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Safeguarding at Bishops Down

Bishops Down Primary and Nursery School takes its responsibilities for safeguarding very seriously

At Bishops Down Primary and Nursery School, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All members of our community (staff, volunteers, governors, parents, families and pupils) have an essential role to play in safeguarding and making sure all children are safe and secure.

We have a number of policies and procedures in place that contribute to our safeguarding commitment, including our Child Protection Policy which can be viewed below.

Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child's welfare. We will ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with his/her parents/carers first unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child's welfare.

We actively support the Government's Prevent Agenda to counter radicalism and extremism.

If you have any safeguarding concerns or would like to find out about support available for your family, then please contact one of our Safeguarding Leads via the school office on 01892 520114.

The Designated Safeguarding Leads at Bishops Down are:

Clare Owen (Headteacher)

Rebecca Bettles (Deputy Headteacher)

Emily Lightbody (Deputy Headteacher)

Claire Richardson (Manager, The Beehive)
 

Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

A Designated Safeguarding Lead is available to contact every school day. Contact can be made via the school office on 01892 520114 or by emailing the school office on office@bishops-down.kent.sch.uk where a message can be left for a member of the Safeguarding Team to make contact with you and discuss your concern.

Please understand that if you do get in touch to report a concern, our staff cannot discuss details or information regarding other children for confidentiality and GDPR reasons. However, all reports are taken very seriously and investigated fully by the team.

Out of office hours and during school holidays, if you have any immediate safeguarding concerns, please contact the Kent Front Door on 03000 419191. If you think someone is in immediate danger, the best thing to do is call 999 for the emergency service

Operation Encompass

We also proud to be part 'Operation Encompass' which is an integral part of school safeguarding and an initiative between the police and schools in supporting children who may be experiencing domestic abuse.  At Bishops Down we are committed to 'Operation Encompass'.  You can find out more information here:   www.operationencompass.org

Please scroll down for the school safeguarding policies and at the bottom are some helpful family support links to organistations that offer support.

School Safeguarding Policies

 Child Protection Policy
 Data Protection Policy
 Designated Teacher for LAC and PLAC Policy
 Discipline & Conduct (Schools/Staff) Policy & Procedure
 Early Years Privacy Notice
 Exclusions Policy
 On-Line Safety Policy
 Privacy Notice:  Children and Parents

Family Support

During these uncertain times, it can be hard to know how best to support and explain what is happening to young people. Below are links that parents and carers can follow to access age appropriate resources and practical support and advice via a range of national and local services: 

Action for Children www.actionforchildren.org.uk Support and advice about Emotional Wellbeing, Behaviours and Learning, Nutrition and Healthy Eating and sleep routines. 

Barnardo’s Support children, young people and their families.  Help to get back to school, parenting advice, mental health and counselling, coping with family stress and more.  www.barnardos.org.uk

Beat Eating Disorders  https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/support-services Beat are there to support people who have or are worried they have an eating disorder, as well as others affected, such as friends and family members.

Be Free, Be Positive Relationships Service  https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what-we-do/services/befree-positive-relationships-service Service for 10 - 18 year old females, including transgender individuals living in Kent who are at risk of experiencing unhealthy or abusive relationships.  Offer 1-1 sessions that explore self esteem, unhealthy relationships, sexual health and consent (age appropriate), child sexual exploitation and keeping safe.

CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau)  www.citizensadvice.org - Whole host of information and advice

Carers First  www.carersfirst.org.uk

Childline www.childline.org.uk - Whatever your worry Childline are there.

Child Law Advice  www.childlawadvice.org.uk - Offering advice both about Family or Child Law or Education Law

Cygnet Parenting Support Programme  www.barnardos-parenting.org.uk A parenting programme for parents and carers of children and young people aged 5-18 with an autistic spectrum condition.

CXK Inspiring people to thrive.  www.cxk.org - Providing training courses, development programme and emotional support, advice and guidance to young people to develop the skills and confidence to take their next steps.

Headspace  www.headspace.com  Support with being kind to your mind, feeling less stressed, more resilient and happier.   Mindfulness App

Home-start  A local community network of trained volunteers helping families with young children through challenging times.  www.home-start.org.uk

Hope Support Service  https://hopesupport.org.uk/  Offering support for young people when a loved one has a serious illness.

IASK – Information, Advice and Support Kent (IASK)  www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/special-educational-needs/who-to-contact/Information-Advice-and-Support-Kent  Supporting families of children and young people 0 – 25 with special educational needs or disabilities, providing advice, advocacy services, providing information, preparing paperwork, provide independent support for the SEN process and annual reviews.

KCC Release the Pressure - Release the pressure - Kent County Council – Mental health support

KSAS (Kent Support and Assistance Service) KSAS may be able to help if you are having serious difficulties managing your income due to a crisis or if you are facing exceptional pressures because of an emergency. www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/care-and-support/benefits/home-essentials-in-a-crisis

Kooth – Online mental health support - https://www.kooth.com/

Mind  www.mind.org.uk/information-support/for-children-and-young-people/ offering support to young people aged 11 – 18 who are going through a difficult time or are struggling with how they are feeling.

MoodSpark  www.moodspark.org.uk Where young people aged 10 – 16 can learn how to look after their emotional and mental health and find ways to bounce back when life gets tough.

School Health (Kent)  Support for children and young people aged 4 – 19 including those who do not attend school.   Offering education support, emotional health and wellbeing.  www.kentcht.nhs.uk

Shout www.giveusashout.org Trained Shout volunteers are available to help anyone with depression, anxiety, abuse, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, self harm, relationship problems and bullying.  Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone struggling to cope.

Solihull Approach Parenting Programmes  www.solihullapproachparenting.com Online courses for parents of children aged 6 months to 19 years.  Numerous other support services.

Young Minds  www.youngminds.org.uk Offering support around anger issues and young peoples mental health.

 

Online Safety

As children spend more time online here are some fantastic resources to support at home:

Internet Matters: www.internetmatters.org/

 

Domestic Abuse

 

 

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