KEEPING OUR STUDENTS SAFE AND PROMOTING THEIR WELL BEING IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE AND IT PERMEATES ALL WE DO AS A SCHOOL.
IT IS WIDE AND ENCOMPASSING AND INCLUDES ISSUES AS DIVERSE AS ANTI-BULLYING, INTERNET SAFETY, HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS AND PREVENTION & PROTECTION FROM ALL KINDS OF ABUSE.
SECONDARY SCHOOL IS A PLACE WHERE CHILDREN START TO LEARN TO BECOME ADULTS.
AT HEATHFIELD THEY CAN EXPERIENCE THAT TRANSITION IN A SAFE, SUPPORTIVE AND NURTURING ENVIRONMENT.
External Support Services (more can be found under Student Support)
EVERYDAY SAFEGUARDING
Our curriculum includes opportunities for students to become equipped with the skills they need to live healthy lives and to develop realistic attitudes to the responsibilities of adult life. We recognise that high self-esteem, confidence, supportive friends and clear lines of communication with a trusted adult helps all of our students. We therefore aim to maintain an ethos where our students feel secure and are encouraged to talk and are listened to.
WHO CAN I TALK TO?
Students know that there are adults in the school who they can approach if they are worried or are in difficulty. All our staff, both teaching and non-teaching, have up to date safeguarding training. Our young people can talk to any staff in school, but key relationships will be with their Tutor and Year Head.
Our NHS school nurse is available to discuss medical issues and we have access to trained counsellors and other specialists via the SafeHub or Year Head.
We have an experienced Designated Safeguarding Team who support our students and liaise with families & outside agencies. The Safeguarding Team are based in the SafeHub, next to student reception, and can be identified by their blue SAFEGUARDING lanyards.
Further details can be found by reading our ‘Safeguarding - Child Protection Policy’ (Please see policies section).
HEALTH AND SAFETY
We keep our school site safe and undergo regular maintenance checks and risk assessments for activities both on and off the school site. (see policies for more information)
Dedicated helpline for victims of sexual abuse in schools NSPCC
In April 2021, the Government provided schools with an update on the increasing level of interest in and news coverage of the distressing testimonials posted on various websites with regard to sexual abuse between young people.
Sexual abuse, sexual violence and sexual harassment in any form are abhorrent and it is vital that reports of abuse are appropriately investigated, and victims supported and protected.
A dedicated NSPCC helpline is now available to support anyone who has experienced sexual abuse in educational settings or has concerns about someone or the issues raised. The dedicated NSPCC helpline number is 0800 136 663 and more information is available here.
You can also report abuse directly to the Safeguarding Team at Heathfield Community School.
You will be believed, taken seriously and supported.
CONTACT US
Our Safeguarding Team can be contacted via Samm Barge (Safeguarding Administrator) on 01823 412396 or at safeguardingteam@heathfieldcommunityschool.co.uk
|
Staff |
|
Nicola Patmore |
Designated Safeguarding Lead |
|
Kate Berryman |
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead |
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Tara Smith |
Safeguarding Support Officer |
|
Sarah Kew |
Safeguarding Support Officer |
|
Samm Barge |
Safeguarding Administrator |
PLEASE TALK TO ONE OF US IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS OR IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT ANYTHING
NOTHING IS TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL, WE ARE HERE TO HELP