AN NSPCC employee has given parents tips on how to keep children safe during the summer holidays.

Kevin West works as a service co-ordinator for the children’s charity and regularly visits schools across the town to advise children on protecting themselves against abuse.

His ‘Speak Out, Stay Safe’ assemblies have reached more than 7,000 children over 36 school visits in Swindon.

“My job, with the support of my fantastic volunteers, is to help schoolchildren understand what abuse is, the different forms it takes, and who are the trusted adults who they can talk to about it, as well as any other worries or issues they may want to discuss,” the 38-year-old said

“Our ‘Speak Out Stay Safe’ assemblies have a huge impact. It is so important for children to have a voice, to know who to speak to, and that they shouldn’t stop speaking out until action is taken.”

“But as we enter the school holidays, it is important that parents, carers and friendly adults also help to keep children safe.

The NSPCC has a range of apps for parents, adults and carers to use including the Share Aware Guide which explores different websites that children might use and what the possible dangers are.

Kevin also urges parents to sit down with their children and talk them through the Underwear Rule to protect them against sexual abuse.

“We encourage parents to talk PANTS, which is a really easy way to explain the Underwear Rule to children. Privates are private, always remember your body belongs to you, no means no, always talk about secrets that upset you and speak up, someone can help,” he said.

Kevin said the assemblies had received overwhelmingly positive feedback from kids and teachers

“At one of the schools we visited in Swindon, year one pupils told me that the assembly really helped them to stay safe and they learned that if you have a problem and it is “worrying you on the inside”, you can call the Childline number.”

The advices comes in the wake of new data from the NSPCC’s helpline which revealed hundreds of children in the UK have been left unattended between July and September last year, with flags raised by worried adults via email and telephone.

In Swindon two cases were deemed so serious they were referred to social services between 2013 and 2016 (July to September).

Anyone with concerns about a child can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk. Children can call Childline on 0800 1111.

For more information on any of the resources, visit www.nspcc.org.uk.