Parent Information
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility
We keep the child in focus at all times. We never judge, but we keep an open mind, knowing that ‘it could happen here’.
We take our responsibilities regarding welfare concerns seriously and encourage our students to talk openly about any worries they may have.
The Safeguarding Team
DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD (DSL)
Mr Warner
DEPUTY DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEADS (DDSLs)
Mrs Hassell
Deputy Safeguarding Officer
Mrs Burton
Home Link Officer
Pastoral Support Officer
Pastoral Support Officer
Pastoral Support Officer
Pastoral Support Officer
Pastoral Support Officer
Pastoral Support Officer
The link Governor is Mrs C Hopkins.
Safeguarding
Important Information
Should a member of staff be concerned relating to a specific child or incident, they will complete a record on an online portal: MyConcern. This is immediately highlighted to the safeguarding team who will then act in what they believe to be the best interests of the child. This is likely to involve speaking to the student but may also mean that parents receive a call to communicate any concerns or highlight something that has happened. We recognise that sometimes the news may come as a shock or surprise, but it is important that we deliver this information. Sometimes we will also seek advice from either the Education Safeguarding Advice Service or from the Local Support Team. If there is a need to contact parents, it may be that we need to pass on advice or request that you gain some support from an external agency or a medical professional. At no time do we ever judge. Please also be assured that the information is kept confidential.
In certain situations, we may also need to escalate the situation to Staffordshire Children’s Advice and Support Services. The team we contact will directly advise us regarding next steps. Should we disagree with their advice, there is an escalation process that we can use, although that is rarely the case.
The other service that we have in school is an online monitoring service. This system works on all school devices and those that access our internet. For any students who use school laptops at home, it is important that the student and you also appreciate that any use at home will also be available when the laptop is brought back into school. To avoid conversations that students may find tricky, please ensure that the school laptop is used for school purposes only and please remember that the laptop is the responsibility of the allocated student. It is strongly advised to avoid allowing others to use the laptop at home. The data capture includes any internet site used, anything that is searched for, pictures and anything that is typed – this is even if it is NOT saved, or it is deleted. Anything that is considered not appropriate or could be a potential safeguarding concern will be identified and a report will be sent to the safeguarding team on a weekly basis – or sooner (immediately) if there is thought to be a significant concern. The system will also monitor any ‘off-task’ activity e.g. time spent listening to music, time not working when on a laptop, use of games etc.
All staff attend a Level 1 course every 3 years, with regular updates to ensure that best practice is adhered to. The statutory guidance as set out in ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, updated annually, has increased the expectations for staff. The safeguarding team provide updates for staff regarding knowledge of the key areas and topics. Staff knowledge is also audited, with any gaps or misconceptions addressed.
All the safeguarding team are trained to a minimum of Level 4, which is updated every 2 years.
JTFS has a thorough PSHE programme which includes relationships and sex education, online/e-safety, and disability awareness. Within Personal Tutor sessions we also promote key topics, including safeguarding areas throughout the year. Specific assemblies are delivered, at least once each term on a safeguarding topic, along with specific topics delivered should there be a school/year based concern raised. Specific intervention in response to situations that arise within the school or local or national community will also be addressed, which may involve the use of external agencies.
Should you believe there to be a safeguarding concern regarding a student at John Taylor Free School, the best course of action would be to contact First Response.
Staffordshire Children’s Advice and Support Services:
- 0300 111 8007
-
Monday-Thursday
08:30-17:00 -
Friday
08:30-16:30 -
Out of Hours
0345 604 2886
Staffordshire Children’s Advice and Support Services will want to know your details, details of the person of concern and details of the concern.
Starting Point Derbyshire:
- 01629 533190
Alternatively:
Alternatively, you can contact the school and speak to one of the safeguarding team or use the SHARP system (information below). Please know that where we can, we avoid sharing who has passed on the concern. Parents are often best placed to know about concerns, perhaps from conversations had over the dinner table with your own child who is expressing concern relating to a friend. For example, passing on information that a child is self-harming, may mean that appropriate support can be provided and prevent the issue from escalating.
John Taylor Free School uses the SHARP system – School Help Advice Reporting Page. The page allows a student, parent or member of the community to provide the school with information, or to report incidents that occur within school or the local community anonymously and without fear. Please appreciate that this does not bypass emergency services, and any concerns linked to activity which is not legal or where someone is at risk, should be reported directly to the appropriate emergency service.
The information goes direct to a member of the safeguarding team, who will review it and take any necessary action. You do not need to leave any personal details should you not wish to.
Additional support, advice & services regarding safeguarding here
Speak Up Space
Free 121 Online Mental Health Support
Speak Up Space offers online mental health support for young people up to the age of 18. You can book a 45 minute 121 online support session via the instant messaging service, here. The sessions can be booked by young people or trusted adults, like teachers or a family member.
CAMHS
Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service
CAMHS is an online health platform that has a wealth of self-help information for children, young people, parents/carers and professionals about mental health and the services offered. It also allows for access to routine online self-referrals for children and young people, without the requirement for students to go through their GP. This supports children and young people being able to access increased support and services whilst reducing waiting time for referral.
Accessing CAMHS directly
Young people under 18 years of age can self-refer to CAMHS with the consent of their parents/carers, using the online form on our website.
- For urgent support
For those in need of urgent support regarding their mental health, you can contact our dedicated mental health access line, available 24-hours, on 0808 196 3002 where you will have the opportunity to access mental health support.
ChatHealth is an award-winning messaging service for young people and parents to get advice and support about health-related issues. Messages will be responded to by Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s Health Visitors or School Nurses, dependent on the age of your child, as part of Staffordshire’s new Families Health and Wellbeing Service. The Service can support on health and wellbeing issues including weaning, behaviour, health, developmental concerns and concerns regarding your child’s weight or emotional wellbeing.
Monday-Friday
09:00-17:00
Student access via texting:
07520 615721
Parental access via texting:
07520 615722
Links
Other Useful Websites/Helplines
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre)
This website allows anyone to report online abuse directly to the online-safety branch of the police.
Report harmful online content
This website has been set up by the Safer Internet Centre. The site allows you to get specific advice and guidance regarding online safety issues and to report issues directly, including images that may have been shared without consent.
Safety Centre
This website provides information and advice regarding how to block and report issues based upon your device and app being used.
Stonewall
Access for advice relating to LGBT+ queries.
Youngminds
Access for mental health queries, including self-harm, anger, eating problems, identity and abuse.
