The younger pupils at John Kyrle High School listened to their headteacher talking ‘PANTS’ at a recent assembly.

The school is continually focused on safeguarding and encouraging pupils to come forward if someone makes them feel uncomfortable.

As part of this, headteacher, Nigel Griffiths, has been delivering assemblies designed by the NSPCC and ChildLine to younger pupils. The assembly topic is ‘Learn the underwear rule’ and uses the acronym PANTS for explaining to pupils that nothing should happen to them about which they feel uncomfortable, and that there are people to whom they can turn if they have worries.

Mr Griffiths told pupils that in addition to their own families, there are adults at school who will listen to any concerns. These include teachers, tutors, administrative staff, people in the canteen and cleaners. He said that pupils must feel there is always someone they can turn to if they are worried about themselves or a friend.

The assembly was perfectly pitched for an audience comprising students in Years 7 and 8. All year groups will be focusing further on this issue in the classroom as part of the ongoing programme of Relationships and Sex Education. The amusing nature of the delivery captured the attention of all present in order to engage them and pass on what is a very serious message. A round of spontaneous applause concluded the assemblies.

Nigel Griffiths said, “I am never complacent about issues relating to safeguarding. We have a safe culture here and this was confirmed by Ofsted who said at JKHS Safeguarding is ‘job number one’ and leadership of it is ‘meticulous’. Nevertheless, we must always be alert to potential dangers, and while not worrying pupils, make them aware that they must always feel safe and seek help if it is needed.”