Safeguarding
As a school we take our safeguarding responsibilities very seriously, and we operate robust procedures for responding to a variety of issues that could represent threats to the wellbeing of our students and the students we support across the region.
Our Child Protection Policy is available on our policies page.
Parents and other family members are encouraged to contact us whenever they have any worries about their child, or any information that might help us provide their child with more effective support.
At school we have a strong safeguarding and pastoral team that includes a highly skilled, experienced and fully qualified counsellor. We are well equipped to support students experiencing a wide range of different difficulties, and we know who where to find more support for students when it is needed. We also use the Health Assured Student Assistance Programme to give our students access to excellent counselling and legal support and advice through the Health Assured Wisdom App.
There are some links below that might be useful for a range of safeguarding issues you might encounter.
Radicalisation and Extremism
Young people can be targeted by extremists, often online, to be radicalised into supporting this extreme viewpoint. It is important to be attentive to sudden changes in behaviour and lookout for tell-tale signs.
Education against hate is a government website setup to help counter the risks for radicalisation and extremism, this link is the section with information for parent.
Online Safety
Parent Zone | At the heart of digital family life – a parenting organisation working to make the online world a safer, more positive place for families and children.
UK Safety Internet Centre Parents and Carers Information – this page provides tips, advice, guides and resources to help keep your child safe online.
Think U Know Advice for Parents and Carers on Internet Safety – Access information and resources for parents and carers on keeping your child safer online including conversation starters and video guides.
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) – If you are worried about online abuse or the way someone has been communicating online you can let CEOP know. Child Protection Advisors will make sure you get the help you need.
Domestic Abuse/Violence
Advice to parents and carers on keeping children safe from abuse and harm – This government guidance brings together sources of information about the main risks children may be particularly vulnerable to and signposts you to help and support available. It also includes information on the support providers who can help you have effective conversations with a young person.
Our school is part of Operation Encompass which is a national scheme that operates jointly between schools and police forces. Operation Encompass is the reporting to schools, prior to the start of the next school day, when a child or young person has experienced domestic abuse and other issues that may impact upon their wellbeing. Our police force will now share details about children who are missing from home with us so that we can appropriately understand and support their needs when they return.
As a school we have ensured that a member of our staff, Designated Safeguarding Lead and their deputy, known as a Key Adult, has been trained in the Operation Encompass procedures allowing us to then use the information that has been shared, in confidence, to support the child/ren in our care.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 identifies children who experience domestic abuse as victims of domestic abuse in their own right. We are keen to offer the best support possible to all our pupils and we believe this will be extremely beneficial for all those involved.
Honour Based Abuse/Violence
Karma Nirvana run the national Honour Based Abuse Helpline, train professionals, gather data to inform policies and services, and campaign for change.
Sexual and Criminal Exploitation
There are dangers for young people to be exploited. This can happen in person or online. For example drug gangs are grooming children in Merseyside, so it helps to know what to look for and know who to help.
Eyes Open is the Campaign to stop criminal exploitation and you can fine out more on this link.
If needed you can call Merseyside Police on 101, or in an emergency call 999.
Fearless is a safe place where you can report a crime, and get information.
Knife Crime and Gangs
If you are concerned about this there are a variety of resources and support. Fearless can be a safe place to report a crime, and get information.
The NSPCC has information and support for anyone concerned our gangs and child exploitation. As do CEOP who were mentioned in online safety above.
KnifeSavers is a new campaign to educate and empower people on how to treat life threatening knife injuries.
Head Injuries
Medical advice is of course important for a variety of issues. We have first aiders in school but expert advice should be sought when needed. One example is head injuries, and we would like to share the advice on the NHS website regarding what to do for head injuries.
