Topics for this month:

Knife crime in the UK – 100 fatal stabbings so far in 2019

The BBC published a report last month on Knife crime in the UK to highlight the 100 fatal stabbings of 2019. The report is extremely concerning and highlights that of the 100 fatal stabbings so far this year, 30 were in London, 10 in Greater Manchester, 8 in the West Midlands, 2 in Merseyside (St Helens and Toxteth) and 1 in Warrington, Cheshire. Of the report, 17 victims were female, whilst 83 were male. Charges were brought in 86 cases, whilst 10 arrests were made without any charges and 4 had no charges or arrests linked to them. 

Access the full report by visiting: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-48186035


Knife crime in England and Wales rose to record levels in 2017-18 with the number of fatal stabbings the highest since Home Office records began in 1946.

It is imperative that we talk to young people about the dangers and consequences of carrying weapons. The Home Office has launched a #knifefree campaign and have a website dedicated to this issue. Please visit https://www.knifefree.co.uk/ for more information.


The website is very informative and stresses the risks that individuals put on themselves when deciding to carry a weapon. There is also information surrounding myths and facts, help and support and real life stories about those affected by knife crime. Included on the website, is also a section that encourages young people to find new ways of socialising and this is segregated into the different locations and what is going on in those areas: Birmingham, Brighton, Cardiff, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield, and also Nationwide.


Please access the link below to see what is happening in those specific areas, which can shared with young people: https://www.knifefree.co.uk/get-inspired/

Virtual College – How to spot the signs of child abuse and neglect

The latest campaign from Virtual College focuses on safeguarding in the education sector. As teachers/trainers are often the first to spot the signs of abuse and neglect, it is important to know what to look out for. Child cruelty and neglect offences in the UK have doubled over the past five years and there were 16,939 child cruelty and neglect offences recorded by police in 2017-18, up from 7,965 in 2012-13 NSPCC. We have attached the guidance on how to spot signs of child abuse and neglect, as well as important facts and statistics to be aware of.

Click here for  How to Spot the Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect – Virtual College

Click here for the Child Abuse and Neglect Infographic

Gaming Disorders

Gaming Disorder has been added to the World Health Organisation’s classification of diseases; note this is a ‘disorder’, not an addiction. The clinical conditions say that: ‘Gaming disorder is characterised by a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behaviour…” manifested by:

  • “impaired control over gaming”
  • “increasing priority given to gaming to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities”
  • “continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.”

More information around this can be found at: https://www.internetmatters.org/hub/guidance/what-you-need-to-know-about-who-gaming-disorder/

Keeping children safe in education

It is important that everyone in an education setting, including visitors, volunteers and staff understand their role in safeguarding children and young people. Each person needs to have read and understood Keeping Children Safe in Education Part One. The poster attached will help you to remember the key points and we have also attached the part one guidance.

Click here for the Keeping Children Safe in Education -Key Points Poster 2019

Click here for the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2018 Part One

Please note, the poster has been designed with schools in mind so may refer to ‘head teacher / teachers’.

Reporting safeguarding concerns

If you have any concerns or are suspicious about a learner’s safety, wellbeing or situation, it is important to report your concern to JTM’s Safeguarding team as soon as possible. We have a logging a concern form which must be completed detailing all factual information, which is then passed onto the designated safeguarding lead which is recorded and monitored.

The step by step logging a concern investigation process is as follows:

  • Remain calm and reassure the person that they have done the right thing by speaking up
  • Listen carefully and give the person time to speak freely, don’t ask leading questions  
  • Explain that only the professionals who need to know will be informed, but never promise confidentiality
  • Act immediately, and do not try to address the issue yourself
  • Write a statement, giving as much detail as possible; date & time, what was said, how you acted, any names / parties mentioned
  • Report to your lead Safeguarding Officer. It is the duty of anyone working with children and young people to report disclosure or harm
  • Remember that it is not for you to decide whether or not a suspicion or claim is true; all instances must be taken seriously
  • By logging the concern you are seeking support to protect individuals from harm and risk

Click here for the  Reporting process