This section will look at the delivery of Prevention programmes within different educational settings. The key principles apply regardless of setting. Prevention work should always be:
- Trauma-informed
- Intersectional
- Strengths-based
- Child-centred
- Needs-led
- Gender responsive
A more detailed explanation of each of these six guiding principles can be found here.
Practical tips for sessions
This short video provides practical guidance for the planning and delivery of sessions. The needs of each group will differ but putting these steps into practice should support you to facilitate safer and more effective sessions.
- Prepare for the session. Do you research so that you feel confident speaking on the topic. Attend training provided by your school and seek advice from specialist organisations.
- Create a safe and supportive space. Let children and young people know what to expect and provide them with content warnings. Include regular breaks in your plan and encourage young people to take care of themselves during and after sessions.
- Draw up a group agreement. Do this alongside students and make sure you discuss confidentiality with them, explaining its limits and your duty of care.
- Make sessions interactive. Be creative in your delivery – combine open discussion with smaller group work and games. Use a range of teaching methods and mediums to engage everyone and get the most out of sessions.
- Signpost support. Always provide young people with information on local and national support services. Encourage them to identify their ‘trusted adult’ – the person they would feel most comfortable speaking to, inside or outside of school.
- Follow-up with young people. This is especially important if something has come up during the session – check-in with anyone affected and follow up any safeguarding concerns.
- Look after yourself. These issues can be emotionally challenging – get support for you.
Remember that partnering with specialist organisations enhances your Prevention provision and results in better outcomes for schools and students.