The virtual assembly will cover some of the worries that children have during the pandemic, as well as equipping them with the knowledge they need to stay safe from abuse

Around the country, the NSPCC – the children’s charity – has been delivering ‘Speak out. Stay safe’ assemblies in primary schools, reaching 1.6 million children since 2019. In these sessions, trained NSPCC volunteers speak to children about how they can stay safe from abuse and neglect, and what to do if they are worried about themselves or someone they know.

But, with schools only just beginning to open – with very low numbers, and mass gatherings still on-hold – the charity has decided to take the initiative digital, with the special broadcast going live on their Facebook page at 9.30 AM Friday 5 June.

The child-friendly assembly will continue to work on educating children about staying safe, and will also feature family-favourites Ant & Dec and David Walliams as guest hosts – who will be leading the discussion, covering the worries that many kids will be facing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It’s great to be able to host the NSPCC’s virtual assembly for children and their families, especially as this one carries such an important message – that every child can turn to someone when times are tough,” says Ant McPartlin.

“We believe it’s vitally important that all children know what to do if they have any concerns,” adds Dec Donnelly. “Particularly now, and we feel very honoured to be supporting the NSPCC with this.”

In addition to talks from these familiar faces, Vicky Ford MP, Minister for Children and Families, will be taking questions from children including:

• Should children and teachers get tested before returning to school and seeing their families, so that schools can have a coronavirus-free atmosphere? Amaya, age 11
• I’m finding it hard to do my school work at home. Our flat is really small and noisy so it’s hard to concentrate and my friends are always asking me to play games online. What should I do? Boy, age 11
• I have been feeling really sad since lockdown. My family argue all the time at home and I can’t ever get away. It’s really getting me down and I don’t know what to do? Boy, age 10
• Will Christmas be postponed? Elkie, age 10
• How long before we can hug our friends again? Tilly, age 10

At a time when children are struggling more than ever before, with the NSPCC seeing a 60% increase in the number of counselling sessions they have been offering since lockdown began, now is the time to get talking, and to equip our children with the resources that they need to keep themselves and their friends and loved ones safe.

Head to the NSPCC Facebook page at 9.30 AM on Friday 5 June to tune in to the broadcast. Learn more about the work they do, and find support at NSPCC.org.uk