Safeguarding
At High Down, the safety, wellbeing and welfare of our pupils are our highest priorities. We are committed to ensuring that every child is safe and protected in school, at home, in the community and online. As a school, we have a duty of care and the responsibility to take appropriate and reasonable action to safeguard and promote the welfare of every pupil.
We take safeguarding children extremely seriously and strive to create a safe, secure and nurturing culture where every child feels valued and where all voices are heard and listened to. We are committed to promoting children's personal safety, wellbeing and resilience, and to ensuring that every child knows they have trusted adults they can turn to.
Our Aims
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To take appropriate and timely action to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
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To ensure that all staff understand and fulfil their statutory responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and child protection.
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To ensure that all staff receive appropriate training and are confident in recognising, responding to and reporting safeguarding concerns.
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To ensure that effective pastoral support and resources are available to promote the best possible outcomes for every child.
Every child has the right to be protected from harm, and every adult has a responsibility to help ensure that children are safe and feel safe. We are committed to a whole-school culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, and where the protection and welfare of children remain paramount.
Our vision is that no child should experience harm, whether at home, in the community or within our school. We therefore ensure that appropriate resources and support are available to our pastoral and safeguarding teams so that concerns can be identified and responded to effectively, with the child's best interests at the heart of every decision.
If a member of staff has a concern that a child may be experiencing, or be at risk of, any form of abuse or neglect, the school will follow its safeguarding and child protection procedures and, where appropriate, share concerns with Children's Services and other relevant agencies.
If you are concerned that a child may be experiencing harm or may be at risk of harm, or if a child makes a disclosure to you, whether intentionally or unintentionally, it is important that you report your concern as soon as possible to one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads.
Designated Safeguarding Leads
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 Abi Oldfield. In her absence, you can contact the nominated deputy safeguarding leads: Matt Welsh, Rachel Hayward, Caroline Battlebury, Kirsty Ireland or Kate Gore.
Our safeguarding governor is Lucy Lang who can be contacted via the school office 01275 843969.
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.
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.
Policies and Procedures
Our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be found on our Policies page: Highdown Schools - Policies and Procedures . This policy is reviewed annually by staff to ensure that our safeguarding practices remain effective and up to date. You will also find other policies relating to safeguarding, including our Online Safety Policy.
We are committed to ensuring that all safeguarding policies and procedures reflect the latest Department for Education (DfE) guidance and legislation. Our policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that they continue to meet statutory requirements and support the highest standards of safeguarding across our school.
Disclosure and Barring Checks
We are committed to following robust safer recruitment procedures at every stage of the recruitment process. We take all necessary steps to ensure that staff and volunteers are appropriately vetted and suitable to work with children.
In line with statutory requirements, all staff and volunteers who meet the criteria for regulated activity are required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before they begin working with us. These checks form an important part of our wider safeguarding procedures and help us maintain the highest standards of safety and protection for all our pupils.
Medical Care
We have a number of first-aid trained staff available throughout the school day to provide appropriate care for pupils who become unwell or have an accident.
Parents and carers are asked to provide a daytime contact number, along with an alternative emergency contact, so that we can get in touch promptly if necessary.
All medication must be stored safely in the school’s medical cupboard or in the designated class medical box and should not be kept by pupils. Where medication needs to be administered during the school day, this should be discussed with the school office and managed in accordance with our Medication Policy.Accordion Title
Links to Useful Organisations and Charities
Childline
National Childline: 0800 1111
When you call, you will get through to a trained counsellor who is there to listen and support you with anything you would like to talk about.
Childline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so you can talk to them at any time, day or night.
NSPCC
The NSPCC provides trusted advice, guidance and resources to help parents, carers and schools keep children safe from harm and abuse. Their Talk PANTS campaign, featuring the friendly dinosaur Pantosaurus, helps children learn simple, age-appropriate messages about body safety and speaking to a trusted adult if something worries them. We encourage families to explore the NSPCC’s resources and talk PANTS with their children.
Visit the NSPCC Talk PANTS website
NSPCC: 0800 800500
Womens Aid
Women's Aid provides trusted information, advice and support to help people understand and respond to domestic abuse. Their website offers resources for adults, children and young people, including guidance on recognising unhealthy or abusive relationships and finding support. We encourage families to explore the resources available and seek help if they have concerns about domestic abuse.
Women’s Aid: 0845 023 468
Samaritans
Samaritans provides confidential emotional support to anyone who is struggling to cope or needs someone to talk to. Their website offers helpful information and guidance for children, young people, parents and adults, including advice on supporting someone who may be finding things difficult. We encourage families to explore the resources available and seek support whenever it is needed.
Samaritans: 0845 790 9090
NAPAC (National Association for Persons Abused in Childhood
NAPAC (National Association for People Abused in Childhood) provides information, support and advice for adults who have experienced abuse during childhood. Their website offers resources to help survivors understand their experiences and access appropriate support. NAPAC also provides a confidential support helpline for adults affected by childhood abuse.
NAPAC Support Line: 0800 085 3330
KIDSCAPE
Kidscape is a charity dedicated to preventing bullying and protecting children from harm. Their website provides practical advice, guidance and resources for children, young people, parents, carers and professionals, including support for those experiencing bullying or concerned about a child.
Kidscape Support: 020 7730 3300
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National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge)
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, provides free, confidential support and information for women experiencing domestic abuse, as well as for concerned friends, family members and colleagues. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with trained advisers offering information about available support and options. (refuge.org.uk)
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Family Lives
Family Lives provides information, advice and support to help families navigate the challenges of family life. Their resources cover a wide range of topics, including parenting, family relationships, behaviour and emotional wellbeing, helping parents and carers feel more confident and supported.
Family Lives Helpline: 0808 800 2222
Working Together to Safeguard Children
An illustrated guide for children:
YoungMinds and CAMHS
YoungMinds is a charity dedicated to improving the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children and young people. They provide information, advice and resources to support young people experiencing difficulties such as anxiety, depression, bullying and eating problems. YoungMinds also works alongside services such as CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and offers support and guidance for parents and carers who are concerned about their child's mental health.
A helpful guide to the support available can be found on the YoungMinds website:
YoungMinds – Your Guide to Support
YoungMinds Parent Helpline: 0808 802 5544
CUES-Ed
Helping Children Keep Their Brains Amazing!
CUES-Ed is an innovative early-intervention programme designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of primary-aged children. It was developed by Clinical Psychologists and CBT Therapists from the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
The programme helps children develop an understanding of their thoughts, feelings and behaviours, giving them practical tools and strategies to support their emotional wellbeing.
For more information about CUES-Ed and the support available for schools and families, please visit the CUES website.
MIND
Mind is a leading mental health charity providing information, advice and support to people experiencing a wide range of mental health difficulties. Their website offers a wealth of trusted resources, including an A–Z of mental health conditions, guidance on supporting someone else, information about services and support, and access to their online community, Elefriends.
Mental health can affect anyone at any stage of life, and Mind is there to provide information, support and guidance when it is needed.
For more information, visit Mind’s website
You can also contact the Mind Infoline on 0300 123 3393 for information and support.
Carers Direct
Carers Direct provides information, advice and support for people who care for a family member or someone who is ill, disabled or needs additional support. As part of the NHS website, it offers practical guidance to help carers understand the support and services available to them.
If you would like to speak to someone for further information and advice, you can call 0808 802 0202.
For more information about the support available to carers, please visit NHS – Carers’ support and services.
Family Lives
Family Lives provides a friendly, supportive and non-judgemental service for parents and families. Their website offers a wide range of helpful information and resources, including parenting advice, videos and forums where parents can connect with and support one another. They also offer online parenting courses for those looking for guidance and support as they prepare for parenthood.
For more information and resources, visit Family Lives.
You can also contact the Family Lives Helpline on 0808 800 2222 for information, advice, guidance and support. The helpline is available Monday to Friday, 9am–9pm, and weekends, 10am–3pm.
FGM Helpline
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
FGM involves deliberately altering or injuring the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is illegal in the UK and is a form of child abuse.
Teachers have a mandatory duty to report known cases of FGM in girls under 18 to the police. If you are concerned that a child may be at risk of FGM or has experienced FGM, please speak to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
NSPCC FGM Helpline: 0800 028 3550
For further information, visit NSPCC – FGM.
Prevent Strategy
Prevent is part of the UK’s safeguarding approach and aims to support people who may be at risk of being drawn into extremism or terrorism.
It brings together schools, healthcare professionals, community organisations, police and others to identify concerns and provide appropriate support at an early stage. Where there are concerns, a referral can be made to the local Prevent team, who will assess whether further support or action is needed.
For further information, please read the Prevent Review.
Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU)
If you come across content online that you believe may be related to terrorism, you can report it anonymously to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU).
For more information or to make a report, visit the GOV.UK terrorism reporting service.