Protecting Children’s Well-Being While Honouring the Magic of Childhood
Children are at the heart of everything we do at Coram Life Education, and safeguarding their well-being is always a priority. Ensuring their safety goes hand-in-hand with equipping them with accurate, age-appropriate information about their bodies, relationships, and the world they navigate. This is where high-quality Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) becomes essential.
Some might worry that teaching children about relationships and safety detracts from their sense of wonder or innocence, but this is a false choice. A rich, magical childhood filled with stories of witches, wizards, the tooth fairy, and Father Christmas can coexist with empowering children through knowledge. These are not contradictory ideas; they complement each other.
While traditions like Father Christmas add wonder to childhood, it’s essential to approach them thoughtfully. Encouraging belief in fantastical figures should never compromise a child’s ability to think critically or recognise trustworthy information. For example, blending these magical traditions with open conversations about honesty and safety ensures that children grow up understanding both the joys of imagination and the realities of the world.
Safeguarding is defined as protecting children from maltreatment, ensuring their healthy development, and enabling them to achieve the best outcomes. RSE plays a crucial role in this by proactively addressing vulnerabilities and building resilience. Teaching children about relationships, consent, and safety empowers them to recognise inappropriate behaviour, reducing the likelihood of harm.
When paired with open, honest discussions, even about the myths we celebrate, we reinforce the values of trust and communication. For instance, while children may delight in the idea of Santa Claus, they must understand that certain secrets—like keeping a surprise gift hidden—are harmless fun, while others that are worrying and upsetting them are important to share with a trusted adult. This distinction is crucial in helping them navigate relationships and recognise red flags, and is included in our SCARF PSHE programme.
Schools, as trusted partners in safeguarding, provide a framework for these conversations through inclusive and evidence-based RSE curricula. Research shows that educating children about sexual abuse and consent significantly reduces risks, empowering children to protect themselves and improve mental health outcomes.
It’s equally important to remember that safeguarding extends to creating an inclusive environment. As more young people identify as LGBT, developing respect for diverse identities benefits all children, reducing bullying and creating safer school spaces. Transparency in RSE policies and active collaboration with parents further strengthen the trust and effectiveness of these programs.
By nurturing both imagination and critical thinking, we ensure that children enjoy the magic of childhood while developing the knowledge and resilience they need to thrive. A child can believe in Father Christmas while understanding how to recognise inappropriate behaviour or unhealthy relationships. These lessons prepare them for life’s complexities, helping them navigate challenges with confidence and clarity.
Ultimately, safeguarding and RSE are not threats to childhood—they are tools for protecting it. Through collaboration between parents, educators, and policymakers, we can ensure every child grows up safe, informed, and equipped to flourish, holding onto both their sense of wonder and their ability to navigate the world safely.