NEXT month children in schools will be taking part in a special event in support of the NSPCC.

Number Day, on February 4, is a way for teachers in primary and secondary schools to engage children with what is basically a day of fun events based around maths, raising vital funds to support children and young people.

Through taking part in fun educational maths activities and games, children will raise money to help us continue our important work to protect young people from abuse and support them with any issues they may face.

The NSPCC relies on public donations for most of its funding. This is especially important to our Childline service which has been a lifeline for thousands of children since the pandemic began in 2020. Childline, which is staffed by 1,200 volunteer counsellors and recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, has a base in Yorkshire, supporting thousands of children and young people every week.

Childline’s frontline volunteers are an essential listening ear for those struggling to cope, including worries about the pandemic, school closures and mental health. The service has supported children in homes that are not safe and whose access to usual support networks was reduced, and was there around the clock over Christmas.

This year we’re calling on teachers to sign up. It’s free for schools to join in Number Day. Once registered, we’ll send everything schools need, including resources for the classroom, games and activities such as Buddy’s Key Challenge. Buddy the speech bubble is the NSPCC mascot, familiar to some children from our Speak Out Stay Safe assemblies This latest game encourages pupils to complete maths puzzles and create a key to unlock a door so Buddy can visit the school.

Everyone taking part will receive tips on how to fundraise and teachers will have access to a range of games and tasks, including details on how to help keep children safe from harm, how to support your school’s safeguarding, and online safety quizzes.

After the disruption children have faced over the pandemic, we hope Number Day will be a day of fun they can look forward to.

We all know how severe the fallout of the pandemic has been for families, but the challenges have been particularly huge for children and young people. Fundraising through Number Day can ensure children facing abuse, neglect or struggling with mental health have free and easy access to support. To sign up for Number Day go to nspcc.org.uk