Safeguarding

Safeguarding and protecting the health of children and young people is a legal responsibility for all staff. Safeguarding means ‘protecting something or someone from being harmed, lost or badly treated’, this includes all areas of the protection and welfare of children and young people in all situations during the school day and beyond.

Vulnerability means that someone or something is able to be easily hurt, influenced or attacked. Any young person or family may be experiencing vulnerability and it is important that all staff are fully aware of the need to notice this as early as possible, to allow the school to help and support the situation, especially for families who may have additional needs.

The first signs of concern may be a change in behaviour, attendance or around a young person’s special educational need or medical need.  Many young people may be vulnerable due to changes in family circumstances, for example separation, divorce or death.  For some young people they may be experiencing bullying, including cyber bullying, and therefore it is important to give extra care and attention to supervision online, looking out for signs of grooming, sexual exploitation and radicalisation.

If you have any concerns please find our school contacts below:

Cheryl Arkle (Deputy Head of Academy & Designated Safeguarding Lead)

Ann Titchener (Head of Academy & Deputy Safeguarding Lead)

Jennifer Duncan (Executive Head Teacher & Deputy Safeguarding Lead)

Safeguarding is an integral part of our curriculum. Our broad curriculum gives all pupils opportunities to experience life in all its diversity to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills that significantly impact on their personal development, behaviour and well-being. These include features of healthy relationships, family relationships and other relationships which young children are likely to encounter. Children are made aware of features of relationships that are likely to lead to happiness and security as well as to recognise less positive relationships if they encounter them. 

Online safety is embedded into our computing curriculum. It aims to support children at a stage appropriate level to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly, recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour and identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.  The academy also works closely with parents and families to understand key issues around online safety and how to keep their children safe online. 

Our assembly themes and whole school events also promote how to stay safe, including the use of outside speakers (e.g. fire brigade, road safety) as well as theme weeks/days (e.g. anti-bullying week, safer internet day, mental health awareness week). 

Further information on our commitment to safeguarding can be found in on our academy policies and TVE policies.

Please see below for links to your local authority safeguarding arrangements.

Middlesbrough Safeguarding Children Board (MSCB)

Redcar and Cleveland Local Safeguarding Children Board (RCSCB)

Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees Safeguarding Children Partnership (HSSCP) 

• Trust Safeguarding Policy 2024-2025 Download
• Discovery Safeguarding Poster Download
• Child Protection Policy 2024-2025 Download
• TVED DSA SF Weapons Policy and practice guidance 2020 Download
• Adults you can talk to in school poster Download
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