Safeguarding

Safeguarding

Parent/Carer Information

We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of students. We will endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We will be
alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and will follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice.

We have put together these pages to give you some information about how we meet our safeguarding and
child protection responsibilities. We have also included some tips to help you to keep your child safe.

Our designated teacher for safeguarding and child protection is Mrs Birch.
Our deputy designated team are Mr Weller, Mr Marren, Mrs Trueman.
Our designated Ambassador for Safeguarding is Mr Baxter and Trustee for Safeguarding Mrs Bottomley.

If you have any questions about this information, please contact one of the safeguarding team. All can be contacted at school, telephone number 01709 828383.

In an emergency, anyone can report a concern to Children’s Social Care Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub 01709 336080

IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OR WELFARE OF YOUR CHILD OR A CHILD YOU KNOW, YOU SHOULD ACT WITHOUT DELAY.

Child abuse and what to look for:

No parent or carer wants to think about the possibility of their child becoming a victim of abuse and most children are never abused. Even so, it is important for parents and carers to be aware of the possibility and to know that help is available if the unthinkable does happen.

Most children know their abusers. They may be family members or friends of the family, someone who works with the child or someone who lives in the community.

There are many signs, or indicators, that a child might be suffering abuse. There may be injuries, but it is more likely that you will notice some change in your child’s behaviour. If you notice anything that concerns you, talk to your child to see if you can find out what is happening. Remember that if your child is being harmed, she or he may be too frightened to tell you. If your child becomes distressed or you are not happy with the explanations, you could talk to an adult you trust or call a helpline or children’s social care services.

Some signs to look for are:

  • bruises or other injuries
  • a change in behaviour – from quiet to loud, or from happy-go-lucky to withdrawn
    pain or discomfort
  • fear of a particular person, or a reluctance to be alone with them
  • secrecy around a relationship with a particular person
  • reluctance to discuss where they go, or who they are with
  • sexual talk or knowledge beyond their years
  • being watchful, or always on edge
  • losing interest in their appearance, hobbies or family life
  • alcohol or drug taking
  • having money and refusing to say where it has come from
  • wetting the bed
  • becoming clingy

What we will do if we have a concern about your child:

If we are concerned that your child may be at risk of abuse or neglect, we must follow the agreed safeguarding procedures. They comply with our statutory responsibilities and are designed to support students, families and staff. The procedures are based on the principle that the welfare of the child is the most important consideration.

In almost all circumstances, we will talk to you about our concerns and we will also tell you if we feel we must refer our concerns to children’s social care or other agencies. If we think that talking to you first might in some way increase the risk to your child, we will report our concerns to children’s social care and take advice from them.

All safeguarding records are kept separate from your child’s general school file. The only members of staff who have access to the records are those who need to know about the concerns in order to protect and support your child.

Safeguarding and child protection are very sensitive issues and raise many questions and a range of strong emotions. We will do everything we can do to support our students and you can be assured that any action we take will be in the best interests of your child.

If you still have concerns, you could contact one of the agencies listed below:

Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub 01709 336080
Rotherham Local Safeguarding Children’s Partnership 01709 822690
Sheffield Safeguarding Hub 0114 2734855

New Domestic Abuse Codeword Scheme

On Thursday 14 January 2021, the Home Office launched a domestic abuse codeword scheme in thousands of pharmacies across the UK. The Ask for ANI codeword scheme allows those at risk or suffering from domestic abuse to discreetly signal to pharmacy staff that they need help accessing support. A trained pharmacy worker will offer a private space where they can understand if the victim needs to speak to the police or would like help to access support services, such as a national or local domestic abuse helpline.

 

New Domestic Abuse Codeword Scheme

Brinsworth Academy Policies

See policy page

General Safeguarding and Well-being Advice and Support

Please see our Wellbeing page for further advice and support.

Mental Health and Well-being – Useful Contacts

Safeguarding and Well-being – Useful Contacts

Children’s Guide to Coronavirus

Domestic Violence Advice and Support

Relationship Matters

See, Hear, Respond – free support from Barnardo’s

 

National Child Protection Agencies

NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000
Childline 0800 1111
Kidscape 08451 205 204

National Mental Health Agencies

Young Minds 0808 802 5544
Mental Health Foundation 020 7803 1100
Mind 0845 766 0163

Parents and Carers’ Support Agencies

ParentlinePlus 0808 800 2222

Online Safeguarding/National Internet Safety Agencies

ChildNet International
Child Exploitation and Online Protection 0870 000 3344
Internet Watch FoundationThink U Know 0870 000 3344
Rotherham Power – Fantastic online safety advice for parents and students
Online Gaming: An Introduction for Parents and Carers
Advice About Online Gaming

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