FS-2 PANTS Programme

Dear FS-2 Families,

 

At DBIS we are committed to supporting the social, emotional, psychological and physical development of all of our children. Coupled with this, our drive is to always provide the most robust and rigorous child-protection practice, which includes high-quality, age-appropriate Relationships and Sex Education (RSE).

 

At DBIS, we follow the PANTS programme in FS-2. This will begin during the week beginning Monday 23rd February. PANTS (also known as the underwear campaign) was developed by the NSPCC to support and encourage teachers and parents to help children learn about how to keep themselves safe from sexual abuse, without using scary words or even mentioning sex. The PANTS programme teaches children that their bodies belong to them, they have the right to say no, and they should tell a trusted adult if they are upset or worried about something.

We recognise that some parents may find this a sensitive topic to discuss with young children; however, research shows that good-quality, age-appropriate RSE from an early age is beneficial in helping to protect children as they grow older and navigate their futures.

The acronym PANTS stands for the following:

 

Private parts are private

Always remember your body belongs to you

No means no

Talk about secrets that upset you

Speak up, someone can help

The children will listen to stories designed to teach four- and five-year-olds about these topics, engage in class and small-group discussions, and complete activities related to the themes outlined in the PANTS acronym. 

 

Should you wish to find out more about the NSPCC, the PANTS programme and the ‘underwear rule’, then please see the links below:

 

NSPCC: https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/

 

PANTS PANTS Programme 4-5 Year Olds

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher.

Kind regards,

The FS-2 Team