READY RESPECTFUL RESPONSIBLE REFLECTIVE RESILIENT
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT A CHILD
What to do if you are concerned that a child may be suffering abuse or being neglected.
Report your concerns as soon as possible to a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Joe Ottaway – Headteacher
Tom Codd – De La Pole Class Teacher
If you have an immediate concern about a child, a referral can be made to the Multi Agency Safeguarding hub (MASH): 0345 050 7666
Emergency Duty Team:
If you are making contact out of hours, and you feel that your concerns cannot wait until the beginning of the working day, please contact the Emergency Duty Team (EDT) on 08450 507666
Reporting concerns about a professional working with children:
Inform the headteacher or DSL as soon as possible. If the concern is related to the headteacher or DSL please contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) Alison Beasley:
01865 810603 or lado.safeguardingchildren@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Please choose the following article link if you have any concerns about your own child related to school: What to do if you have concerns about your child
Using the internet is part of everyday life for most children and young people. Although for the most part, the internet is very beneficial to children and young people, we know that there are many risks to young people online. Please follow the links below for more information about e-safety.
Statistics show that 1 in 5 children are affected by domestic abuse.The Domestic Abuse Act of 2021 recognised children as victims in their own right. It affects their emotional wellbeing, behaviour, attainment, and long term life chances: the younger the child the greater the risk. The following providers can offer support and advice in this area:
Reducing the Risk – Oxfordshire
FLAG DV – Free Legal Advice Line (serving the Thames Valley)
SAFE! Project – Provides support to children and families in the Thames Valley who have been affected by abuse, serious bullying or crime.
Bounce Back 4 Kids – A therapeutic support service for children and parents who have been affected by Domestic Abuse.
Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline : 0800 731 0055
This is free and will not show on your home telephone bill (but may appear on an itemised mobile phone bill).
The Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline can provide emotional support and practical information for adults affected by domestic abuse. It works with victims to empower them to make decisions regarding their relationship, irrespective of whether they wish to leave or not. The helpline can help with any enquiries that you may have and provide access to support services.
Sexual violence and sexual harassment can occur between two children of any age and sex, from primary through to secondary stage and into colleges. It can occur through a group of children sexually assaulting or sexually harassing a single child or group of children. Sexual violence and sexual harassment exist on a continuum and may overlap; they can occur online and face to face (both physically and verbally) and are never acceptable.
All our staff are advised to maintain an attitude of ‘it could happen here’.
Addressing inappropriate behaviour (even if it appears to be relatively innocuous) can be an important intervention that helps prevent problematic, abusive and/or violent behaviour in the future.
(Keeping Children Safe in Education Part 5 Sept 2021)
Prevent has three main objectives to:
- respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism
- support vulnerable people and prevent people from being drawn into terrorism
- work with key sectors and institutions and address risks.
It focuses on early intervention before any illegal activity takes place. The aim is to reduce the likelihood of individuals who support a violent extremist ideology of becoming terrorists.
The NSPCC has a weath of advice and information on online safety, neglect, abuse, FGM, mental health and other key issues affecting children.
Adult Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Childline: 0800 1111
Seesaw – Grief support for children and young people in Oxfordshire.
Barnardo’s – Offer guidance and support for vunerable children in a number of issues.
Please do reach out to school for support, advice and guidance if you have any concerns.