In school we do not teach blanket ‘stranger danger’ messages to the students. Instead, we follow the recommendations of the Warwickshire Safeguarding Children Board’s Taking Care Scheme and explain that sometimes a stranger is the only person who can help us and is a far safer option than not talking to anyone.

However, there are situations we do want to warn children about for their own safety. For example:

• Don’t get in a car with anyone (not just someone you don’t know) unless your parent/guardian knows who/ where/ when, etc and has given permission.
• Do not leave school with anyone other than the person you were expecting unless your parent/guardian knows who/ where/ when, etc and has given permission.
• Don’t walk off with anyone (not just someone you don’t know) unless your parent/guardian knows who/ where/ when, etc and has given permission.
• If someone tries to grab you it is OK to break all the rules of politeness and to scream, kick, punch, bite, etc. Do whatever you need to do to draw attention to yourself and alert others to the fact you are in danger.

Please remind your children about these safety messages regularly without giving them the idea that ALL strangers are ‘bad’.

In addition, if any student is approached or followed on their way to school, please tell them to speak to an adult in school straight away.

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