Pupils Log on to Feel Safe

 
PC Wayne Hopkins demonstrates SHARP system to pupils in ICT

In February we launched Drapers’ Academy School Help Advice Reporting Page  (S.H.A.R.P) on our website. A system provided by the Police Safer Schools Partnership in conjunction with Drapers’ Academys community Police Officer PC Wayne Hopkins, which enables pupils to report any worries or concerns they may have anonymously via the internet.

Matthew Slater, Principal at Drapers’ Academy said “Children lead the way in the digital revolution with everything they do using the internet or their phones, this system seems the obvious way to encourage them to come forward about anything that is concerning them, all in complete confidence. This system is great as it gives them a chance to speak out, and gives them a voice.”

Sue Monk, Vice Principal and Academy Child Protection Officer who will be responsible for monitoring the messages from the SHARP system added, “We want to ensure that our pupils feel safe both in and out of school, but we recognise that sometimes pupils are reluctant to talk about certain things to adults, SHARP will help them do that in confidence. If it helps just one child, giving them the courage to come forward, then it will be worth it.”

Schools have found that where pupils can report things anonymously they are more likely to find out about any problems and this third party reporting system is ideal for young people to engage with.

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