Free resources for secondary schools to protect young people from CSE
Before the summer holidays start a reminder that Hertfordshire County Council and Hertfordshire Police have worked together to create free resources for secondary schools - to prevent child sexual exploitation across the county.
Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a type of sexual abuse where young people are given gifts in return for sexual activity. If you haven’t used the resources yet try to before the end of term; to protect young people aged 11 – 18 from becoming victim to the crime.
Latest figures from Hertfordshire Constabulary indicate that there are around 12 – 15 referrals of CSE in Herts every month. The county council has been working closely with the Police and Hertfordshire Safeguarding Board to raise awareness of the crime in the community.
 More information
Wednesday 19th July 2017 |
Just2Easy - First Maths Summer Challenge
Just2Easy is launching its first Maths Summer Challenge with prizes and activities for a really fun summer of learning through their online maths game, J2Blast. Every school is welcome to take part, and receive free access to J2Blast for their pupils over the summer holiday. More information
Tuesday 18th July 2017 |
Primary Assessment Letter - Summer 2017
The Herts for Learning Assessment Team have produced their termly update on key assessment issues for primary schools in Hertfordshire. More information
Tuesday 18th July 2017 |
Teacher gives FREE assemblies & innovative practical sessions to help your pupils be more WasteAware
Your pupils can learn about an amazing array of materials for your Science targets.
More information
Tuesday 18th July 2017 |
Herts for Learning Training & Events
Top Ten Tips for Assessment for Learning - Hertfordshire Development Centre, Stevenage
Wednesday 13th September 2017 Book now: 17ASS/053A
SIMS for new users
Thursday 14th September 2017 Book now: 17SIT/058A
HR restructure and redundancies: what schools need to know
Thursday 21st September 2017 Book now: 17SBM/015A
The New GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).
What does it mean for schools and settings?
Monday 25th September 2017 Book now: 17COM/023A
Becoming a highly effective English subject leader
Tuesday 26th September 2017 Book now: 17ENG/061P
Becoming a highly effective mathematics subject leader
Wednesday 27th September 2017 Book now: 17MAT/029P
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Primary Computing Scheme – Updated Version for 2017/18
Herts for Learning will be releasing an updated edition (version 6) of the Primary Computing Scheme, for the start of the autumn term. This version provides a completely new EYFS section as well as new supporting materials. More information
Monday 17th July 2017 |
Consultation on the future of school nursing services in Hertfordshire
The public consultation on the future of children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing services in Hertfordshire is now live. For further information and to respond to the consultation. More information
Monday 17th July 2017 |
Changes to Data Protection laws – GDPR information sessions
In May 2018 the current Data Protection Act will be replaced by the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This change will have an impact on any organisation that handles personal data. In order to help education settings understand the changes and prepare for compliance with the new law, Herts for Learning is running some twilight information sessions in the autumn term. More information
Friday 14th July 2017 |
Reminder to Head Teachers to think about Security ahead of closing down for Summer
With the Summer holidays almost upon us Hertfordshire Constabulary would like to make schools aware of simple Crime Prevention measures to help keep schools secure and deter criminals. More information
Wednesday 12th July 2017 |
RM Finance Online – New Converter Courses
Due to popular demand we are running two further converter courses on 5th and 6th September 2017.
If you wish to book onto one of the courses please find the link below to the online booking system. Please select the subject of Financial Services to display the new dates.
Online Booking System
Tuesday 11th July 2017 |
Hertfordshire SACRE Holocaust Memorial day 2018 CPD
An invitation to attend a FREE twilight CPD session, open to all Hertsmere schools wishing to participate in the Hertfordshire SACRE Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration event 2018. More information
Tuesday 11th July 2017 |
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Herts for Learning Training & Events
Converting to RM Finance Online
Tuesday 5th September 2017 Book now: 17FSS/056P
Converting to RM Finance Online
Wednesday 6th September 2017 Book now: 17FSS/058A
Essential guide to the role of the primary NQT induction tutor for new tutors
Tuesday 12th September 2017 Book now: 17NQT/026P
Ofsted updates - an in-depth look at some of the aspects of inspection - morning session
Wednesday 13th September 2017 Book now: 17MAN/056P
Ofsted updates - an in-depth look at some of the aspects of inspection - afternoon session
Wednesday 13th September 2017 Book now: 17MAN/057P
School business management briefing
Wednesday 13th September 2017 Book now: 17SBM/017A
The role of the secondary NQT induction mentor for new mentors
Thursday 14th September 2017 Book now: 17NQT/008S
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Take Part in Hertfordshire County Council’s #WorkingForYou campaign
Everyday throughout July, the county council will be showcasing someone who ‘works for you’ in an A-Z of council services. Help us make the campaign even bigger and bring to life the 'people behind the jobs' by sharing a photograph of yourself at work holding up a #WorkingForYou campaign sign. More information
Thursday 6th July 2017 |
Mock debate event for sixth form students during Local Democracy Week 2017
The Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council is inviting sixth form students to participate in a mock debate event in the Council Chamber at County Hall on Thursday 12th October to celebrate Local Democracy Week 2017. The event offers the opportunity for students not only to experience how decisions are made, but also to meet with some of their local representatives and the Council’s Young Commissioners. More information
Wednesday 5th July 2017 |
The Herts for Learning Autumn Term Primary Training Programme e-brochure
The Herts for Learning Autumn Term Primary Training Programme brochure, which was delivered into schools earlier this month, is now also available online as an e-book. More information
Tuesday 4th July 2017 |
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Herts for Learning Training & Events
Staff conduct and discipline: essential training for managers
Tuesday 18th July 2017 Book now: 17SHR/001A
Exams - maintain Performance Indicator data (using school data)
Thursday 20th July 2017 Book now: 17SIT/044S
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2017-18 2017 Local Authority Funding for Accredited SpLD Training
Applications are now open until the 14th July to apply for funding for accredited SpLD training. How to apply
Monday 3rd July 2017 |
Advice for schools following the Grenfell Tower Fire
HCC have published some FAQs for schools on what is happening as a result of the Grenfell Tower fire. More information
Friday 30th June 2017 |
Celtic Harmony Prehistory Inset – 5th July 2017
Celtic Harmony are inviting primary teachers who are planning their Prehistory topic for next year to an inspiring Prehistory Inset Event on Wednesday 5 July, 3 to 6pm, at Celtic Harmony Camp, the UK’s largest reconstructed Iron Age settlement near Hertford. More information
Friday 30th June 2017 |
Primary New HeadTeacher Induction Training Programme: Autumn 2017
Details are now available of the Hertfordshire induction programme for new headteachers which is designed to assist the process of initiation to headship, introduce colleagues (where appropriate) to Hertfordshire County Council Children's Services, and support colleagues in balancing the practical demands of their new role with personal leadership development. More information
Friday 30th June 2017 |
The Green Tree Schools Award – Free Help and Support for Schools from the Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust has a new Woodland Learning Officer for Heartwood Forest, Vicky Duxbury, who is working side by side with schools - encouraging them to get out with pupils to visit woods, plant trees on their grounds and teach them about the importance of trees and nature. Vicky helps schools to register on and to work through the charity’s Green Tree Schools Award which helps schools include teaching about woods and trees in their curriculum or during extra-curricular activities. Further information (pdf)
Thursday 29th June 2017 |
RM Finance Online UPDATE - Roll-Out Important please read
New information concerning the roll-out of RM Finance Online and how it will be achieved in your school is available from the link. More information
Wednesday 28th June 2017 |
National School Sport Week – 26-30th June 2017
Primary schools and nurseries across the UK are encouraged to celebrate PE during National School Sport Week. The week aims to get children playing a variety of sports such as football, hockey or netball or alternative activities like dance. For further information visit Youth Sport Trust website
Wednesday 28th June 2017 |
Single Central Record Updated Information and Guidance – June 2017 
Hertfordshire County Council’s Safe Staffing Team has carried out a full and thorough review of the School Single Central Record and the statutory requirements of the DfE Keeping Children Safe in Education in collaboration with HfL and the Senior Education Manager. At the time of publication, this document contains the most up-to-date guidance and advice on best practice as recommended by these stakeholders. Single Central Record guidance
Tuesday 27th June 2017 |
RM Finance Online – Update – Please Read
Please follow the link below to see the latest information about training and rollout of the upgraded RM Finance Online software. More information
Thursday 22nd June 2017 |
HfL shortlisted for the School Recruitment Award at the 2017 Education Business Awards
Herts for Learning has once again been shortlisted for the School Recruitment Award at this year’s Education Business Awards.
Building on from the success of last year’s Education Business Awards, which saw Herts for Learning (HfL) win the 2016 School Recruitment Award for its Teach in Herts Teacher Recruitment Fair, this year’s entry showcased how HfL has worked with local schools to develop both its Teacher Recruitment Fair and launch their new Enhanced Leadership Recruitment Service More information
Thursday 22th June 2017 |
The Exchange - June & July Edition 2017
The June/July edition of the paper is now in schools, with a spotlight on assessment and safeguarding, after the recent tragic events in Manchester and London. The paper’s headline story is about how CPD is still vital, despite constant budget pressures. Download The Exchange
Tuesday 20th June 2017 |
HR Services Login Changes
The Herts for Learning (HfL) HR Services portal holds a wealth of important information to help your school run smoothly. The HR Services portal is continually updated and is the only place HR Services model policies can now be sourced. In addition to the model policies there are template letters, case law, job descriptions and school recruitment guidance. All schools that have signed up to receive HR services have been contacted with the new login details and the new user name and password is now in effect. Headteachers and School Business Managers please pass on the new login details to authorised members of staff.
Tuesday 20th June 2017 |
Raising standards and securing progress in upper Key Stage 2
A conference specially designed to support teachers and headteachers, in a period of transition, in preparing for implementing the upper Key Stage 2 curriculum for English and maths whilst using best practice in assessment and feedback.
More information
Friday 9th June 2017 |
Autumn Term 2017 Training Programme
The autumn term 2017 training brochure from Herts for Learning is just landing in schools. A number of training courses and programmes are available offering a breadth of knowledge and expertise across a range of topics to teachers, subject leads, administration staff, SLT members and school business managers, to name but a few. Courses and programmes are designed and delivered by experienced educationalists who are known both locally and nationally. More information
Thursday 8th June 2017 |
Important: Free School Meal (FSM) Registration Guidance for SIMS
There has been some confusion recently in regards to Free School Meals registration, the reports on Solero and how to record this information in SIMS. We have published some clarification/guidance, which can be found Here
Wednesday 7th June 2017 |
Important Message from HCC: Payroll Tax Code Error in May 2017 (Updated Monday 5.6.17)
It has been brought to our attention that in this month’s payroll, HMRC has made a significant number of errors with tax codes for some Hertfordshire County Council staff including those in schools, which may have resulted in an overpayment of tax from May’s salary. Further to our communications on Friday 2 June 2017 we are pleased to be able to update you. HMRC have this morning advised that the quickest and most effective way of resolving this is for affected employees to contact HMRC direct. HMRC will be able to review your tax code and rectify any error during the call and update your records and tax code accordingly. The number you should contact is 0300 200 3300 or visit their website here . Please have your National Insurance number available. In the meantime, if any colleague believes they are likely to suffer particular financial hardship through this error, or if you have any queries, please phone Serco on 25000 who will be able to help you. Previous updates
Friday 2nd June 2017 |
Financial service for Schools Helpline - CLOSURE
The Financial Services Helpline will be closed for training on the 6th and 28th June. You can still call the helpline and the case will be logged and attended to on our return.
Friday 2nd June 2017 |
Exam stress - Public Health briefing May 2017
Guidance and resources for schools and parents on minimising exam stress for pupils in Hertfordshire. More information
Friday 26th May 2017 |
HCC Advice: Responding to the current terrorism threat
Following the recent attack in Manchester, you will know that the level of threat of international terrorism published by British security services has been revised to ‘Critical’. It is important that schools reassure staff to ensure they are alert, but not alarmed. Schools should take this opportunity to review their safeguarding and security arrangements, and be extra vigilant during the school day when there is a high volume of visitors to sites. More information
Thursday 25th May 2017 |
Free Female Genital Mutilation Workshops for Schools
These workshops will cover: Types of FGM, Prevalence, Risk Indicators, Implications, Law & Legislation, Referral Process and Support Services More information
Wednesday 24th May 2017 |
PSHE Association Guidance
Following the tragic events yesterday in Manchester, the PSHE Association have published guidance for schools to help respond to children’s questions and worries. More information
Tuesday 23rd May 2017 |
Manchester Incident: Advice for headteachers and schools
Ofqual have issued a statement on the Manchester incident giving advice for schools and students in light of exams. Link
Tuesday 23rd May 2017 |
Maths Newsletter Summer 2017
The Maths newsletter for the summer term 2017 is now available to download. Maths newsletter
Monday 22nd May 2017 |
English Newsletter Summer 2017
The English newsletter for the summer term 2017 is now available to download. English newsletter
Friday 19th May 2017 |
Be Prepared to build a smarter future - A one-day conference for Business Management Professionals
The conference is dedicated to supporting and challenging Business Managers and has been designed specifically to compliment different career stages. It is the perfect opportunity to take time out to reflect on the positive impact Business Managers have via interactive learning sessions. The key areas of discussion will include; The importance of business expertise as the levels of complexity and autonomy in schools increases, the National funding formula and future financial efficiency, balancing financial pressures whilst continuing to improve pupil outcomes, transitioning into an Academy or MAT with ease and delivering savings through better procurement Course code:17SBM/011A
Wednesday 17th May 2017 |
Update on Connectivity Issues
Following extensive negotiations with our current HICS supplier, we are pleased to confirm that they are now treating connectivity disruption as a priority issue. We are receiving technical updates each hour and will continue to keep you informed as we work to restore the service to expectations as soon as possible.
Wednesday 17th May 2017 |
WannaCry Ransomware Virus
You would have seen the reports in the news regarding a global Ransomware Virus attack that has most notably affected the NHS. This recent attack serves as a stark reminder that these viruses can cause major disruption and, where good backups are not in place, the loss of data. The vast majority of Ransomware Viruses are distributed in fake e-mail attachments therefore, it is imperative that you do not open any e-mail attachments unless you are confident that it is genuine. A common example of a fake e-mail attachment is an invoice for work carried out by a company you have never heard of, or from a strange e-mail address, these rely on the user being curious about the work/invoice and opening it without thinking.
More information for schools who subscribe to the HfL ICT Services McAfee antivirus solution
All school admin email accounts have been sent an email which contains an attachment which causes IE to crash if you try to open it or delete it. Please ignore this email whilst HfL ICT services find a fix for this. Screenshot of email (jpg)
Monday 15th May 2017 |
Survive, Revive, Thrive - A one-day national conference for primary deputy and assistant headteachers, Friday 23rd June, Luton
The ever-changing educational landscape continues to present challenge and opportunity to school leaders but when the concept of ‘Survive, Revive, Thrive,’ is embraced, the light at the end of the tunnel burns bright and fuels school leaders’ passion and enthusiasm for ensuring every single child achieves of their best. Countless stories exist about how to survive change, but how do we ensure our school leaders revive and thrive in the face of adversity? Course code:17MAN/027P
Thursday 11th May 2017 |
Mental Health First Aid Training for School and College Staff in Hertfordshire
June and July 2017
During this year's national Mental Health Awareness Week, Herts for Learning would like to highlight the Mental Health First Aid training we have available to schools.Herts for Learning (HfL) have teamed up with accredited and experienced MHFA trainer, Irtiza Qureshi, to provide the much needed additional opportunities for MHFA training for both primary and secondary school staff through this compressed one-day training course,Youth MHFA Schools and Colleges, which is fully certificated by MHFA England. More information
Wednesday 10th May 2017 |
Crime Prevention Advice for Young People
Advice from Hertfordshire Constabulary suitable for young people on crime prevention for theft and robbery, including advice on safeguarding mobile phones. More information
Wednesday 10th May 2017 |
Launch of new Hertfordshire Agreed Syllabus of Religious Education 2017-2022
The new RE Agreed Syllabus and non-statutory guidance document ‘Religion for Today and Tomorrow' was launched to over 300 delegates on Thursday 27th April. HfL is providing the following day courses for implementation of the new requirements. In addition, we are offering twilight support ‘Sat Nav RE’ to assist colleagues in finding their way around the documents ready for September 2017. All schools will be sent a copy of the new Agreed Syllabus 2017-2022 and are able to purchase the non-statutory guidance from the general section of the Herts for learning online shop. More information
Friday 5th May 2017 |
Walk to school Week 15th to 19th May 2017
Due to the success of our mascot Buster themed Walk to School Weeks we are running another one this May, 15th to 19th May 2017. Buster is walking from the Triassic Period in South America, around the world, travelling along the timeline to meet Betsy who is a relatively young dinosaur from the Cretaceous Period. More information
Friday 5th May 2017 |
Hertfordshire Global Learning CPD Day – 19th June 2017
The Global Learning Programme (GLP) is building a national network of schools, committed to equipping their pupils to make a positive contribution to a globalised world by helping their teachers to deliver effective teaching and learning about development and global issues at Key Stages 2 and 3. The GLP gives teachers a fully supported way to embed global learning into their teaching. It helps them teach pupils about the challenges our world faces and think critically about how to deal with issues such as poverty, inequality and sustainability. More information
Thursday 4th May 2017 |
Hertfordshire’s Children Looked After and Care Leavers website
Hertfordshire County Council has been working with the Children In Care Council to produce a website specifically for Hertfordshire’s Children Looked After and Care Leavers. The website contains information around what a young person can expect when in care what they are entitled to and what happens when they leave care.
Please promote this website amongst any young people you work with who are looked after by Hertfordshire County Council or have recently left care. If you have any feedback or comments please email Jo.Mayes@hertfordshire.gov.uk. Visit site
Wednesday 3rd May 2017 |
The Exchange - May Edition 2017
The May edition of the paper is now in schools, with a spotlight on how Herts for Learning is helping disadvantaged and vulnerable pupils. The paper also features case studies looking at mathematical mindsets and information about the Apprenticeship Levy. Download The Exchange
Tuesday 2nd May 2017 |
National Clear Air Day – 15th June – Campaign for schools
HCC and East Herts District Council are leading work with other district authorities to promote National Clean Air Day. This is an opportunity to encourage more children/parents to travel to school sustainably, or if they have to drive ensure they turn their engines off when outside school. We would like as many schools as possible to take part and encourage parents to switch off their engines and help improve the air quality around school. More information
Tuesday 2nd May 2017 |
Primary Headteacher Summer Term Seminars
The termly half-day Primary Headteacher seminars are brought to you by a range of specialist advisers from Herts for Learning. These crucial sessions are the most time effective way to ensure you stay up to date and ready to deal with the challenges in primary education. More information
Friday 28th April 2017 |
New Continuum of Need document available
For all Designated Senior Persons/Designated Safeguarding Leads and Head Teachers, a new Continuum of Need document has been published to assist practitioners in making threshold decisions about the support needs of children . This replaces the old Meeting The Needs of Children and Families in Hertfordshire. More information
Thursday 27th April 2017 |
Secondary Headteachers’ Summer Conference
In a context of further turbulence and external influences, how do headteachers drive their vision and do the right thing? How do you create effective, vibrant partnerships with a range of stakeholders to achieve a common goal? This annual residential conference for secondary headteachers is a must. Planned by headteachers, for headteachers, it is an ideal opportunity to hear leading experts, pick up new ideas and network with other headteachers.
More information
Thursday 27th April 2017 |
Urgent Message from Hertfordshire Constabulary
The Constabulary has been notified of The Blue Whale Challenge. While there have been no incidents relating to this in Hertfordshire it is an ideal opportunity to educate and prevent. More information
Monday 24th April 2017 |
Primary Headteachers' Conference - Thriving under pressure!
Save the date for the Herts for Learning Primary Headteachers' Conference
5th and 6th October, 2017
The Grand Hotel, Brighton.
Book your place on-line from Monday 22nd May, 2017 More information
Wednesday 19th April 2017 |
Be All You Can Be - most able disadvantaged pupils in mainstream schools conference
The aim of the conference is to raise the profile of these pupils who need us most by hearing from keynote speakers, sharing experiences and participating in a series of workshops. These include how to track pupil premium grant spend with the business management team, how to best use a stretch and challenge toolkit with the teaching and learning advisers and the effective use of a self-evaluation toolkit with our early years colleagues.
Course code:17CON/002A
Tuesday 11th April 2017 |
RM Finance Online and School Fund Accounts
Schools will be aware that RM Finance will be upgraded to the new web-based version called RM Finance Online.
Please follow the link to read information concerning schools fund account.
More information
Wednesday 5th April 2017 |
eSafety Newsletter Summer 2017
The eSafety newsletter for the summer term 2017 is now available to download. eSafety Newsletter
Monday 3rd April 2017 |
Youth Support Worker NCS programme 2017
Are you or anyone you know over 20 years old and looking for a job during the summer?
Do you have experience of working with young people and an interest in helping them to develop their skills and confidence?
YC Hertfordshire is delivering the National Citizen Service (NCS) during Summer 2017 across the county.
NCS offers young people aged 16-17 (to 24 for those with a learning disability) the opportunity to develop the skills, confidence and attitudes to support them in engaging with their local community and volunteer in a social action project.
More information
Friday 31st March 2017 |
Resilience: Become a Penn Resilience Programme Teacher
Learn to deliver the Penn Resilience Programme in your school, and help your students to build their resilience, bounce forward from difficulties and seize opportunities with enthusiasm. More information
Wednesday 29th March 2017 |
Prevent Duty alerts now available on HICS
We are pleased to inform you that HICS, your connectivity service, has an added layer of protection for its users. This comes at no additional cost and is included within your existing HICS subscription fee. Schools can now opt in to receive emailed alerts notifying them when local sessions have accessed websites with extremist related content, in line with the Government’s Prevent Strategy. The alert will be sent out within a few minutes to an email address of your choice.
Find out more and to set up Prevent alerts
Monday 27th March 2017 |
New RSE and PSHE Training Programme
The Herts for Learning Disadvantaged and Vulnerable Pupils Team have put together an exciting new Core RSE and PSHE Training Programme for 2017. Download brochure
Friday 24th March 2017 |
HICS - the next generation internet service for Hertfordshire schools FAQ's
The HICS network currently provides internet and connectivity services to over 520 schools and academies in Hertfordshire. The service is strategically managed by HfL and the ICT in Schools Partnership Working Group, which is made up of representatives from the headteacher and governor communities. The service has enabled all schools in Hertfordshire to receive an excellent connectivity service, wherever they are situated, whilst also ensuring that they get a value for money, educational service providing secure links in and between schools and where appropriate, the LA.
More information
Wednesday 23rd March 2017 |
There are new statutory requirements for RE in Hertfordshire schools from September 2017
The new syllabus parallels the National Curriculum for community schools and is recommended for Church schools, academies and free schools.
The new statutory requirements offer clarity and revision to the aims, time allocation, breadth of study, assessment model and expected learning outcomes for Religious Education
More information
Wednesday 22nd March 2017 |
YC Hertfordshire – the new name for Youth Connexions
As of this month, Youth Connexions has changed its name to YC Hertfordshire. We continue to deliver high quality youth work projects and programmes and provide information, advice, guidance, work related learning, outdoor education and other services under the new name of YC Hertfordshire, part of HCC Children’s Services.The new name reflects national developments and the diversity of projects and programmes delivered to children, young people and adults - in schools, colleges, Children’s Services settings and the community. Our websites and materials will be updated over the coming weeks and months to reflect this change of name. More information
Friday 17th March 2017 |
Summer Term 2017 Training Programme
During the summer terms we are running 222 training courses, all of which are
carefully planned and offer fantastic value. We always listen to feedback from
previous course participants and over 90% have rated the quality of content and
training materials as being good or excellent, and 96% rating the subject knowledge
of their training course as good or excellent. More information
Thursday 9th March 2017 |
Youth Connexions Hertfordshire
YC Hertfordshire already works with more than 100 schools and colleges to provide impartial information, advice, guidance, youth work, work related learning, outdoor education opportunities and personal and social development programmes for young people including specific programmes focusing on prevention and early intervention. Find out more
Tuesday 7th March 2017 |
New safeguarding resources now available
Hertfordshire County Council and the Police have produced a video and accompanying lesson plan to help raise awareness of child sexual exploitation. The 7 minute video tells the story of a 15 year old girl who is befriended on Facebook by someone she has never met and goes on to meet him alone. The video also tackles issues such as sexting and drugs and alcohol and is accompanied by a quiz and class discussion. The resources can be found here More information
Tuesday 7th March 2017 |
