Schools in Surrey are invited to apply for a new teacher training programme which has been fully funded thanks to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
The programme, which will begin in March, aims to build self-confidence in children with the aim of enabling them to live safe and fulfilled lives.
It comes after Commissioner Lisa Townsend’s team secured almost £1million from the Home Office’s What Works Fund to help combat violence against women and girls in Surrey. The issue is one of the key priorities in Lisa’s Police and Crime Plan.
All of the funding will be spent on a series of projects for children and young people. At the heart of the programme is new specialist training for teachers delivering Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education, supporting Surrey County Council’s Healthy Schools approach.
Teachers will join key partners from Surrey Police and domestic abuse services for three days of training, which will address effective teaching and learning in PSHE, alongside opportunities to work with other organisations.
The funding will cover all programme materials and certification, training venues within Surrey, and lunch and other refreshments. Participating schools will also receive £180 a day towards supply cover for the full three days.
Lisa said: “I believe this training will help end the scourge of violence against women and girls by encouraging young people to see their own worth.
“I hope it will support them to lead fulfilling lives, long after they leave the classroom.
Funding boost
“This funding will also help join the dots between schools and other services in Surrey. We want to ensure greater unity across the entire system, so those who need help can always be sure they’ll get it.”
During the training, which is backed by Surrey Domestic Abuse Services, the YMCA’s WiSE (What is Sexual Exploitation) programme and the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre, teachers will be given additional support to reduce students’ risk of becoming either victim or abuser. Students will learn how to value their physical and mental health, their relationships and their own wellbeing.
Funding for the programme is in place until 2025.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has already allocated around half of its Community Safety Fund to protect children and young people from harm, strengthen their relationships with police and provide help and advice when needed.
For more information, visit Fully Funded PSHE Training Programme for Surrey Schools | Surrey Education Services (surreycc.gov.uk)
The application deadline for the first 2022/23 cohort is February 10. Further intakes will be welcomed in the future. There will also be online virtual training available for all Surrey teachers to access.