Child Protection and Safeguarding
The school ensures children learn in a safe, caring and enriching environment. Children are taught how to identify risky, unsafe or problematic situations, how and when to seek help, how to develop positive and healthy relationships and how to avoid situations where they might be at risk including by being exploited.
The school also has a statutory responsibility to share any concerns it might have about a child in need of protection with other agencies and in particular police, health and children’s services. Schools are not able to investigate child protection concerns but have a legal duty to refer them. In most instances the school will be able to inform the parents/carers of its need to make a referral. However, sometimes the school can in certain circumstances share information without the consent of the family and may be advised by children’s services or police that the parent/carer cannot be informed whilst they investigate the matter or make enquires. We understand the anxiety parents/carers understandably feel when they are not told about any concerns from the outset. The school follows legislation that aims to act in the interests of the child.
Parental guidance to support learning about the risks and indicators of harm associated with:
A Guide for Parents and Carers on Knife Harm: This guide provides facts to help parents feel more confident when talking to their child about knife harm, offering practical help, guidance, and information on where to find support. Link
Advice to Parents and Carers on Gangs: This leaflet offers information to help parents identify and respond if their children are affected by gangs. Link
Child Safety Online: A Practical Guide for Parents and Carers Whose Children Are Using Social Media: This guide helps parents understand the risks children may face online and offers practical tips to minimize these risks. Link
Protecting Children from Domestic Abuse: This resource describes what domestic violence and abuse are, their impact on children, how to recognize them, and how people working with families can prevent them. Link
Child Sexual Exploitation: This page provides advice to help keep children and young people safe from sexual exploitation and offers support if abuse has already happened. Link
Support for Parents and Carers to Keep Children Safe Online: This guidance outlines resources to help keep children safe from different risks online and where to get support and advice. Link
Operation Encompass
Our school is proud to be part of Operation Encompass, a partnership between education and local police forces. This initiative ensures that we are informed promptly about any domestic abuse incidents where a child from our school has been present. This allows us to provide appropriate support to our students and their families, ensuring their safety and well-being within our school environment.