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Updated Anti-Bullying Policy Guidance and Policy Template for Nottinghamshire County and Nottingham City (Published for September 2026)

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Updated Anti-Bullying Policy Guidance and Policy Template for Nottinghamshire County and Nottingham City (Published for September 2026)

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Updated August 2026

This guidance and associated Policy Template for Anti-Bullying, has been written by colleagues in Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council (ESHAWH) to reflect the most recent statutory guidance - Keeping children safe in education - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Schools may find it helpful to adapt this policy template for their setting.

We have been supported by colleagues from Nottingham Trent University (Psychology) to quality assure this policy and informed by their research, Professor Lucy Betts and Dr Sarah Burglass have contributed to the sections on banter.

Every school must have measures in place to encourage good behaviour and prevent all forms of bullying. These measures must be communicated to all pupils, school staff and parents/carers. Some schools choose to include this information in their behaviour policy, others choose to have a separate Anti-Bullying Policy. Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council supports the view held by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, that a separate Anti-Bullying policy provides greater clarity about a school’s Anti-Bullying strategy. Therefore, each September, we publish an 'Anti-Bullying Guidance and Policy Template' document - this is available to view, download and use.

The Anti-Bullying Alliance also provide guidance about how to update your current Anti-Bullying policy, this is available here: Anti-Bullying Policies (anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk)

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Secondary RSHE Padlet - published for 1st September 2026

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Secondary RSHE Padlet - published for 1st September 2026

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The ESHAWH have created a Padlet to provide information, guidance and recommended resources for schools providing the Secondary RSHE 2026 curriculum.

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Primary R(S)HE Padlet - published for 1st September 2026

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Primary R(S)HE Padlet - published for 1st September 2026

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The ESHAWH have created a Padlet to provide information, guidance and recommended resources for schools providing the Primary RSHE 2026 curriculum.

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We have created a booklet with links and QR codes to all of the ESHAWH's published Padlets. Please feel free to share the link to this booklet with any professionals that you work with.

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The Education, Safeguarding, Health and Wellbeing (ESHAW) Hub are always looking for feedback about how the Team has supported schools and partners so far, and how we can continue to support schools and partners in the future.

We have created a variety of online Padlets to help colleagues from our schools and partners find relevant and reliable information and quality resources for a range of different topics and themes from our team's remits.

We would appreciate it if you could complete this short evaluation form, please, so that we can understand whether the Padlets have been helpful for you and so we can understand whether there is anything that we can do differently to further improve the Padlets in the future. It would be helpful to know which Padlets you've accessed, what you've used them for and if there's anything you feel is missing.

The form should only take a few minutes to complete but will provide valuable feedback to our Team and our managers.
Your feedback will be anonymous, unless you choose to enter your name/email address.

Thank you.

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NSPCC - Parent/Carer resources and Schools/Teacher resources

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NSPCC - Parent/Carer resources and Schools/Teacher resources

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The NSPCC have developed a document which provides links to key resources and information available on their website. There are separate lists for schools/teachers and parents/carers.

The document provides further information about what resources are available from the NSPCC and clickable links to encourage people to access those resources.

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NSPCC - parent & carer and schools & teacher links -  June 2026

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Inspire Book Lists: Supporting Relationships (Sex) & Health Education

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Inspire Book Lists: Supporting Relationships (Sex) & Health Education

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Librarians have collated a resource with the latest book releases that are aligned with the new RSHE curriculum.

We appreciate how well children of all ages respond to tricky or new concepts and sensitive subjects through exploring stories together.

For further support around texts suitable for visual impairment, dyslexia or emerging readers, and queries relating to school library visits or annual membership to fuel inspirational topic books and receive resources direct to school please contact

Education Library Service | Inspire - Culture, Learning, Libraries

Phone: 0115 804 4499

Email: elsg@inspireculture.org.uk

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Book Lists | Inspire - Culture, Learning, Libraries

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NWG - reliable and up to date information for professionals about child exploitation and trafficking in the UK. The NWG network hosts regular free training sessions, has a range of downloadable resources and dedicated help pages for professionals, parents / carers and children.

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Your Notts Directory is the online community directory for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. It helps people find trusted information about local services, activities and support in their area.

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Learn how local organisations can submit activities, events, or support services to be featured on Your Notts Directory.

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Oral Health Schools and Early Years Resource Pack PADLET

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Oral Health Schools and Early Years Resource Pack PADLET

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This padlet has been created to support Nottinghamshire schools and those working with children, young people and their families around the topic of oral health, taking care of our teeth and visiting the dentists.

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The first 1001 days of a child’s life, from the start of pregnancy to age 2 years, is when a baby’s brain develops the most and they grow the quickest. Having the right start makes a big difference to a child's future.

Nottinghamshire's Best Start for Life offer tells you about services and support available during this time. The guide is aimed at the whole family, whether you’re a mum, dad, grandparent, or carer.

Families across Nottinghamshire told us they wanted a guide to local support they can access during this important time.

Explore the different sections of the offer using the tiles or download the Best Start for life offer: Nov 2025 booklet [PDF]

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Nottinghamshire’s Best Start for life offer | Your Notts Directory

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The first 1001 days of a child’s life, from the start of pregnancy to age 2 years, is when a baby’s brain develops the most and they grow the quickest. Having the right start makes a big difference to a child’s future.

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Our team works with all children and young people aged 0-25 some of who may have a parenting responsibility however we do not specialise in this area. Please see the relevant signposts to our specialist services below.

Includes:- Attachment, Birth, Caring, Childhood Dependency, Health, Early Years, Parenting, Relationship, Roles, Support, Responsibility, Wellbeing.

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This Padlet has been created by the ESHAW Hub at Nottinghamshire County Council that shares information you may find useful to support your understanding of how our bodies change and develop through life stages

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This Padlet has been created by the ESHAW Hub at Nottinghamshire County Council that shares information you may find useful to support your understanding of how our bodies change and develop through life stages

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Includes:- Adolescence, Bladder & Bowel Health, Brain Development, Body Autonomy & Body Safety, Breast Health & Bra Fitting, Fertility, Growing Up, Hormones, Menstruation, Menopause, Teenage Development, Testicular Health, Personal Hygiene, Pleasure, Pornography, Pregnancy Choices, Pelvic Health, Puberty, Self Examination & Screening, Sex Education, Vulval & Vaginal Health, Young Parents.

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Health Protection & Prevention Resource Pack PADLET

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Health Protection & Prevention Resource Pack PADLET

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This padlet has been created to support Nottinghamshire schools and those working with children and young people to support them around the topic of taking care of themselves, preventing illness and how we can live healthily and stay well.

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Healthy Bodies: Health Protection & Prevention

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Healthy Bodies: Health Protection & Prevention

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Includes:- Adverse Weather, Antibiotics, Ailments, Allergies, Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Fertility, First Aid, Germs, Health Care, Health System, Health Protection, Personal Hygiene, Pharmacies, Pregnancy Choices, Medicines, Oral Health, Sun Safety, Vaccination

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Conflict in the Middle East - resources kindly provided by Picture News

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Conflict in the Middle East - resources kindly provided by Picture News

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With the recent news about the Middle East, Picture News have created a special resource for schools.

This story should be shared in a calm, factual and reassuring way. Avoid graphic details, images of conflict or political debate. Emphasise that the events are complex, happening far away, and that many adults and organisations are working towards safety and peaceful solutions. Provide reassurance to pupils and allow space for questions, as some children may have personal connections to the region.

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Picture News Special Resource - Middle East

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NCC Kinship Support Service - information hub 

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NCC Kinship Support Service - information hub 

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A place to learn more about the support available to kinship families in Nottinghamshire. This includes kinship families with special guardianship orders, child arrangement orders or informal/private arrangements.

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In Nottinghamshire, we recognise that kinship carers play a vital role in supporting children, often making remarkable sacrifices to keep their families together.

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Adverse Weather Schools and Early Years Resource Pack PADLET

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Adverse Weather Schools and Early Years Resource Pack PADLET

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This padlet has been created for school professionals, early years and childcare providers to support emergency planning and taking Heat and Cold Action, when managing periods of Adverse Weather. (Drought, Flooding)

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Includes:-

Air Quality, Cold Weather Alerts, Drought, Emergency Planning, Flooding, Heat Action Plans, Keeping Warm, Physical Health, Physical Wellbeing, Staying Safe in Extreme Weathers, Supporting Vulnerable People, Vaccinations.

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This padlet has been created to support Nottinghamshire school leaders and those working with staff and professionals in schools to consider and care for their wellbeing.

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This padlet has been created to support Nottinghamshire schools and those working with children, young people and their families around the topic of promoting your wellbeing whilst online.

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This animation was co-produced with young carers (aged 9-17) in Nottinghamshire (with Young Carers Notts) to share everyday experiences of being a young carer. Through their own words and drawings, young carers describe what life is like, from the challenges of balancing school and responsibilities, to the joyful and powerful moments that getting support or by being a carer can bring. The animation was created as part of CreatewithCare, a project using creative writing and the arts to support the well-being of unpaid carers. It aims to raise awareness, influence change, and celebrate the voices of young carers. Find out more and access support: http://createwithcare.org With thanks to Tuvida / Young Carers Notts staff and families

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The Daily Lives of Young Carers Animation - Young Carers Notts

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Emergencies that could affect Nottinghamshire include: flooding, severe weather, major transport accidents, industrial accidents, outbreaks of disease including flu pandemics and terrorist incidents. These are outlined in greater detail within the Community Risk Register [PDF], along with information on how you can be prepared.

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Major emergencies do not happen very often but when they do it's essential that we are ready to respond, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Planning ahead is the most effective way to ensure that if emergencies do happen they have as small an impact as possible on you and your community.

Emergencies that could affect Nottinghamshire include: flooding, severe weather, major transport accidents, industrial accidents, outbreaks of disease including flu pandemics and terrorist incidents. These are outlined in greater detail within the Community Risk Register [PDF], along with information on how you can be prepared.

To prepare for possible emergencies within the county we:

assess local risks in order to identify what we need to plan for

write and review emergency plans

train and exercise with other key organisations to enhance the management of an emergency

ensure that Nottinghamshire County Council has plans in place to deliver important services to the public during an emergency.

We also help to support the emergency services and other organisations with their emergency response in a number of ways:

arranging emergency accommodation should members of the public be evacuated from their homes

providing emergency transport to move members of the public from the scene of an emergency to a safe location

co-ordinating services that we provide that are required as part of the emergency response

contributing to the running of assistance centres. Assistance centres will be set up in the aftermath of a major emergency to act as a focal point for information and assistance to families and friends of those missing, injured or killed, and to survivors

providing information to the public

providing advice and assistance to major sporting venues to ensure that they are prepared for emergencies providing guidance to Parish Councils and other community groups, to help communities prepare for emergencies

providing emergency planning guidance to schools.

We provide this as a key partner of the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Local Resilience Forum (LRF), which is the multi-agency management group for the co-ordination of emergency planning within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. The LRF is led by Nottinghamshire Police, and is made up of senior managers from the principal emergency planning and response organisations.

Further details on how personal data is used within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Local Resilience Forum can be found in the LRF privacy notice [PDF].

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Nottinghamshire County Council emergency planning and local authority role in preparing for emergencies and disruption

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Adverse Weather Schools and Early Years Resource Pack PADLET

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Adverse Weather Schools and Early Years Resource Pack PADLET

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This padlet has been created to support school professionals, early years and childcare providers to share information on understanding, preparing for and managing adverse weather incidents and extreme temperatures.

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RNIB- A-Z of Eye Conditions & The Eye Care Support Pathway

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RNIB- A-Z of Eye Conditions & The Eye Care Support Pathway

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The #EyeCareSupportPathway is a framework, developed by RNIB and partners across the sector.

RNIB can provide a range of services. If you are working with someone who requires further support, please use the referral form within.

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Find information on eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration, including symptoms and treatments. Our information is medically checked.

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Vision Matters: National Eye Health Week

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Vision Matters: National Eye Health Week

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Vision really matters. Sight is the sense people fear losing the most, yet many of us don’t know how to look after our eyes – National Eye Health Week aims to change all that!

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Vision Matters - National Eye Health Week

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Vision really matters. Sight is the sense people fear losing the most, yet many of us don't know the best way to look after our eyes. National Eye Health Week aims to change all that.

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IAPB: International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness

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IAPB: International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness

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Global action for eye health

IAPB is the overarching alliance for the global eye health sector, with more than 250 organisations in over 100 countries, working together for a world where everyone has universal access to eye care.

See Vision Policies and Join the Global Campaigns

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The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness

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The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness

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IAPB is the overarching alliance for the global eye health sector, with more than 150 organisations in over 100 countries working together for a world where everyone has universal access to eye care.

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Welcome to the Thomas Pocklington Trust, our work improves the opportunities of blind and partially sighted people so that we have the same key life chances, just like you.

See information on Education and Learning, Health & Fitness & Accessibility & Inclusion.

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Skip to content

Welcome to Thomas Pocklington Trust

We are a charity primarily staffed by blind and partially sighted people, and a 200-strong volunteer membership with lived experience of sight loss. Our work improves opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to have the same "Key Life Chances" as everyone else - Just Like You.
Find out more about Welcome to Thomas Pocklington Trust

#TacklePavementParking

Thomas Pocklington Trust is a leading advocate for access, equality and inclusion to the daily lives of blind and partially sighted people. Our current campaign #TacklePavementParking urgently seeks to address the daily obstacles caused by needless blocking of pedestrians' access.
Find out more about #TacklePavementParking

Now Hiring

Apply for an exciting Get Set Progress internship. We have positions available across the country. Applications close soon. Watch our video to meet our Class of 2023 interns.
Find out more about Now Hiring

How can we help you today?

News and events

Join our mailing list

Get the latest on our campaigns, news and events from Thomas Pocklington Trust by joining our mailing list
Join our mailing list

Registered charity number: 1113729

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Thomas Pocklington Trust is a national charity which supports blind and partially sighted people with a focus on Education, Employment and Engagement.

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Welcome to the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). We represent over 6,000 qualified dispensing opticians in the UK who are registered with and regulated by the General Optical Council (GOC).

Did you know that all registered dispensing opticians have undergone a minimum of three years academic and practical training to qualify.

There’s lots more information here for you about eyecare and eyewear, for adults and children.

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Diabetic Eye Screening (DES) Nottinghamshire 

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Diabetic Eye Screening (DES) Nottinghamshire 

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There are five NHS young people and adult screening programmes: Diabetic Eye Screening is available for children aged 12+ and adults who have diabetes.

DES is offered every one or two years to anyone with diabetes aged 12 or over.

Extra screening tests are offered to people who have diabetic retinopathy but do not yet require treatment and to pregnant women who have diabetes because the risk of sight loss is greater in these people.

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There are six NHS antenatal and newborn (ANNB) screening programmes offered at different times during pregnancy and after birth.

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Eye Health Schools and Early Years Resource Pack PADLET

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Eye Health Schools and Early Years Resource Pack PADLET

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This padlet has been created for school professionals, early years and childcare providers to share eye health information and support inclusive practice for those who are blind, partially sighted and glasses/ lens wearers.

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Includes:- Accessibility, Age related Macular Degeneration, Blind, Driving Vision, Diabetic Eye, Digital Strain, Screening, Eyes, Eyesight, Eye Conditions, Eye Health, Eye Protection, Glasses, Impaired Vision, Lens Wearers, Myopia, Optometry, Opticians, Partially sighted, Screen time, Sight Loss.

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Gangs and Gang Associated Violence PADLET

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Gangs and Gang Associated Violence PADLET

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This padlet has been created to support Nottinghamshire schools and those working with children and young people to support those are at risk of, or are involved with gangs or gang associated violence.

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Notts County and Notts City Anti-Bullying Policy Guidance and Policy Template (published September 2025)

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Notts County and Notts City Anti-Bullying Policy Guidance and Policy Template (published September 2025)

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This guidance and associated Policy Template for Anti-Bullying, has been written by colleagues in Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council (ESHAWH) to reflect the most recent statutory guidance - Keeping children safe in education - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Schools may find it helpful to adapt this policy template for their setting.

Every school must have measures in place to encourage good behaviour and prevent all forms of bullying. These measures must be communicated to all pupils, school staff and parents/carers. Some schools choose to include this information in their behaviour policy, others choose to have a separate Anti-Bullying Policy. Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council supports the view held by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, that a separate Anti-Bullying policy provides greater clarity about a school’s Anti-Bullying strategy. Therefore, each September, we publish an 'Anti-Bullying Guidance and Policy Template' document - this is available to view, download and use.

The Anti-Bullying Alliance also provide guidance about how to update your current Anti-Bullying policy, this is available here: Anti-Bullying Policies (anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk)

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Notts County and Notts City Anti-Bullying Policy Guidance and Policy Template (published September 2025)

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Notts County and Notts City Anti-Bullying Policy Guidance and Policy Template (published September 2025)

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This guidance and associated Policy Template for Anti-Bullying, has been written by colleagues in Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council (ESHAWH) to reflect the most recent statutory guidance - Keeping children safe in education - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Schools may find it helpful to adapt this policy template for their setting.

Every school must have measures in place to encourage good behaviour and prevent all forms of bullying. These measures must be communicated to all pupils, school staff and parents/carers. Some schools choose to include this information in their behaviour policy, others choose to have a separate Anti-Bullying Policy. Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council supports the view held by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, that a separate Anti-Bullying policy provides greater clarity about a school’s Anti-Bullying strategy. Therefore, each September, we publish an 'Anti-Bullying Guidance and Policy Template' document - this is available to view, download and use.

The Anti-Bullying Alliance also provide guidance about how to update your current Anti-Bullying policy, this is available here: Anti-Bullying Policies (anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk)

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Active Lives Schools and Early Years Resource Pack PADLET

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Active Lives Schools and Early Years Resource Pack PADLET

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This padlet has been created for school professionals, early years and childcare providers to promote physical activity and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

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This document contains information on what schools should do and sets out the legal duties with which schools must comply when teaching Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education.

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Statutory guidance on relationships education, relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education.

Applies to England

Documents

Details

This is statutory guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) issued under section 80A of the Education Act 2002 and section 403 of the Education Act 1996.

Schools must have regard to the guidance and, where they depart from those parts of the guidance which state that they should, or should not, do something, they will need to have good reasons for doing so.

This statutory guidance applies to all schools, and is for:

governing bodies of maintained schools (including schools with a sixth-form) and non-maintained special schools

trustees or directors of academies and free schools

proprietors of independent schools (including academies and free schools)

management committees of pupil referral units (PRUs)

teachers, other school staff and school nurses

headteachers, principals and senior leadership teams

diocese and other faith representatives

relevant local authority staff for reference

To help school leaders follow this statutory guidance, we have published:

Thank you for your feedback

Report a problem with this page

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Relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education

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Statutory guidance on relationships education, relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education.

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Our team offers support and advice to colleagues who work with kinship families and kinship carers, however we do not specialise in this area. Please see the relevant signposts to our specialist services below.

Includes:- carers, friends and family, guardians, kinship care, kinship support service, Special Guardianship Orders, SGOs, training

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Kinship Care Week 2025 - 6th-12th October

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Kinship Care Week 2025 - 6th-12th October

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Kinship Care Week (6 to 12 October 2025) is a national week of awareness, recognition, and celebration of kinship families across England and Wales.

Here you can learn how to get involved, as well as find a few resources, including ‘Your Complete Guide to Kinship Care Week 2025’.

On this page:

1. What is Kinship Care Week for?

2. Get involved in Kinship Care Week with our digital toolkit

3. Celebrating kinship families, love and community

4. Share on social media

5. History of Kinship Care Week

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Nottinghamshire Kinship Care Week event - Thursday 9th October 2025

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Nottinghamshire Kinship Care Week event - Thursday 9th October 2025

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This flyer provides information about a free event available for kinship families in Nottinghamshire as part of Kinship Care Week 2025.

The event is free to attend and will take place on Thursday 9th October 2025 at Calverton Village Hall.

The flyer has a QR code and contact details to share with families who would like to sign up and attend.

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Notts Help Yourself - Kinship Support Service

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Notts Help Yourself - Kinship Support Service

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This page on NottsHelpYourself provides further information about the Kinship Support Service.

Key topics include:

What is a kinship carer?

Becoming a kinship carer (non-foster carer)

Our offer to Nottinghamshire's kinship families

Kinship Support Service

Peer networks and helpful support

Independent virtual support for kinship families

External support for kinship families

Useful links

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When a birth parent is unable to care for their child, the child may live full-time or most of the time with a relative or friend. That relative or friend is known as a 'kinship carer' or 'connected person'.

Becoming a kinship carer (non-foster carers)

An informal arrangement is when the birth parent(s) agree that a child can live with a family member or friend without local authority involvement.

When a child becomes known to children's social care due to safeguarding concerns, a kinship placement may be the best option for the child. Your social worker will discuss options with both the birth family and support the family to identify potential carers within the family network.

If a potential kinship carer is identified, the child's social worker will support the family through the assessment and court application, which may result in a family and friends fostering placement, a special guardianship order, or child arrangement order.

Our offer to Nottinghamshire's kinship families

Recognising the benefit that kinship care offers to children and families, the Nottinghamshire Plan commits us to "providing the right support for families to reduce the need for vulnerable children to go into foster or residential care".

Our offer extends to families with special guardianship orders, child arrangement orders and private/informal arrangements.

Starting in Autumn 2022, we:

have invested in a Kinship Support Service to empower our kinship families through dedicated social worker, welfare rights and family support

offer annual kinship review plans to better identify support and opportunities for our kinship families

offer all new kinship carers access to family and friends pre-order training

work directly with kinship families to offer enhanced training and support, including life story work and access to the Adoption Support Fund (now known as the adoption and special guardianship) which is also available for children previously considered 'looked after'.

commission independent support for kinship families through Kinship Reach.

Kinship Support Service

Once you become a kinship carer in a permanent arrangement (typically a special guardianship order or child arrangement order), you are entitled to access support from your kinship support service.

Our team of dedicated social workers, family workers and welfare rights officers can offer targeted support, general advice, and signposting to local or national support groups and advice.

Some of the support we offer includes:

Reviewing special guardianship order support plans, or plans for families on other legal orders

Information and guidance to prepare you for being a kinship carer and to support you once the child is in your care

Advice regarding kinship allowances, benefits entitlements and education entitlements

Life Story Work to children growing up in a kinship arrangement

Assessment for the Adoption Support Fund on behalf of eligible kinship families who would benefit from therapeutic input

A phoneline and email address during office hours and a dedicated kinship website, alongside out of hours support

Membership or signposting to kinship support groups through our partners in the voluntary sector.

To find out more please contact our Kinship Support Service on either 01158 041407 or kinshipsupport@nottscc.gov.uk.
If you are interested in hearing about future events and support with the Kinship Service, Nottinghamshire County Council, please click this link to share your email address with us: Kinship mailing list
Peer networks and helpful support

Independent virtual support for kinship families

It is important that kinship families have access to independent support, advice, and guidance. We have recently commissioned Kinship Reach provided by Kinship - for independent one-to-one remote support around issues such as emotional distress, children's behaviour, housing or family relationships. Please contact the Kinship Support Service to discuss a referral.

External support for kinship families

Please note that Nottinghamshire County Council does not necessarily endorse the organisations listed and are not responsible for the content of any external websites.

Kinship - A leading national kinship charity providing information, support, and guidance on kinship arrangements

Family Rights Group - A national charity that advises parents, grandparents, relatives and friends about their rights and options

Hetty's Charity - Specialist kinship support packages and peer groups for Nottinghamshire families with experience of addiction

Peer-to-Peer Support Service - A new peer-to-peer support service for all kinship carers in England, funded by the Department for Education and led by Kinship charity.

Someone Like Me - A volunteer delivered telephone peer support service offered by Kinship charity.

Adoption East Midlands - Derby, Nottingham, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire local authority partnership to ensure better outcomes for children waiting for adoption

Foster for Nottinghamshire - Nottinghamshire County Councils fostering service, including services for family and friends foster carers.

Useful links:

For a comprehensive list of organisations that support fostering, adoption, and kinship, please explore Family Rights Group - Useful Links.

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Nottshelpyourself | Nottinghamshire Kinship Support Service

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What is a kinship carer? When a birth parent is unable to care for their child, the child may live full-time or most of the time with a relative or friend. That relative or friend is known as a ‘kinship carer’ or ‘connected person’. Becoming a kinship carer (non-foster carers) An informal arrangement is when the birth parent(s) agree that a child can live with a family member or friend without local authority involvement. When a child becomes known to children’s social care due to safeguarding concerns, a kinship placement may be the best option for the child. Your social worker will discuss options with both the birth family and support the family to identify potential carers within the family network. If a potential kinship carer is identified, the child’s social worker will support the family through the assessment and court application, which may result in a family and friends fostering placement, a special guardianship order, or child arrangement order. Our offer to Nottinghamshire’s kinship families Recognising the benefit that kinship care offers to children and families, the Nottinghamshire Plan commits us to “providing the right support for families to reduce the need for vulnerable children to go into foster or residential care”. Our offer extends to families with special guardianship orders, child arrangement orders and private/informal arrangements. Starting in Autumn 2022, we: have invested in a Kinship Support Service to empower our kinship families through dedicated social worker, welfare rights and family support offer annual kinship review plans to better identify support and opportunities for our kinship families offer all new kinship carers access to family and friends pre-order training work directly with kinship families to offer enhanced training and support, including life story work and access to the Adoption Support Fund (now known as the adoption and special guardianship) which is also available for children previously considered ‘looked after’. commission independent support for kinship families through Kinship Reach. Kinship Support Service Once you become a kinship carer in a permanent arrangement (typically a special guardianship order or child arrangement order), you are entitled to access support from your kinship support service. Our team of dedicated social workers, family workers and welfare rights officers can offer targeted support, general advice, and signposting to local or national support groups and advice. Some of the support we offer includes: Reviewing special guardianship order support plans, or plans for families on other legal orders Information and guidance to prepare you for being a kinship carer and to support you once the child is in your care Advice regarding kinship allowances, benefits entitlements and education entitlements Life Story Work to children growing up in a kinship arrangement Assessment for the Adoption Support Fund on behalf of eligible kinship families who would benefit from therapeutic input A phoneline and email address during office hours and a dedicated kinship website, alongside out of hours support Membership or signposting to kinship support groups through our partners in the voluntary sector. To find out more please contact our Kinship Support Service on either 01158 041407 or kinshipsupport@nottscc.gov.uk. If you are interested in hearing about future events and support with the Kinship Service, Nottinghamshire County Council, please click this link to share your email address with us: Kinship mailing list Peer networks and helpful support Independent virtual support for kinship families It is important that kinship families have access to independent support, advice, and guidance. We have recently commissioned Kinship Reach provided by Kinship – for independent one-to-one remote support around issues such as emotional distress, children’s behaviour, housing or family relationships. Please contact the Kinship Support Service to discuss a referral. External support for kinship families Please note that Nottinghamshire County Council does not necessarily endorse the organisations listed and are not responsible for the content of any external websites. Kinship - A leading national kinship charity providing information, support, and guidance on kinship arrangements Family Rights Group - A national charity that advises parents, grandparents, relatives and friends about their rights and options Hetty’s Charity - Specialist kinship support packages and peer groups for Nottinghamshire families with experience of addiction Peer-to-Peer Support Service - A new peer-to-peer support service for all kinship carers in England, funded by the Department for Education and led by Kinship charity. Someone Like Me - A volunteer delivered telephone peer support service offered by Kinship charity. Adoption East Midlands - Derby, Nottingham, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire local authority partnership to ensure better outcomes for children waiting for adoption Foster for Nottinghamshire - Nottinghamshire County Councils fostering service, including services for family and friends foster carers. Useful links: Preparing to be a special guardian - Kinship - The kinship care charity Lawyers List - Kinship - The kinship care charity Advice and Information - Kinship - The kinship care charity For a comprehensive list of organisations that support fostering, adoption, and kinship, please explore Family Rights Group – Useful Links.

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NCC Kinship Support Service - mailing list (for families and professionals)

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NCC Kinship Support Service - mailing list (for families and professionals)

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If you are interested in hearing about future events and support with the Kinship Service, Nottinghamshire County Council, please click this link to share your email address with us: Kinship mailing list

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Kinship Support Service Information Sign-up

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Kinship Support Service Information Sign-up

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Kinship charity - commissioned by NCC and free training opportunities, information and advice (for carers and professionals)

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Kinship charity - commissioned by NCC and free training opportunities, information and advice (for carers and professionals)

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Kinship is the leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. They are available for kinship carers – friends or family who step up to raise a child when their parents aren’t able to.

This website offers support and advice to kinship carers, and it provides further information about what kinship care is.

The charity also offer free training and events: Free training and events for kinship carers | Kinship

and there is lots of information and support for professionals (with links to free resources that may support the families you are working with) : For professionals - Kinship

Please note: NCC currently commission Kinship to support Nottinghamshire kinship carers.

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Kinship is the leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We're here for all kinship carers - the grandparents and siblings, the aunts, uncles, and family friends who step up to raise children when their parents can't.

#KinshipCareWeek has landed! Kinship Care Week (2-8 October) is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible role that kinship carers play in children's lives and society, and recognise the profound commitment and love they have for the children they care for.

This year, the theme of Kinship Care Week is . #DoOneThing . The public and political profile of kinship care has never been higher - but we need to push it even further up the agenda. # DoOneThing to raise awareness and keep kinship care in the spotlight Learn more about how you can ge involved.

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Homepage - Kinship - The kinship care charity

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Kinship is the national charity for kinship care in England and Wales. Are you looking after a child of a relative or friend full-time?

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As part of the Nottinghamshire Plan, NCC set up a Kinship Support Service which is on hand to support all families in a Kinship arrangement, whether you have a Special Guardianship Order, Child Arrangement Order or a private/informal arrangement.

This leaflet provides information about what support is available from the Kinship Support Service.

To find out more please contact our Kinship Support Service, on either 0115 804 1407 or email: kinshipsupport@nottscc.gov.uk

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See your trusted space to explore and celebrate neurodiversity.

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This padlet has been created to support Nottinghamshire schools and those working with children, young people and their families around the topic of Navigating periods of transition and moving on.

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This padlet has been created for school professionals, early years and childcare providers to manage incidents and support children and families affected by bullying. Raising awareness of key anti-bullying whole school approaches.

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This padlet has been created for school professionals, early years and childcare providers to manage incidents and support children and families affected by bullying. Raising awareness of key anti-bullying whole school approaches.

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This padlet has been created to support Nottinghamshire schools and those working with children, young people and their families raising awareness around the topic of managing self harm and suicidal ideation

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Personal Safety: (First aid)   Schools and Early Years Resource Pack PADLET

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Personal Safety: (First aid)   Schools and Early Years Resource Pack PADLET

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This padlet has been created for school professionals, early years and childcare providers to share home, outdoor and emergency safety information. FIRST AID & MAKING AN EMERGENCY CALL information included.

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This padlet has been created to support Nottinghamshire schools and those working with children, young people and their families raising awareness around the topic of managing sleep hygiene.

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This padlet has been created to support Nottinghamshire schools and those working with children, young people and their families raising awareness around the topic of managing staff wellbeing

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This padlet has been created to support Nottinghamshire schools and those working with children, young people and their families around the topic of managing loss & bereavement.

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This padlet has been created to support Nottinghamshire schools and those working with children, young people and their families raising awareness around the topic of managing self harm and suicidal ideation

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This padlet has been created to support Nottinghamshire schools and those working with children, young people and their families raising awareness around the topic of managing body dysmorphia

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This padlet has been created to support Nottinghamshire schools and those working with children, young people and their families around the topic of managing anxiety

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This padlet has been created to support Nottinghamshire schools and those working with children, young people and their families around the topic of staying safe online.

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Sexual Health Schools Resource Pack PADLET

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Sexual Health Schools Resource Pack PADLET

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This padlet has been created in conjuction with Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Sexual Health Service and public health team to support our schools and those working with children, young people and their families around the topic of sexual health.

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When talking about children and exploitation, language matters - it can be the difference between a child being properly safeguarded or put at further risk of exploitation.

This is why new guidance has been published today (Thursday 14 November) by the Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Taskforce, who commissioned The Children’s Society and the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) to update an Appropriate Language Guide, which can be used by multi-agency professionals.

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Appropriate Language Guide | The Hydrant Programme

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Resources for teachers parents and students about being alert to scams. When you learn what scam flags are you can protect both yourself, and those that you care about, from scammers.
But it’s important to know what to do if you think you (or someone you know) has been exposed to a scam..

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Scam Flags add up to a When you learn what scam flags are you can protect both yourself, and those that you care about, from scammers. But it’s important to know what to do if you think you (or someone you know) has been exposed to a scam. What are scam flags? https://mediasmart.uk.com/wp-content/Stitched_Master_5.mp4 Download ’Scam […]

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Personal Safety Schools and Early Years Resource Pack PADLET

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Personal Safety Schools and Early Years Resource Pack PADLET

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This padlet has been created for school professionals, early years and childcare providers to share home, outdoor, transport, travel and emergency safety information.

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This Padlet was created by the ESHAW Hub at Nottinghamshire County Council. Within this Padlet you will find links to statutory guidance, definitions, safety planning and a wide range of resources for primary, secondary aged children as well as resources for children with additional needs and disabilities. Links are also provided for supporting families and further learning.

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National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) PADLET

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National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) PADLET

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This padlet has been created to support Nottinghamshire schools and those working with children and young people to support them to understand the purpose of the NCMP programme.

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Children with a family member in prison PADLET

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Children with a family member in prison PADLET

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This Padlet has been created by the ESHAWH at Nottinghamshire County Council. Within this Padlet you will find guidance, support and advice for schools, children and families as well as further reading and research.

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Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) - PADLET

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Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) - PADLET

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This Padlet has been created by the ESHAWH at Nottinghamshire County Council. The Padlet provides links to statutory guidance, definitions, risk assessment, support for children and young people across all Key Stages of Education. Links are also provided for supporting families.

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This Padlet was created by the ESHAW Hub at Nottinghamshire County Council. Within this Padlet you will find links to statutory guidance, definitions, safety planning and a wide range of resources for primary, secondary aged children as well as resources for children with additional needs and disabilities. Links are also provided for supporting families and further learning.

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This Padlet has been created by the ESHAW Hub at Nottinghamshire County Council that shares information you may find useful to support awareness and prevention of Child Criminal Exploitation.

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This padlet has been created to support Nottinghamshire schools and those working with children, young people and their families around the topic of behaviour and inclusion.

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AYPH: Understanding Health Inequalities for young people who are care experienced

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AYPH: Understanding Health Inequalities for young people who are care experienced

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The drivers of health inequalities for care experienced young people include poverty, ethnicity, poor housing, educational disadvantage, and interactions with the criminal justice system, amongst other factors. The pre-care experiences of abuse, neglect and/or trauma also impact on the health and wellbeing of care experienced young people. They may be exacerbated as young people transition out of the care system and into independent living arrangements.

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Understanding health inequalities for young people who are care experienced - ayph

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New data and engagement reports launched by AYPH to examine the health inequalities experienced by care experienced young people.

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Approximately 200,000 children in England and Wales have a parent sent to prison each year. These children are at risk of poor outcomes including poverty, stigma, isolation and poor mental health. The National Information Centre on Children of Offenders NICCO provides information designed to support professionals working with offenders and their children, to help mitigate negative consequences for those children.

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This padlet has been created for school professionals, early years and childcare providers to manage incidents and support children and families affected by drug and alcohol use.

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This padlet has been created for school professionals, early years and childcare providers to manage incidents and support children and families affected by drug and alcohol use.

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Greener Living Schools and Early Years Resource Pack: PADLET

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Greener Living Schools and Early Years Resource Pack: PADLET

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This padlet has been created to support Nottinghamshire schools and those working with children and young people to support them around the topic of climate change and how we can live healthier and greener lives.

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What are asylum seekers? What are refugees? Here's the difference between asylum seekers and refugees and other myths about those fleeing persecution and violence. Six things you need to know from the Red Cross

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1. The terms 'migrant', 'refugee' and 'asylum seeker' have very different meanings.

Often you hear in conversation, or in the media, the terms 'migrant' and 'refugee' used interchangeably. But they're not the same thing - there is an important difference between the terms.

There is no internationally recognised definition of a migrant. For the British Red Cross, a migrant is a person who has moved to another country, for example to work, study or join family members. They may be living there temporarily or permanently depending on their situation.

The definition of an asylum seeker, or someone seeking asylum, is a person who has left their country, often suddenly, because they are faced with persecution, war or violence and cannot get protection there. Once an asylum seeker has bene officially granted asylum, they are then legally recognised as a refugee.

2. Current international law on the right to claim asylum goes back to the Second World War.

The UN drew up international laws on this after the Second World War.

The 1951 Refugee Convention protects people fleeing persecution . It describes a person seeking asylum as someone who is outside the country of their nationality "owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion" and "is unable to, or owing to such fear is unwilling to, avail himself of the protection of that country".

So there is an internationally recognised right, under these circumstances, to seek safety elsewhere.

Once a person has claimed asylum in another country, they will need to wait while the government looks at their case. Those who have been granted protection are known as refugees.

3. A tiny proportion of the UK population are refugees.

The number of refugees and people seeking asylum goes up and down, depending on what's happening in the world. Conflict in several countries has swelled recent figures, with people forced to leave their home countries and become refugees because of war and violence. In fact, most refugees coming to the UK are from countries caught up in conflict like Syria and Afghanistan.

However, the UK has not been 'flooded' by refugees looking for safety. In fact, only 0.2 per cent of the population are refugees or asylum seekers.

The vast majority of asylum seekers flee over their nearest border, where they're likely to live in camps.

You can see this clearly in the case of Syria. Of the 6.7 million Syrian refugees globally, a staggering 4.6 million are being hosted by its neighbours - Turkey and Lebanon.

4. Refugees often have to take very dangerous journeys.

Approximately 3,000 people died while trying to reach another country in 2020. Many of these people were looking for safety and fleeing from war, violence and persecution, which is why they seek refugee status in a safe country.

The way the system is set up means most people can only claim asylum in another country once they get there. But the journey itself can be extremely dangerous.

For most people who are facing persecution it's not as simple as buying a ticket and getting on a plane, or driving into another country. People can be forced into hiding, foreign embassies can close and airports or train stations may be inaccessible. Instead, they have to get out any way that they can.

The UN Refugee Convention makes it clear that there will often be justified reasons why refugees are unable to enter a country with a valid visa. There is no visa you can apply for to claim asylum in the UK.

The small number of people attempting to reach the UK do so for a variety of reasons. Some may have family here, or speak English.

5. Life in the asylum system is hard.

A person seeking asylum has left everything behind: friends, family, photographs, job, home, clothes, sentimental gifts... the list goes on.

The Red Cross supports people who were lawyers, doctors and teachers in their home countries: all keen to lend their skills here.

Yet many of the asylum seekers we see are penniless and struggling to feed themselves. While they wait for a decision on their asylum claim (which can take years), they live in limbo: not allowed to work and dependent on limited support from the government.

We see many people who, without access to public funds, housing and employment, are often exposed to homelessness, abuse and exploitation.

6. The British Red Cross is the largest independent provider of support to refugees in the UK.

We believe that people should have access to safe ways to claim asylum and should be treated with dignity and respect throughout the process.

We provide a wide range of services for refugees in 58 towns and cities across all four countries in the UK. These include casework advice, English classes, welcome and orientation groups, young refugee projects, and mother and baby groups.

We also work with refugees and asylum seekers who are left destitute.

We provide food parcels, clothing, small amounts of emergency cash , and nappies and maternity packs for new mothers. We also offer individual casework to support someone to find longer-term support.

We know that these services are also not only a lifeline, but often a valued weekly routine where people can have a hot drink or a meal and socialise with others.

Learn more about the asylum process in the UK

Understand more about the the asylum process in the UK and the support available.

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What is an asylum seeker? | Myth Busting | British Red Cross

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Busting myths about asylum seekers and refugees: six things you need to know about those who flee violence and persecution.

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Every day, all over the world, people make one of the most difficult decisions in their lives: to leave their homes in search of a safer, better life.

These journeys, which all start with the hope for a better future, can also be full of danger and fear. Some people risk falling prey to human trafficking and other forms of exploitation. Some are detained by the authorities as soon as they arrive in a new country. Once they’re settling in and start building a new life, many face daily racism, xenophobia and discrimination.

Some people end up feeling alone and isolated because they have lost the support networks that most of us take for granted – our communities, colleagues, relatives and friends.

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Most people in the world have had the experience of leaving the place where they grew up. Maybe they will only move as far as the next village or city. But for some people, they will need to leave their country entirely - sometimes for a short time, but sometimes forever.
Every day, all over the world, people make one of the most difficult decisions in their lives: to leave their homes in search of a safer, better life.
There are many reasons why people around the globe seek to rebuild their lives in a different country. Some people leave home to get a job or an education. Others are forced to flee persecution or human rights violations such as torture. Millions flee from armed conflicts or other crises or violence. Some no longer feel safe and might have been targeted just because of who they are or what they do or believe - for example, for their ethnicity, religion, sexuality or political opinions.

These journeys, which all start with the hope for a better future, can also be full of danger and fear. Some people risk falling prey to human trafficking and other forms of exploitation. Some are detained by the authorities as soon as they arrive in a new country. Once they're settling in and start building a new life, many face daily racism, xenophobia and discrimination.

Some people end up feeling alone and isolated because they have lost the support networks that most of us take for granted - our communities, colleagues, relatives and friends.

WHY DO PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR COUNTRIES?

There are many reasons why it might be too difficult or dangerous for people to stay in their own countries. For example, children, woman and men flee from violence, war, hunger, extreme poverty, because of their sexual or gender orientation, or from the consequences of climate change or other natural disasters. Often people will face a combination of these difficult circumstances.

People who leave their countries are not always fleeing danger. They might believe they have a better chance of finding work in another country because they have the education or capital to seek opportunities elsewhere. Others might want to join relatives or friends who are already living abroad. Or they might seek to start or finish their education in another country. There are lots of different reasons for people to start a journey to build a life in a new country.

DEFINITIONS: WHAT EXACTLY IS A REFUGEE, AN ASYLUM SEEKER AND A MIGRANT?

The terms "refugee", "asylum seeker" and "migrant" are used to describe people who are on the move, who have left their countries and have crossed borders.

The terms "migrant" and "refugee" are often used interchangeably but it is important to distinguish between them as there is a legal difference.

Who is a refugee?

A refugee is a person who has fled their own country because they are at risk of serious human rights violations and persecution there. The risks to their safety and life were so great that they felt they had no choice but to leave and seek safety outside their country because their own government cannot or will not protect them from those dangers. Refugees have a right to international protection.

Who is an asylum seeker?

An asylum seeker is a person who has left their country and is seeking protection from persecution and serious human rights violations in another country, but who hasn't yet been legally recognized as a refugee and is waiting to receive a decision on their asylum claim. Seeking asylum is a human right. This means everyone should be allowed to enter another country to seek asylum.

Who is a migrant?

There is no internationally accepted legal definition of a migrant. Like most agencies and organizations, we at Amnesty International understand migrants to be people staying outside their country of origin, who are not asylum seekers or refugees.

Some migrants leave their country because they want to work, study or join family, for example. Others feel they must leave because of poverty, political unrest, gang violence, natural disasters or other serious circumstances that exist there.

Lots of people don't fit the legal definition of a refugee but could nevertheless be in danger if they went home.

It is important to understand that, just because migrants do not flee persecution, they are still entitled to have all their human rights protected and respected, regardless of the status they have in the country they moved to. Governments must protect all migrants from racist and xenophobic violence, exploitation and forced labour. Migrants should never be detained or forced to return to their countries without a legitimate reason.

WHAT IS AMNESTY'S POSITION ON MIGRANTS, REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS?

We campaign for a world where human rights can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter what situation they are in. Amnesty has championed the human rights of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants for decades.

We campaign to make sure governments honour their shared responsibility to protect the rights of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. We condemn any policies and practices that undermine the rights of people on the move.

The people are not the problem
There are about 35 million refugees globally. Many people feel overwhelmed by the numbers and see people moving across borders as a global crisis. We at Amnesty International disagree that it is a crisis of numbers. The people are not the problem. Rather, the causes that drive families and individuals to cross borders and the short-sighted and unrealistic ways that politicians respond to them are the problem.
Campaigning for people on the move
With our campaigns, we put pressure on governments to honour their responsibility to protect every single person's rights. They must make sure that refugees, asylum seekers and migrants are safe, and are not tortured, discriminated against or left living in poverty.

We campaign for governments to properly process the asylum claims of asylum seekers so that they don't leave them in limbo - sometimes even locked away in detention centres - for years. We also want to see migrants being protected from exploitation and abuse by their employers or by traffickers.
The individual beyond the label
Each human being has more than one identity. "Refugee", "migrant" and "asylum seeker" are only temporary terms; they do not reflect the whole identity of women, children and men who have left their homes behind to start a new life in a new country.

When we use these labels, we need to remember that out of the many ways in which people describe themselves, these terms only refer to one experience: that of leaving their countries. But the identities of these people are made up of so many more things.

Most people seeking to live elsewhere will feel that the experience of leaving their countries doesn't fully capture who they are. Like all of us, they are complex and unique human beings and might choose to identify themselves as being from a certain country or region, belonging to a group that speaks a certain language or shares a culture. Or they might say about themselves that they are a teacher, doctor, artist, passionate football fan, father, sister, son or mother.

A person's legal status cannot express the full identity and personality of a refugee, asylum seeker or migrant. No one can be known solely through their legal status.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Support our campaigns to help refugees!

You can join our movement of people who welcome refugees. Amnesty's I Welcome campaign calls on governments worldwide to welcome their fair share of the world's people who are seeking safety. With enough political will, our leaders can protect people fleeing conflict and persecution, including through a solution called resettlement.

We are also pushing for other safe ways for refugees to start new lives, such as by reuniting families who have been separated, through community groups sponsoring refugee families to move to their country, and through universities and businesses offering people study or work visas to start a new life.

Governments should never force anyone to go back to a country where they are at risk of human rights violations. Instead, refugees should be offered a safe place to live and opportunities to access work, education and health care.

Where your government has a sponsorship programme, you can get involved in community sponsorship. This is where local communities come together to raise money to resettle and welcome families and individuals who have fled their home countries.

FIND OUT MORE

Laws for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers

The rights of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers are protected by international law, regardless of how and why they arrive in a country. They have the same rights as everyone else, plus special or specific protections including:

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 14), which states that everyone has the right to seek and enjoy asylum from persecution in other countries

The 1951 UN Refugee Convention (and its 1967 Protocol), which protects refugees from being returned to countries where they risk being persecuted

The 1990 Migrant Workers Convention, which protects migrants and their families

Regional Refugee law instruments (including 1969 OAU Convention, 1984 Cartagena Declaration, Common European Asylum System and Dublin Regulation)

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Who is a refugee, a migrant or an asylum seeker?

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"Refugee," "migrant" and "asylum seeker" are only temporary terms, learn more about who they really are.

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Healthy Environments: Refugee, Asylum & Migrant Families

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Healthy Environments: Refugee, Asylum & Migrant Families

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Our team supports the need to consider the effect of displacement and promote a sense of belonging around a child, who's family seek asylum, are refugees and migrate from overseas. However we do not specialise in this area. Please see the relevant signposts to our specialist services below.

Includes: Asylum Seekers, Belonging, Change, Conflict, Community, Displacement, Immigration, Migration, Refugees, Relationships, Separation, Navigating Change.

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At Spurgeons we have worked with prisoner's families for years and have drawn from this expertise to create a series of animations to help you have those necessary conversations with children in your care.

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Are you supporting a child with a parent in prison?

Supporting children with a parent in prison, might be something you never thought you would have to do. The situation may be complicated, and you may be navigating the criminal justice system for the first time. But when a child's parent goes to prison, it's important to talk to the child about what's happening. They might be confused, sense something is happening, or they might even have already found out some other way.

At Spurgeons we have worked with prisoner's families for years and have drawn from this expertise to create a series of animations to help you have those necessary conversations with children in your care.

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Help for prisoner's families | Support for a child with a parent in prison

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Help for prisoner's families | child with a parent in prison

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Watch our animation for children and young people which explains the journey of going to prison, from arrest to release, in an easy to understand, clear and simple way.

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Pact supports prisoners, people with convictions, and their families across England and Wales.

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Children in Action: Supporting a child with a parent or family member in Prison

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Children in Action: Supporting a child with a parent or family member in Prison

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Support for Parents from Action For Children

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Supporting a child with a parent or family member in prison

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It can be upsetting for a child if someone they are close to is arrested or sent to prison. You’ll want to support the child through this difficult time.

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Banardos: Children with a parent or relative in Prison

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Banardos: Children with a parent or relative in Prison

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No child should be punished because a relative is in prison. Barnardo’s is one of the few organisations in the country that supports children and their families with relatives in prison.

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How can adults support children with relatives in prison?

It's important to tell children the truth about where their relative has gone, even if the child is very young. There are ways to explain to your child in an age-appropriate way that their relative has gone to prison, and be honest about how long they will be gone for. As with conversations about loss, the best way to explain is to use clear, literal language rather than euphemisms.

It's important to be aware that it's likely a child will hear things from others in the community and may feel betrayed, or even more distressed, to hear it from someone else.

Older children especially are likely to understand what's happening and may feel strong feelings of anger or disappointment. These feelings are normal, and the child should be given space to feel them.

Children should be given the choice as to whether they wish to visit their relative, or not, as much as possible. The experience of visiting their relative could cause many conflicting emotions to arise, so also consider how the child is supported before and after a visit.

Children with relatives in prison may not talk openly about it, for fear of the stigma or judgement that they may face from others. You may not even be aware that a relative of theirs has gone to prison. If you're worried about a child and their behaviour, the best thing to do is to talk to them about your concerns and create a space for them to feel safe and supported.

How to have open conversations with children about relatives in prisons

Although difficult, try encouraging the child or young person to talk with you. It's important to show this is a safe place for them, so lead with respect and keep the conversation free of judgment.

When speaking to children or young people remember to:

discuss the child's needs with them, focus on what support they might need and reassure them. It's best to focus on them rather than the relative's offence

remind them that this situation is not their fault, and that they are not alone

discuss support available to them, and consider involving them in peer support groups

For more advice about talking to children about feelings and wellbeing see our guides written by experts:

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Children with a parent or relative in prison

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No child should be punished because a relative is in prison. Find out how we support children and their families in these situations.

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Children Heard and Seen support children, young people and their families who are impacted by parental imprisonment. It is estimated that 192,912 children each year have a parent in prison, although there is no database of who these children are and whether they are receiving support. As the prison population continues to rise, so does the number of children impacted. Children Heard and Seen over the past 10+ years have worked alongside over 435 families and over 1250 children and young people. We strive to support their needs, listen to their concerns, and have their views heard and reflected in policy

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Who we are About Us Our Founder Our Trustees What we offer Support for Families Support for Organisations News Our news In the news Family Blogs Hidden Voices A Parent’s Story Heard & Seen: Young People’s Voices Get Involved Support us Volunteering Campaigning Resources All Resources Model School Policy Contact Us X Who we are. […]

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Our team supports the need to consider the loss and bereavement experienced for children and families impacted by parental imprisonment. However we do not specialise in this area. Please see the relevant signposts to our specialist services below.

Includes: Belonging, Change, Criminal Justice, Connection, Imprisonment, Loss & Bereavement, Parents, Prison, Relationships, Separation, Navigating Change.

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PSHE Association: What happens if families change?

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PSHE Association: What happens if families change?

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These KS2 age-appropriate resources show pupils that families come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes change if parents separate.

The lessons normalise the range of emotions that children go through when parents separate and teach children about the sources of help available to them, supporting the statutory Relationships Education requirements and learning opportunities in our Programme of Study. They will help pupils understand and exercise their rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), including their rights to information, consultation and (for the minority who may need it) representation when parents separate.

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Rosie’s Story: What happens if families change?

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These age-appropriate resources show pupils that families come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes change if parents separate.

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Young Carers Notts is for young carers age 5-17. We offer group sessions, short breaks, social opportunities with other young carers, fun activities, and practical advice about caring for someone. Free and confidential support

Young Carers Notts also helps those working with young people to increase identification of young carers and promote the support available.

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Our team works with all children and young people aged 0-25 some of who may have a caring responsibility however we do not specialise in this area. Please see the relevant signposts to our specialist services below.

Includes:- Attachment, Caring, Childhood Dependency, Health, Relationship, Roles, Support, Responsibility, Wellbeing.

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Our team supports the need to reduce conflict and promote healthy relationships around a child, however we do not specialise in this area. Please see the relevant signposts to our specialist services below.

Includes: Arguments, Change, Co-parenting, Conflict, Divorce, Disagreement, Relationships, Reducing Conflict, Separation, Navigating Change.

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Parental Conflict and Domestic Abuse are two separate things.  The information on Relationships Really Matter is about managing everyday disagreements in a more positive and healthy way.

The relationships our children see between the people they love affects their happiness and wellbeing. It is crucial to show your child that the adults they love can manage their arguments.

Please RULE OUT DOMESTIC ABUSE, before getting in touch with the team at ReduceParentalConflict@nottscc.gov.uk Or explore the webpage for ideas to support families you are working with to prevent relationship breakdown.

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For domestic abuse support services:

24hr Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline: 0808 800 0340

Emergency Contact Numbers: 999

If you're in immediate danger, please call the Police on 999

The Silent Solution: In an emergency situation where you cannot speak, call 999, wait for the operator to speak and dial 55. This will alert the operator to your situation.

For non-emergency calls to the Police, please use 101
Icons made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com

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Nottshelpyourself | Relationships Really Matter:

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For domestic abuse support services: 24hr Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline: 0808 800 0340 Emergency Contact Numbers: 999 If you're in immediate danger, please call the Police on 999 The Silent Solution: In an emergency situation where you cannot speak, call 999, wait for the operator to speak...

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This Padlet has been created by the ESHAW Hub at Nottinghamshire County Council that shares information you may find useful to support awareness and prevention of Child on Child Abuse.

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This padlet has been created to support Nottinghamshire schools and those working with children and young people to support them around the topic of FGM

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This padlet has been created to support Nottinghamshire schools and those working with children, young people and their families around the topic of radicalisation & extremism.

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Updated NCC Equality Policy Template (Updated for September 2026)

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Updated NCC Equality Policy Template (Updated for September 2026)

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Updated August 2026.

This policy template for Equality, has been written by colleagues in the NCC ESHAW Hub to reflect the most recent statutory guidance for 2026 - Keeping children safe in education - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Schools may find it helpful to adapt this policy template for their setting.

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FINAL 2026 - Equality Policy Template for Schools - updated August 2026

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Updated NCC Child-on-Child Abuse Policy Guidance and Policy Template (Published for September 2026)

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Updated NCC Child-on-Child Abuse Policy Guidance and Policy Template (Published for September 2026)

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Updated August 2026

This guidance and associated policy template for Child-on-Child Abuse, has been written by colleagues in the NCC ESHAW Hub to reflect the most recent statutory guidance for 2026 - Keeping children safe in education - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Schools may find it helpful to adapt this policy template for their setting.

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FINAL 2026 - Child-on-Child Abuse Guidance and Policy Template - updated August 2026

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The East Midlands Education Support Service

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The East Midlands Education Support Service

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The East Midlands Education Support Service (EM-Ed) website is provided by Nottinghamshire County Council Support to Schools Services.

This website is a platform for schools and other learning establishments to purchase all their training and consultancy services from one place at the click of a button.

In addition, the website acts as an information platform for the sharing of important information, updates, and good practice with schools.

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Our teams provide a wide range of quality services to our learning places and we are proud of the close partnerships that have been established with all those we work with.Clicking on a service will

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For further support and specialist information about how to support children who may have experienced trauma, please contact the Educational Psychology Service (EPS).

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For highly bespoke training, there may be additional costs for EP planning time and preparation of materials. Please request a quote for 'Bespoke Training' from our list of Services below to enquire.

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For further support and specialist information about how to support children who may be experiencing EBSA, please contact the Educational Psychology Service (EPS).

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For highly bespoke training, there may be additional costs for EP planning time and preparation of materials. Please request a quote for 'Bespoke Training' from our list of Services below to enquire.

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Please complete and submit this information sheet if you have concerns regarding a young person at risk of exploitation.

This form does not replace your safeguarding procedures.

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All children who display behaviours of concern that carry a potential risk of harm in school should have an individual plan in place which details what the adults will do when presented with those behaviours. This should be a working document completed by all of the adults who support the child in school and must include the child's voice wherever possible. This plan should be reviewed and edited after every incident to ensure it is up to date and details all the appropriate adult responses when coping with behaviours of distress.