A WELLINGTON primary school has received a major award for its ‘additional support to survivors of child sexual abuse.’

The staff at Beech Grove Primary School in Courtland Road, Wellington, has been presented with a School Champion award, by The Barnardo’s Somerset Phoenix Project.

The project, managed by Barnardo’s and delivered in partnership with SARSAS, provides support and training to professionals across the county.

Their ‘School Champion’ scheme is open to all local schools who want to be recognised as providing a ‘trauma-informed education setting’.

The free course helps staff to understand what sexual abuse is and to recognise the warning signs and the impact of trauma. It also highlights the effect of disclosures on teachers and other staff.

Schools can work towards Gold, Silver and Bronze awards depending on the level of training undertaken.

Beech Grove Primary School is the second in the county to complete the course and was presented with a ‘Bronze’ plaque last week.

The Somerset Phoenix Project was commissioned by Somerset County Council and NHS England.

Barnardo’s team manager Emily Evely said: “The aim of our project is to build capacity among frontline professionals and significantly reduce the negative impact of this horrendous crime.

“Physical, emotional and behavioural issues for children can include flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, eating problems, truancy, depression, isolation and aggression.

“School staff can also be impacted by the disclosure of such crimes and need their own support and understanding.

“It’s vitally important that we work together to address these problems before they become too serious and entrenched.

“We always work with hope, and believe - with the right support at the right time - victims can recover their childhoods and rebuild their lives.”

‘School Champions’ complete a two-day course. The foundation course defines sexual abuse and trauma, disclosures and legal processes, self-care, and signposting to other agencies. The advanced course take a closer look at guilt, shame and empathy, building trust, and pathways to further support.

Mandie Huggett, safeguarding and child protection coordinator for Beech Grove Primary School, said: “At Beech Grove School we are passionate about our support for children who are survivors of sexual abuse, and being able to implement early help interventions for all of our pupils in need.

“We have a strong ethos around the welfare and safeguarding of our pupils and I am very proud to be an integral part of the School Champion scheme with the Phoenix Project.”