Safeguarding

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EMAIL IS CHECKED DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ON A WEEKLY BASIS

DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD - Marie Jarvis

DEPUTY DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD - Nichola Cunningham

If you believe that a child or an adult is at immediate risk of harm and in need of protection then you should call the Police - 999, straight away.

Alternatively if you want advice from the Police and the child or adult is not in immediate need of protection, you can call the Police on the telephone number 101.

Urgent referrals via Initial Response Team during normal working days between 9 am and 5 pm on 01332 641172. At all other times concerns can be discussed with Careline who can be contacted on 01332 956606

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is any type of controlling, bullying, threatening or violent behaviour between people in a relationship. But it isn’t just physical violence – domestic abuse includes emotional, physical, sexual, financial or psychological abuse.

Abusive behaviour can occur in any relationship. It can continue even after the relationship has ended. Both men and women can be abused or abusers.

Domestic abuse can seriously harm children and young people. Witnessing domestic abuse is child abuse, and teenagers can suffer domestic abuse in their relationships.

More information about keeping children safe from domestic abuse can be found here:

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/domestic-abuse/

If you're an adult experiencing domestic abuse, there are organisations that can help.

Relate
0300 003 0396
You can talk to Relate about your relationship, including issues around domestic abuse.
National Domestic Violence Helpline
0808 2000 247
A 24 hour free helpline run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge.
Men's Advice Line
0808 801 0327
Advice and support for men experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline
0800 999 5428
Emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse.

Child Exploitation

Child exploitation may be evident through a range of behaviours for example:

Child sexual exploitation
Child criminal exploitation, including county lines
Modern slavery
Extremism and radicalisation
Internet based exploitation - contact and non-contact offences

If you have any questions or concerns around this, please speak to Miss Jarvis, the Designated Safeguarding Lead or one of the safeguarding team: Mrs Cunningham, Mr Arshid, Miss Jackaman. However, if you feel a child is in immediate danger, please call 999.

Peer on Peer Abuse

Peer-on-peer child abuse is a term used to describe children abusing other children.

Peer-on-peer child abuse can include:

bullying (including online bullying and bullying because of someone’s race, religion, sexuality, disability or trans status)
abuse by your girlfriend, boyfriend or partner
physical abuse
sexual violence, such as rape and sexual assault
sexual harassment
sharing naked or semi-naked photos or videos without permission
upskirting
initiation/hazing type violence and rituals to harass, abuse and humiliate
emotional abuse
financial abuse
coercive control

Spotting the signs

Things to look out for if you suspect a child is a victim of peer-on-peer child abuse:

absence from school or lack of interest in school activities
physical injuries which can’t be explained
mental or emotional health issues
becoming withdrawn or showing a lack of self esteem
lack of sleep
alcohol or substance misuse
sudden changes in behaviour
inappropriate behaviour
showing harmful behaviour towards others or self (self-harm, violent outbursts)

Report it

If you suspect that peer-on-peer child abuse is happening it is always best to report it - speak to our Designated Safeguarding Leader.

Useful Safeguarding Information for Parents