CHILDREN were encouraged to talk about their problems and worries in a workshop designed to teach them about the signs and dangers of abuse.

The NSPCC visited St Francis Church of England Primary School in Cowley to talk to year five and year six pupils about types of abuse and what to do if they spotted it, or became a victim.

The visit was part of the charity’s Speak Out, Stay Safe scheme.

Imogen McCabe, who runs the scheme in Oxfordshire, said NSPCC staff and volunteers had visited 170 schools across the county but were still aiming to reach about 100 more.

She said: "We talk about all the different kinds of abuse including neglect and sexual abuse, and get them to understand what is right and wrong.

“The aim is to empower them to speak out.”

Assistant head teacher at the school Gillian McDermott said the children had been really engaged by the workshops.

She added: “The children have been really enthusiastic and have asked a lot of questions.

“They now understand all the different types of abuse.

“The NSPCC has done a fantastic job. I would recommend them 100 per cent.”

Since its launch in 2011 the scheme has educated 20,151 pupils in 171 primary schools in Oxfordshire.