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Everyone in our school shares our objective to help keep children safe by:
Our staff and governors regularly undertake training in this area to ensure the welfare and safety of our children remains paramount. We also follow safer recruitment practices when appointing new staff and volunteers.
All staff and volunteers are given clear guidance in how to behave and work with children and young adults. They are highly vigilant and report any concerns they have about a child’s well-being swiftly. We will always talk with parents if concerns have been noted and will keep them informed should we feel it is necessary for us to report these concerns to another agency. Children know they can talk about their worries to an adult they trust.
If you have any queries or concerns regarding the safety of a child either inside or outside of school, you can contact our designated safeguarding lead teacher who is Andreya Cowan. In her absence, you can contact the nominated deputy safeguarding leads: Matt Welsh or Rachel Hayward.
Our safeguarding governor is Hannah Jones who can be contacted via the school office.
You can also make a referral to North Somerset Council’s “Single Point of Entry” with any concerns on 01275 888 808
We have a Safeguarding Policy that applies to all staff, governors and volunteers working in the school and we all follow the Safer Working Practices document (see documents below).
We would also ask that all visitors and helpers in the school read the visitors book (follow the link), which details our policies and procedures. Thank you for your support in this matter.
Children can be exposed to different views and receive information from various sources. Some of these views may be considered radical or extreme.
Schools are subject to a duty under section 26 of the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015, to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”. This duty is known as the Prevent Duty.
Schools build pupils’ resilience to radicalisation by providing a safe environment for debating controversial issues and helping children to understand how they can influence and participate in decision making. As a values led school, High Down promotes the spiritual, moral and cultural development of pupils including fundamental British values.
As parents, you are the first line of protection for your children, whatever their age. You play an important role in helping to keep your children safe from the risks posed by extremist groups.
The Department for Education and the Home Office have launched a website ‘Educate Against Hate’ which has the aim of providing practical advice and support to help all individuals with an interest in keeping children safe from the dangers of extremism.
In school, we are aware of the potential influences of extremist ideology and the risks of radicalisation. This means knowing the children we work with well, the dynamics of peer groups, their families and the local community. However, if you have any concerns about a child or adult within the community please talk to a member of staff or in an emergency please call 999.
Other useful numbers are listed below, or click on the name to be taken directly to their website.
National Childline: 0800 1111
NSPCC: 0800 800500
Women’s Aid: 0845 023 468
Samaritans: 0845 790 9090
NAPAC (National Association for Persons Abused in Childhood): 0800 085 333
KIDSCAPE (Preventing Bullying Protecting Children): 0207 730 3300 or 08451 205 204
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 200 0247
Family Lives: 0808 800 2222
Useful links
Types of neglect and abuse
The Keeping Children Safe in Education document defines four types of abuse:
physical abuse, social abuse, sexual abuse and neglect.
Please see the documents below for fuller details