Safeguarding
Child Protection/Safeguarding
Safeguarding
This school believes that it is always unacceptable for a child to experience abuse of any kind. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children. We will provide staff and volunteers with guidance to follow when they suspect a child may be experiencing abuse or are at risk of harm. We will work co-operatively with other agencies to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. We will ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with parents/carers first – unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child’s welfare.
Safeguarding at Abbeywood
Mrs Hughes is the Designated Safeguarding Lead who is responsible for ensuring the safety of both pupils and staff. The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads are Rachel Evans, Zoe Gilmour, Sarah Mills and Adele Davies who support Mrs Hughes in these duties.
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Mrs C Hughes Designated Safeguarding Lead |
Mrs R Evans Senior Deputy Designated |
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Mrs Z Gilmour Deputy Designated |
Mrs A Davies Deputy Designated |
Mrs S Mills Deputy Designated |
These people also hold responsibility for children in the Looked After system with Mrs C. Hughes being the named person.
Throughout the academic year, we raise the profile of safeguarding and safer schools with assemblies on anti – bullying, LGBTQ+, online safety, road safety, diversity, our school values and many more topics to ensure that pupils can keep themselves and others safe.
Pupils have Learning for Life/PSHE lessons each week to ensure they are taught the skills they need to live healthy and safe lives. We invite visitors in to work with our pupils, such as the local community policing team, to deliver safety messages outside normal lessons.
Should you have any concerns/issues regarding safeguarding or child protection you can talk to any members of staff or contact one of the above designated safeguarding lead(s) in the school.
Family Learning Courses - Click on links below to see details:
Our Policies
You can view our safeguarding policies here.
Operation Encompass
Operation Encompass is a process whereby the police and county council will inform a member of staff if a child or young person has experienced any domestic incident. This will be done prior to the start of the next school day. Information sharing between professional agencies allows school staff to provide emotional and practical support to their pupils experiencing domestic abuse.
Bullying
If you believe that somebody is being bullied, you should contact the school office without delay on 01527 962794 or office@abbeywood.worcs.sch.uk.
You can view our anti-bullying policy on our policies page here.
Child Sexual Exploitation
Sexual Harassment
Online Safety and Cyberbullying
Online Safety
You are probably using your technology and internet even more than before. This can be brilliant for ensuring your children are remembering their prior learning, doing more learning, as well as keeping in touch with their friends and families. We would like to help you use all this technology whilst remaining safe online!
At school, we use the childnet SMART rules.
There is lots of debate about whether lots of screen time is damaging for learning. The WHO recommends no screen time for under 2’s, and not more than 1 hour for those between 2-4.
Online safety activities and advice for parents
PLEASE BE VERY VIGILANT ABOUT INFORMATION YOUR CHILD IS PUTTING ONLINE, AND WHO THEY ARE TALKING TO!
MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHO THEY ARE TALKING TO, AND THAT ALL MESSAGES (TO THEIR FRIENDS AND ADULTS) ARE APPROPRIATE
PLEASE ALSO BE AWARE OF AGE RESTRICTIONS ON VIDEO GAMES AND TV AND FILMS (BBFC launch Parents’ Guide to Age Ratings | BBFC)
Websites we recommend
The apps and websites are safe for children to use, and they are good quality to help learning. Websites MAY have links to other websites, so it is still important to keep an eye on your child to make sure they haven't wondered off to something less safe.
Click the images to find out more
What is the Prevent strategy?
Prevent is a government strategy designed to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes.
The Prevent strategy covers all types of terrorism and extremism, including political and religious extremism.
The Single Point of Contact for the school is Miss A. Saul (Principal & DSL)
How does the Prevent strategy apply to schools?
From July 2015 all schools (as well as other organisations) have a duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism.
This means schools have a responsibility to protect children from extremist and violent views, in the same way we protect them from abuse, bullying and drugs.
Importantly, schools can provide a safe place for pupils to discuss these issues so that they better understand how to protect themselves.
How do we support the Prevent strategy at Abbeywood?
Many of the things we already do in school to help children become positive, happy members of society also contribute to the Prevent strategy.
These include:
- Exploring other cultures and religions and promoting diversity
- Challenging prejudices and racist comments
- Developing critical thinking skills and a strong, positive self-identity
- Promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, as well as British values such as democracy
We will also protect children from the risk of radicalisation, for example by using filters on the internet to make sure they can’t access extremist and terrorist material, or by vetting visitors who come into school to work with pupils. Different schools will carry out the Prevent duty in different ways, depending on the age of the children and the needs of the community. We will ensure that all conversations are suitable and age appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
How does Prevent relate to British values?
Schools have been required to promote British values since 2014, and this will continue to be part of our response to the Prevent strategy. British values include:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty and mutual respect
- Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
Isn’t my child too young to learn about extremism?
The Prevent strategy is not just about discussing extremism itself, which may not be appropriate for younger children. It is also about teaching children values such as tolerance and mutual respect. The school will make sure any discussions are suitable for the age and maturity of the children involved.
Is extremism really a risk in our area?
Extremism can take many forms, including political, religious and ideological extremism. Some of these may be a bigger threat in our area than others. We will give children the skills to protect them from any extremist views they may encounter, now or later in their lives.
Key terms
Extremism – vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values such as democracy, the rule of law and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
Ideology – a set of beliefs
Terrorism – a violent action against people or property, designed to create fear and advance a political, religious or ideological cause
Radicalisation – the process by which a person comes to support extremism and terrorism
Where to go for more information
Contact the school
If you have any questions or concerns about the Prevent strategy and what it means for your child, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
See our policies
You will find more details about radicalisation in our safeguarding policy and our safeguarding against extremism policy available on our website. We also have information about spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and British values.
External sources
The following sources may also be useful for further information:
Additional Support
Worcestershire Here2Help Service
Operation Encompass
The Get Safe Partnership is committed to tackling Child Exploitation and supporting victims and their families who experience this. Follow the link for more information.