Neglect and Abuse

Overview

This 60-minute lesson is lesson 16 of 30 in the unit Safe Learning Environments aimed at Year 12 students. It focuses on deepening students' understanding of neglect and abuse, identifying their signs and symptoms, and exploring the critical role of awareness in safeguarding. The lesson aligns closely with the National Curriculum for England, particularly within the Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education framework, and the statutory guidance for safeguarding in schools.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify the different types of neglect and abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect).
2. Recognise common signs and symptoms associated with neglect and abuse in children and vulnerable people.
3. Understand the importance of safeguarding and the role they or others may play in reporting concerns.
4. Analyse real-life scenarios to apply theoretical knowledge in practical safeguarding contexts.

These map directly to the PSHE Association Programme of Study for Key Stage 5 under:

• Health and Wellbeing: ‘how to recognise and respond to a range of health issues including mental health and safeguarding concerns’
• Living in the Wider World: ‘understanding rights and responsibilities, including the importance of respecting and protecting the rights of others’

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National Curriculum Links

• PSHE Association (2019) Key Stage 5:

  • Core Theme: Health and wellbeing – understanding safeguarding (Knowledge about abuse & neglect).
  • Core Theme: Living in the Wider World – understanding the impact of abuse on rights and social responsibility.

• Statutory safeguarding guidance (Keeping Children Safe in Education, DfE 2023):

  • The lesson supports students’ awareness of recognising abuse and the duty to report safeguarding concerns.

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Resources Needed

• PowerPoint slides summarising types of abuse and signs
• Handouts with scenarios (fictional, age-appropriate)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector / screen
• Safeguarding flowchart printed for each student (showing steps to report concerns)
• Sticky notes
• Optional: short video clip (2-3 minutes) illustrating a safeguarding scenario (pre-vetted for sensitivity)

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Lesson Structure

Time	Activity	Description
0-5	Starter: Reflective Question	On sticky notes, students write one thing they know or have heard about ‘neglect’ or ‘abuse’. Share in a round.
5-15	Teacher Input: Defining Neglect & Abuse	Define neglect and different types of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, neglect). Use slides to illustrate. Highlight key signs/symptoms. Include definitions from safeguarding statutory guidance.
15-25	Video & Discussion	Show a brief video clip showing a safeguarding scenario highlighting neglect or abuse. Follow with whole-class discussion on observed signs.
25-40	Group Activity: Scenario Analysis	Split class into pairs or groups of 3. Distribute handouts with 2-3 safeguarding scenarios. Students identify possible signs of neglect/abuse and suggest suitable actions (including reporting). Each group shares findings.
40-50	Safeguarding Response Process	Present and explain the safeguarding flowchart. Discuss the roles and responsibilities related to reporting safeguarding concerns (e.g., DSL, social services). Clarify how students themselves can act sensitively and responsibly.
50-55	Personal Reflection & Commitment	Individually, students write how they would feel or act if they suspected abuse or neglect in a peer or younger person. Optional: how they will use this knowledge to keep safe or support others.
55-60	Plenary & Q&A	Recap key messages. Quick quiz using sticky notes: One sign of abuse; One action to take. Address any questions.

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Differentiation

• Lower ability / additional support:
  Use clear scenarios, offer sentence starters for discussions. Provide simplified keyword lists.
• Higher ability / extension:
  Challenge students to consider complexities such as false reporting, cultural sensitivities, or the impact of neglect on mental health.

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Assessment and Feedback

• Continuous formative assessment during discussion and group work through questioning and scenario analysis.
• Peer feedback in group tasks to reinforce understanding.
• Exit sticky note quiz to measure retention of key concepts.
• Teacher to review reflections for insight into students’ understanding and emotional engagement.

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Safeguarding and Sensitivity Notes

• Ensure the video and scenarios used are age-appropriate, non-triggering, and carefully framed.
• Create a supportive classroom environment where students feel safe to express concerns or uncomfortable feelings.
• Remind students about confidentiality and the importance of speaking to trusted adults if they or someone they know needs help.

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Extension Ideas for Future Lessons

• Deeper exploration into legal frameworks around safeguarding.
• Role plays centred on reporting safeguarding concerns.
• Collaborations with local safeguarding teams or guest speakers possibly from social services or child protection.

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This lesson plan equips Year 12 students with crucial knowledge and practical skills to recognise and respond to neglect and abuse, nurturing a safer learning and social environment in line with the National Curriculum for England’s safeguarding priorities.