an incident linked to a missing persons case recently which was
thought to have been linked to Blue Whale, however, further enquiries have
established that this does not appear to have been the case.
While it is important to communicate with young people about this issue, the force’s
position is to keep all communications through the Youth Engagement Officers, the
schools and our partners – strictly through face to face communications and not via
press, social media or Cheshire Alert. This is considered a more targeted – and
proportionate – approach to addressing the issue.
Although there have been reports in national media, it is felt within Cheshire that if
anything was to be issued proactively to our local papers or via our social media
accounts, this would publicise Blue Whale and exacerbate the problem. We have
released only one statement on this issue, on a reactive basis as we were asked for
a comment from the Chester Chronicle about Blue Whale. This merely stated we
were aware of the ‘so-called’ online challenge, asked parents to remain vigilant
around what their child may be accessing online, gave minimal advice to young
people to block/report any online activity that makes them uncomfortable/upset and
explained our Youth Engagement Officers have been working with local schools.
We do not, at this stage, have a recognized threat with Blue Whale in Cheshire, and
do not want to create an issue by inadvertently passing material into the media.
NSPCC research into children’s views on social media sites
The NSPCC has released figures from research looking at the views of children and
young people on their confidence, knowledge and understanding of online safety.
Findings from a survey of 1,696 children and young people across the UK include:
1,380 (4 out of 5) said social media sites need to do more to protect them from
inappropriate or harmful content; ASKfm, Omegle, IMVU, and Facebook were rated
as some of the most risky sites; children reported coming across pornography, selfharm, and bullying and hatred on social media sites. The findings have informed the
development of the updated Net Aware guide for parents and carers.
Source: NSPCC Date: 27 April 2017
Further information: NetAware
Net Aware social media guide for parents
The NSPCC has launched an updated Net Aware site for parents and carers. The
site, run in partnership with O2, and informed by 1,696 children and young people
and 674 parents and carers includes: tips showing how to help your child block or
report someone targeting them; a guide to 39 of the most popular social media sites,
apps and games used by children and young people including information about new
apps like Pokemon Go, Periscope, IMVU, and Live.ly.
Source: NSPCC Date: 27 April 2017
Further information: Net Aware
Online safety: what young people want parents to know
The UK Safer Internet Centre has released findings from a consultation of young
people looking at what they think their parents need to understand better about their
digital lives. Findings from the consultation of 65 young people aged 11-18 years
revealed that parents need to: understand that the internet plays an important and
positive role in their lives; allow young people some freedom to build trust and
independence.
Source: UK Safer Internet Centre Date: 26 April 2017
Young peoples’ mobile device use
The Headmasters’ & Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC) has released figures
following a survey of more than 5,000 secondary school pupils and parents looking
attitudes and behaviours relating to mobile device use. Findings from the survey
include: 72% of students said they spent anything between 3 and 10 hours online on
an average day during weekends and holidays; children’s biggest concern about
being on-line is lack of sleep (47%); parents’ biggest concern about their children
being online is the impact on their social skills (32%).
Source: HMC Date: 23 April 2017
Further information: BBC
Childnet Youth Ambassador
Childnet International is looking for young people aged 13 to 17 to become Youth
Ambassadors for Project deSHAME, a new project that aims to work towards online
equality and to find ways to remove and prevent the online pressures and
harassment young people can face. Youth Ambassadors will have the opportunity to
share their experiences and views on issues such as cyberbullying, peer pressure,
healthy relationships and online sexual harassment. Applications close on 16 June
2017.
Source: Childnet International Date: 05 May 2017
Further information: Role description for a Childnet Youth Ambassador (PDF)
Safer internet
Writing in a blog Alan Earl, a police officer working with the UK Safer Internet Centre,
discusses the disconnect between children and young people’s desire for online
privacy and their parent’s role in protecting them from harmful content online.
Source: UK Safer Internet Centre Date: 03 May 2017
Illegal and dangerous online content
The Home Affairs Committee has published a report following an inquiry into online
hate, abuse and extremism. Recommendations include: all social media companies
should introduce clear and well-funded arrangements for proactively identifying and
removing illegal content - particularly dangerous terrorist content or material related
to online child abuse; the Government should assess whether failure to remove
illegal material is in itself a crime and, if not, how the law should be strengthened.
Source: UK Parliament Date: 01 May 2017
Further information: Hate crime: abuse, hate and extremism online (PDF)
O2 NSPCC Community Events
If you would like to register your interest for the O2 NSPCC team to attend a
community event in your area, please e-mail [email protected]
Your contact info (name, e-mail and mobile number)
The team can deliver workshops to parents about online safety (approx. 1hr) or
attend in a different capacity, such as be on hand to show parents how to apply
parental controls to their devices.
Any events the O2 NSPCC team attend must be aimed at parents.
Please note: registering your interest does not guarantee they will be able to attend –
the team will respond within 5 working days to confirm the next steps.
For more information about the O2 NSPCC partnership, you can visit the O2 website
here or NSPCC website here.
Partners News
Local Theatre company invites you to -
We are a two woman theatre company based in the Chester who write and perform
our own theatre, all of which explore life issues. Our first being 'Over the Garden
Fence'. This play encourages conversation and engages audiences in the
discussion of not only dementia but the importance of the individual behind the
diagnosis. Professional’s, mental health care services, careers and families, have
seen our plays as a tool to bring people together and discuss prevalent and complex
issues.
We would like to invite you to our upcoming performance of 'Over the Garden Fence'
which we are bringing to Storyhouse Theatre, Chester on 20th May at 7pm,
for tickets see here:
https://www.storyhouse.com/event/wow-garden-fence
Hayley and Louise - Haylo Theatre www.haylotheatre.com 07754887540
National News
Children and young people’s mental health: the role of education
The Health and Education Select Committees have published findings from their joint
inquiry into the role of education in promoting emotional wellbeing in children and
young people in England. Recommendations include: the need for a whole school
approach that embeds the promotion of well-being throughout school and college
culture, and not confined to the provision of PSHE classes; the inclusion of mental
health training in teacher training and ensuring current teachers also receive training;
the development of a structured approach to referrals from education providers to
CAMHS; schools and colleges should help children and young people develop the
skills and ability to make wiser and more informed choices about their use of social
media.
Source: UK Parliament Date: 02 May 2017
Further information: Children and young people’s mental health - the role of
education (PDF)
National Calibration dates
17 May is IDAHOBIT
International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
To mark IDAHOBIT this year, our free termly resource focuses on a person called
Gilbert Baker who passed away recently. Gilbert was the creator of the rainbow or
"Pride" flag, which has become such an important symbol for the lesbian, gay,
bisexual and trans (LGBT) community.
This easy to use PowerPoint (with short film hyperlinked within it), is simple and easy
to use. It can serve to be an assembly topic marking IDAHOBIT on 17 May, or as a
conversation starter, perhaps in tutor time.
We produce and send out these free resources termly. Click here to find the
resources from previous terms.
If you have any comments or would like copy of the power point / feedback about our
resources, or ideas for resources you'd like to see, we'd love to hear them. Please
contact [email protected].
Child safety Week 5 – 11th June 2017
Visit the website for lots of free resources
http://www.childsafetyweek.org.uk/
Resources
The Link2ICT Safeguarding Suite
An integrated service to keep children safe in education by managing all
safeguarding concerns in both the real and digital world.
We all have a legal duty to safeguard young people and with the wide range of
issues to be managed, it is crucial that a holistic view of all concerns is available to
fully understand the context and risk. Link2ICT's Safeguarding Suite supports this
integrated and holistic view of safeguarding, ensuring all concerns are monitored,
recorded and managed in an efficient and legally responsible manner. Click here to
find out more about this integrated safeguarding service.
Link address: www.link2ict.org/safeguardingsuiteflyer
Training
Alcohol Trust - Free training and Recourses available to High schools Pan
Cheshire
We are working in partnership with the Alcohol Trust to offer the below free training
to all our high schools. Once you have attended the training you will be able to
access further free online resources which will help continue to support your
deliverance of Alcohol and personal safety lessons to your students. This training
has only been possible with the support from Crimebeat who recognise the
importance of such awareness raising training around the misuse of Alcohol and the
consequences relating to Alcohol misuse. They have very kindly offered to support
this buy purchasing the resources on our behalf which then allows us to offer this
training and resources free of charge to you. Places are being offered to 2
members of staff who will be able to deliver the training within their own school
setting. The resources and training is suitable for our SEN school as well. Please
do not delay as places will be limited.

two and half hours FREE training sessions

2 Free places per school aimed at PSHE / Pastoral leads

Each School will get a full resource pack

CPD certificate

Free on line access to the password protected area for the SEN
resources and all the main Stream teacher work book resources , clips ,
teaching newsletter on regular basis

Follow on workshops for parents and Guardians

Leaflets for young people and Guardians
Programme
9.15 Registration & refreshments
9.30 Start
9.45 Introduction to AET and Key Elements
9.55 Talk about Alcohol 5 Key Sections
10.00 1. Assessing Knowledge
10.10 2.The Effects Physical & Social Interactive Body
10.25 3.Units & Guidelines Alcohol Clock Game
10.45 4. Staying Safe 'Just a Few Drinks'
11.00 The Importance of Parents
11.15 Break
11.30 SEND Aims & Key Methods
11.35 Setting ground rules
11.40 Meet the Characters
11.50 Foundation Learning
11.55 Emoji Equations
12.05 Risk Scale - Getting the balance right
12.15 Consent
12.25 Questions
12.30 Finish
Venue and booking details: (East venue 7 details to follow )
North
12th June 2017 - Civic Suite at Runcorn Town Hall
To book please email [email protected] with the names and job role of who will
be attending
WEST
3rd July 2017 - Upton High School, St James Avenue, Upton, Chester, CH21NN
To book please e mail [email protected] with the names and
job role of who will be attending
Warrington
11th July 2017 – for further details please contact [email protected]
Halton & CWAC
FREE Thinkuknow Introduction Course for Professionals
Professionals working with children and young people or in an advisory capacity to
schools and other youth settings are eligible to attend the Thinkuknow Introduction
course. The course is an induction to the "Thinkuknow" Programme, delivered by
CEOP Ambassadors. The aims of the course are: Introduce new technologies and how young people use them

Highlight risks associated with these online environments

Demonstrate the free "Thinuknow" education resources to respond to these risks
Halton
To book a place visit Halton Safeguarding Children Board website at
http://haltonsafeguarding.co.uk/training/
Dates of courses: 16th Feb 2018, Police HQ, Winsford,
Times of courses: (3 hour session) Either 9.30 am – 12.30 pm or 1.30 pm – 4.30 pm
CWAC
To book a place visit Cheshire West LSCB www.cheshirewestlscb.org.uk/training
Dates of courses: 19th September 2017 Police HQ, Winsford,
Times of courses: (3 hour session) Either 9.30 am – 12.30 pm or 1.30 pm – 4.30 pm
*Please note that you can book on either of the two courses
Conferences
CWAC - Free Young Persons conference
This year’s FREE Young Person’s Conference, arranged in collaboration between
the SCiE Team and PC Liz Stanton, - Lead Youth Engagement Officer, Safer
Schools and Young Persons Partnership, will take place at Cheshire Police HQ,
Winsford on Friday 23rd June 2017 from 9.00am until 3.30pm.
The event is aimed at professionals working with children and young people. The
day will consist of children and young people from a variety of school settings and
services delivering presentations and activities on issues that impact them, such as:
Anxiety, LGBT and mental health etc. and advising how they would like professionals
to support them in this area. This is the third year we have run this unique event in
Cheshire West and Chester, and is focussed on the child’s voice, their thoughts,
views and experiences, which will enable practitioners to learn and fully understand
how to best support children and young people. There is a maximum of 40 places
available for professionals, as the pupils will join professionals on their table to
discuss topics being presented. Therefore, places will be assigned on a first come,
first served basis. Lunch and refreshments will be provided on the day. As this
event is FREE, non-attendance will result in a £50 cancellation charge.
We ask that professionals attending bring information about their service to display
and distribute. If you are unable to attend but would like to send information about
your service, please contact us directly on the SCiE email address.
To book your place please click on the link
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WSFWMFC
PSHE Association 10th Anniversary Conference – a curriculum for life in a
changing world
With the annual conferences only a couple of month’s away I just wanted to ensure
you have this on your radar and that you don’t miss it. They are a great opportunity
to see what’s new and also to network with partners and organisations There are
still places available at both London and Leeds venues.
We’ll be discussing the possible implications of changes to the status of PSHE and
RSE on the day, as well a range of workshops on some of the most pressing issues
which we’ve now published details of and you can find all the key information here:
https://www.pshe-association.org.uk/pshe-association-10th-anniversary-conference%E2%80%93
The events are suitable for a range of people, including primary and secondary
PSHE teachers and leads; school leadership teams; local authorities and academy
chains; SENCOs; school nurses; and PSHE education.
Volunteering / Job Opportunities
Cheshire Constabulary was founded in 1857 and is now responsible for policing
nearly a million people. There are approximately 2,081 regular Police Officers, 220
Police Community Support Officers and 1,464 civilian Police Staff. Someone who
serves in Cheshire Constabulary joins an organisation with a proud and formidable
history and would be expected to maintain the high esteem in which the public holds
the Force. To work at Cheshire Constabulary, you will also have to uphold The
Police Service Statement of Common Values.
For more information on vacancies within Cheshire Police please visit:
http://www.cheshire.police.uk/jobs
Youth Focus NW is recruiting!
- Regional Development Worker
The post is graded at JNC Professional Range, pts 15-18 (£24,945 - £27,125)
Full time for 12 months (extensions may be offered subject to funding)
Our area of work has youth work and young people’s voice at its core and informs
everything we do. It is also very fluid and fast changing. We need to recruit a
member of the team who can see connections, spot opportunities, come up with new
projects and ideas and who is comfortable with and enjoys the challenge of a
changing work agenda. Are you committed to working with young people to get their
voices heard at a local and regional level? This is an exciting opportunity for a
creative and qualified youth worker with experience to have the opportunity to work
regionally and support Youth Voice activities within the North West. Travel costs
incurred as part of the role will be paid. A pension is offered. This post is also being
offered as a secondment opportunity. Members of the Youthforia Steering group
and Youth Focus NW Board will be involved in the recruitment process. Closing
date for applications is 5 pm Monday 15 May 2017 Interviews will be held on
Wednesday 24 May 2017 in Manchester. NB. The post is subject to DBS clearance
and the receipt of satisfactory references.
For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact Liz Harding on 01744
810838/07843 434197. For an application pack please email:
[email protected]
Cheshire-East based charity, Friends for Leisure, has launched a campaign to
recruit more male* volunteers.
Friends for Leisure is in critical need of male volunteers, currently 49 young people
are left without a volunteer befriender due to the lack of male volunteers.
Friends for Leisure is 22 years old this year, and throughout this time have been
supporting disabled young people to access friendship and leisure activities.
Disabled young people are continually isolated from activities and friendships, and
Friends for Leisure believes that everyone needs a friend! We have a lot of young
people waiting in Crewe, Congleton and Macclesfield. The basic requirements to
become a friend for Leisure volunteer befriender are to be 16 years old and upwards,
friendly and enthusiastic. The majority of our befrienders support young people to
access sports groups, gyms, online gaming, meals out, cinema etc. This wouldn't
cost you any money—just your time!
It is a great way to stand out from the crowd, improve your CV or UCAS form,
complete your DofE, or just to feel good! Friends for Leisure would love to hear from
anybody who would like to give their time to support a disabled young person in
their local community.
01260 275333
www.friendsforleisure.org.uk
[email protected].
(*of course we welcome all applicants - not just male)
Suicide Prevention Volunteer (Cheshire County)
Help PAPYRUS to #SmashTheStigma of Young Suicide in Cheshire on an
exciting new Suicide Prevention and Self Care Project funded by Cheshire
Community Foundation (Cheshire County) and will run throughout 2017.
Suicide is the biggest killer of young people – male and female – under 35 in
the UK. In 2015, 1,659 young people took their own lives. That equates to over four
per day. Across Cheshire 26 young people under 35 died by suicide in 2015 –
the second highest level since 2002. Every year many thousands more attempt or
contemplate suicide, harm themselves or suffer alone, afraid to speak openly about
how they are feeling, which is why PAPYRUS dedicates its work to prevent young
suicide.
PAPYRUS is looking for a range of people (aged 18 upwards, from the North West
and Cheshire) to help #SaveYoungLives and #TalkThroughTheTaboo of young
suicide, by:

Being one of 60 community members trained in ASIST (Applied Suicide
Intervention Skills Training) and delivering at least one suicide prevention
activity within their chosen community.

Being part of a new youth forum and helping to design and develop a SelfCare Marketing Campaign for young people across Cheshire.
If you would like more information, please visit https://papyrusuk.org/about/volunteer-for-papyrus you can also contact Catherine Parsons, Suicide
Prevention Advisor at PAPYRUS, to discuss the role in more detail and see how it
could be a fit for you. [email protected]
01925 572 444 or
07748 683085
Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service
We have just opened up recruitment for our Firefighter and Community Safety
Apprentices – link here http://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/news-events/latest-news/areyou-looking-for-an-apprenticeship-like-no-other-if-yes-look-no-further
The apprenticeship is open to all aged 18 above. As always, they are really keen to
promote this to under-represented groups, especially women and members of the
BAME and LGBT communities. They would be really grateful if you could pass this
on to your contacts and members of community groups. Any questions, please
contact:
Melanie Hockenhull Equality and Inclusion Officer, Cheshire Fire and Rescue
Service
Tel: 01606 868414 Email: [email protected]
PC Liz Stanton MBE - Lead Youth Engagement Officer
Safer Schools and Young Person Partnership
Cheshire Constabulary HQ | Oakmere Road | Winsford | Cheshire | CW7 2UA
Phone: 07595005689 / 01606364565
Email: [email protected]
Visit www.cheshire.police.uk | Follow @CheshireSSYP on Twitter | Like Cheshire
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