For teachers and safeguarding leads, you’ll know that children’s wellbeing isn’t linear across the year and concerns relating to their wellbeing or safeguarding may be impacted more so in the coming days as the holidays near.
Closely monitoring children’s safeguarding and wellbeing throughout the year is vital, but at a time when children and young people can face a multitude of challenges at home, paying close attention to any concerns, no matter how small, is paramount.
What to look for
Spotting the signs of possible abuse, neglect or other increased risks related to the festive season is key to maintaining safeguarding around school holidays.
The holidays can be a difficult time for everyone, often because of the high expectations and pressures that are placed on people to be having a great time. While spending more time with their family can be great for some young people, it can be really difficult for those who live in challenging circumstances.
December sees a spike in safeguarding issues and every year the NSPCC report increasing numbers of children and young people phoning them for help because relationship tensions among families tend to come to a head over the holiday break.
Ahead of the holidays, it’s important to be mindful of some of the following safeguarding issues.
Isolation
During the holidays, young people are likely to be out of their normal routines and can be cut off from their usual support network of teachers and friends, meaning they may be more prone to feeling isolated at home, particularly if their parents or caregivers are working during the holidays.
Being home alone
It’s worth being aware that this time of year is also when many young people may be left by themselves for long periods of time and sometimes overnight. Children and young people may show changes in behaviour in anticipation or fear of being left alone, or to look after their siblings for example.
Cost of living
With the cost-of-living crisis affecting many families, the holidays this year are likely to look different to years’ previous for many children, meaning that the usual holiday dinner they eat or presents they receive may not be what they’re used to. In the run-up, young people may have been exposed to or overheard conversations at home around the financial pressures, which could impact how they’re feeling or behaving in school.
There are of course peaks and troughs throughout the year when it comes to wellbeing, but safeguarding is a huge responsibility. Being extra vigilant at this time of year and mindful of these issues and proactively logging any concerns is key.
To find out more about CPOMS software which can help you to easily log any concerns about young people, get in touch.
