Lawn Primary and Nursery School in Swindon has received the Society Without Abuse (SWA) HOPE Award, recognising its work to help children understand healthy relationships while providing support for families affected by domestic abuse.
The award follows the school’s involvement in the HOPE programme, an initiative designed to give pupils the knowledge and confidence to recognise positive relationships, understand personal boundaries and develop skills that will help them throughout their lives.
More than 20 schools across Swindon have now completed the programme, which combines age-appropriate classroom workshops with specialist training for teachers and other school staff.
The training also helps staff recognise potential signs of domestic abuse, understand how it can affect children and families, and respond appropriately when someone needs support.
Supporting families beyond the classroom
For Lawn Primary, the programme goes further than teaching children about relationships.
The school hosts monthly drop-in sessions with support workers from Society Without Abuse, giving parents and families an opportunity to seek advice in a familiar environment.
These sessions are available to those experiencing domestic abuse or who may be at risk, helping to remove some of the barriers that can prevent people from asking for help.
Lawn Primary also has a dedicated Family Support Worker who works directly with parents requiring additional assistance.
Jenny Cannon, the school’s Family Support Lead Worker, said the programme had made a considerable difference to how staff understand and respond to domestic abuse.
“Domestic abuse is sadly a part of daily life for so many. The HOPE programme has broadened our knowledge and made all staff more aware of domestic abuse, from signs and indicators, to behaviours and the impact this can have on the whole family. As a school we are now far better equipped to support staff, parents and children who have been affected by domestic abuse.”
The school selected children from a range of backgrounds to take part in the healthy relationships workshops, giving them opportunities to consider what makes a positive friendship or family relationship.
Jenny explained that the sessions encouraged pupils to reflect on their own experiences and develop a better understanding of how to treat others.
She added: “As a school we are proud to say we are domestic abuse aware and have an open-door policy to support anyone within our school community.”
The school has also developed a close working relationship with its dedicated SWA support worker, who provides guidance and practical advice when concerns arise.
Helping children recognise healthy relationships
Relationships education is compulsory in primary schools across England, but the HOPE programme offers schools additional resources and specialist knowledge to deliver lessons in a way that children can understand.
Society Without Abuse believes that introducing these conversations at an early age can help children recognise unhealthy behaviours and build stronger relationships as they grow older.
Emma Maclennan, Children and Families Manager at SWA, said: “It’s vitally important that our children and young people receive the right education in healthy relationships in an age-appropriate way that they can then apply to their own relationships.”
According to figures highlighted by the charity, one in five children in the UK experiences domestic abuse, while approximately half of young people aged 13 to 17 who are in intimate relationships have experienced violent or controlling behaviour.
These figures underline why the charity believes schools have an important part to play, not only in education but also in helping families access support.
Emma explained that the HOPE programme aims to create places within local communities where those affected by domestic abuse can find advice and assistance without having to search far from home.
For families who might otherwise struggle to reach out, having support available through a trusted school could make a significant difference.
A school community working together
Lawn Primary’s achievement reflects the growing number of Swindon schools taking steps to address domestic abuse through education, staff awareness and closer links with specialist support services.
By combining classroom learning with practical help for parents, the school hopes to ensure children and families know that support is available when they need it.
The HOPE Award recognises that commitment and the work taking place to make the school a safe, welcoming environment for its wider community.
Where to get help
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about a friend or family member, can contact the following confidential support services:
- Swindon Domestic Abuse Helpline: 01793 610610
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24 hours): 0808 2000 247
Anyone in immediate danger should call 999.
