A school in London Colney was one of three schools in Hertfordshire recently visited by a new scheme which aims to raise awareness of child abuse in all its forms.

The NSPCC’s new Speak Out. Stay Safe project visited St Bernadette Catholic Primary School last Wednesday to encourage children to speak out and tell a trusted adult if they are worried about something.

The school service has already been seen by 19,382 pupils from 271 schools in the county but the charity wants more schools to sign up.

Rachel Burrage, the school service area coordinator for Hertfordshire, said: “It was great to see the pupils at St Bernadette Catholic Primary School really engaged with the assembly.

“It is really important to do sessions such as these as early as possible. This service is about encouraging children to speak out to stay safe.

“It includes raising awareness of abuse and bullying in all its forms, in an age-appropriate and sensitive way.

“With the help of the NSPCC mascot, Buddy, we send a clear message of how the children can stay happy and safe and how to get help id and when they need it.

“We give examples of situations where children can be at risk or times when they may feel uncomfortable, give suggestions about what they could do and to let them know there is always someone there to help either a trusted adult in their lives or by calling Childline.

“They have a right to speak out and stay safe.”