‘Safeguarding Me’: Testimonials

Testimonials from Parents and Students
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School – Sutton Coldfield.

With the ever increasing pressures on our young people today, it is inevitable that their wellbeing will suffer.  Couple with this, the continuous demands that are placed on classroom teachers, only further limits the time given to children to explore their understanding of their own social and emotional health.  Bridging this gap is what has, for me, been the most beneficial part of the wellbeing course conducted by Gary and Michelle at our school.

The children have taken part in a sixteen week long course, exploring different aspects of their wellbeing.  This has involved a trained facilitator, who was extremely approachable and friendly, coming into school to work with small tailored groups.  During this time, I have observed the children developing an understanding of some of the main risks they face and establish techniques in order to manage these risks.  As such, the children have grown in confidence and have been given a platform in which to discuss their own worries and concerns.

Communication between myself (class teacher) and the facilitator has been excellent and through their support, I have been able to help children with their concerns, which may have never come to light if not for the wellbeing course.  For these reasons, I would definitely recommend Gary and Michelle and there ‘Safeguarding Me’ programmes for any school wishing to improve the wellbeing of their children.

– Mrs S Cox, Year 6 Class Teacher at St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Walsall

M has grown in confidence and really looks forward to Thursdays and her ‘Safeguarding Me’ sessions. She feels prepared for secondary school and has only had positive experiences from these sessions. I do feel more sessions would only be of benefit. I can’t praise it enough for the impact it has had on her.

– M’s parent:

Z has thoroughly enjoyed the ‘Safeguarding Me’ sessions and always looks forward to them. I feel Z has been taught a lot and it has helped him get ready for secondary school. Thank you for all your hard work. 

– Z’s Mum

G has gained self-confidence from the ‘Safeguarding Me’ sessions. Although she does not walk to school or get the bus to school as yet, she will be doing this at secondary school. She will be doing this with confidence now, due to the ‘Safeguarding Me’ travel training and self-protection sessions. 

– G’s Mum

B had suffered from bullying and from the ‘Safeguarding Me’ sessions, she learnt how to deal with the bullying and the situation is now resolved.

– B’s Mum

F always looked forward to the ‘Little Billy’ stories and would tell me about them when she came home from school, The one she liked best was ‘Little Billy Makes Friends On The Internet’. It was very informative and showed F how to keep safe on the internet. Even for myself as a parent, who thought I knew everything about keeping my children safe online, I realised I didn’t, but I do now through ‘Safeguarding Me’ sessions. 

– F’s Mum

F has enjoyed his ‘Safeguarding Me’ sessions, he looks forward to them every week and each Thursday he tells me what he has learnt - keeping safe, awareness in the community and public transport and stories of ‘Little Billy’. The stories appear to be very informative and encouraged F to think about and discuss situations which he may not have normally thought about. It has made him think more maturely which has improved his confidence. 

– F’s Mum

C knows how to keep herself safe in the community as well as on public transport and trains. She understands now how to keep herself safe online and to never give any personal information over the internet.

– C’s Mum

T has learnt a lot from the ‘Safeguarding Me’ sessions and looks forward to them every Thursday, he particular likes the ‘Little Billy’ stories. He feels he understands through these stories more about peer pressure and how easy it is to be influenced by others if you are vulnerable. Also, the importance of saying ‘NO’ or ‘BACK AWAY’ if he feels threatened.

- T’s Mum

S has loved the sessions and I, as a parent, can see the benefits in S’s confidence and her awareness when we are out shopping together. S has also mentioned and knows, if you have any worries in life you must always speak to a trusted adult as they will always help. 

- S’s Mum

My child is currently aged 10 and fortunately, has always had us as parents around him at all times. But I can see this program is essential for future growth and development when our child goes to secondary school - life skills are always beneficial. 

- Parent

Our teacher is really nice and at the end of each session, he will ask us what we have learnt. Also, he gives us feedback on the important bits that we have learnt.

- Year 6 Pupil

I liked the learning about emotional, physical well-being because our teacher has given me confidence in myself and what I’m capable of. I never liked going up in assembly and due to the sessions, I can do this now. He is such an amazing teacher because he has faith in you. 

- Year 6 Pupil

Gaz makes important things fun. 

- Year 6 Pupil

The sessions have made me more confident when I am out alone. I would like to carry on with the sessions to learn more. 

- Year 6 Pupil

I enjoyed the self-protection as I feel I know how to protect myself if confronted. I now walk round confidently, and I have gained trust. 

- Year 6 Pupil

The sessions taught me how to keep safe online. 

- Year 6 Pupil

My favourite was the Little Billy stories as I learnt a lot about what to do if bullied and that bullies also might have hard times at home. 

- Year 6 Pupil

The sessions taught me to always do my best and to be proud of myself. I also liked the ‘Little Billy’ stories as it can show you what to do in bad situations. 

- Year 6 Pupil

Our teacher is really nice and friendly and makes time to listen to you. 

- Year 6 Pupil

I feel safe on the bus and train now. 

- Year 6 Pupil