Pupils in Ash have taken part in a new NSPCC project to teach children about recognising abuse.

Volunteers from the charity delivered a special assembly to the Year 5 and 6 pupils at Cartwright and Kelsey C of E Primary School, School Road.

The assembly discussed different forms of abuse, including bullying, in a sensitive and age-appropriate way.

The Now I Know project aims to equip children aged nine to 11 with the knowledge they need to understand and recognise abuse and the NSPCC plans to spread the message by visiting all primary schools across the UK by 2016.

The assembly also introduced the children to Childline, the free and confidential helpline, and explained how to get in touch with the service.

Sarah Walker, Childline schools service area coordinator for Kent and Medway, said: “The schools service helps create a safe and secure environment for children to talk about what can be complex, difficult and sensitive issues.

“It also safeguards children by helping them to identify extended sources of support should they need help now or in the future.”

The NSPCC wants children to have the confidence to talk about abuse, have the knowledge to prevent it, and the courage to find help if they need it.

Ms Walker added: “The service has proved incredibly popular among parents and teachers with 99% of schools across the UK who provided feedback in 2012 and 2013 claiming that the pupils’ knowledge of child abuse and bullying was enhanced as a result. Some 91% stated that their pupils were now aware of who to talk to if they felt unsafe.

“We want children to be able to say Now I Know rather than ‘I wish I had known’ and we want everyone to play their part in looking out for children and reinforcing the messages about speaking up.”

Every £12 raised will help the NSPCC to reach one child, £400 will help them talk to one classroom of primary children, while £800 will help them visit one whole school.