Safeguarding
Safeguarding is an essential aspect of the school setting at Hadlow Rural Community School and this helps to protect and support the school community. We have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure that students, staff and visitors are safe and protected from harm, and by implementing robust safeguarding policies and procedures, we can ensure that we provide a safe and secure environment for all members of the community to help prevent incidents from occurring.
At HRCS we strive to make sure all our students are safe in school, at home, online and in the community. Our staff are here to keep our students safe and secure and to promote their personal safety and well-being.
Our commitment to safeguarding encompasses ways to ensure our students feel secure, confident and independent. The school has a duty of care and the right to take reasonable action to ensure the welfare and safety of its students. If a member of staff has cause to be concerned that a child may be subject to ill treatment, neglect or any other form of abuse, the school will follow child protection procedures and inform Children’s Services of its concern. Wherever possible we will discuss concerns with families and work with them to support the child.
Our Safeguarding policy can be viewed here.
Looking after Students
The Board of Trustees has ultimate responsibility for Safeguarding issues in the school however, on a day-to-day basis; this responsibility is delegated to the Headteacher and the Senior Leadership Team, who will lead on policy issues in relation to keeping children safe and the safeguarding of children at risk in the school.
We follow safer recruitment protocols at every turn. Amongst many procedures in place during the recruitment period, all staff wishing to work or volunteer with us must undergo a DBS check. HRCS meets statutory requirements in relation to Disclosure & Barring Service – all staff and volunteers who work with HRCS who meet the ‘regulated activity test’ (Freedoms Act 2012) are required to undergo an enhanced DBS check prior to employment.
Once appointed, all staff undergo an extensive induction period, including detailed and thorough safeguarding training, which is regularly refreshed and updated.
We are also very aware of the importance of providing open lines of communication with students and parents and prioritise having a range of professionally trained Designated Safeguard Leads (DSL’s) for each year group.
The Designated Child Protection Staff are as follows:
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Miss M Roberts Deputy Headteacher
Designated Safeguarding Lead |
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Mr P Boxall Headteacher
Designated Safeguarding Lead |
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Mrs K Winwood Assistant Headteacher
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead |
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Miss C Pettit Assistant Headteacher
Christine.pettit@hrcschool.org Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead |
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Ms S Moore Head of Year 7 & 8
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead |
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Mrs T-M Hanmore Head of Year 9 & 10 Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead |
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Out of school hours please contact the school emergency number on: 07807 154074 |
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Mrs Helen Stewart Lead Trustee Safeguarding
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Dealing with a Disclosure
Recognise Respond Record Refer |
Reporting a Concern
Staff can raise any concerns with a member of the Safeguarding team, no matter how small or insignificant they may appear.
These are usually recorded via Edukey – Safeguard my School which is an electronic recording system that enables the Lead DSL to review and monitor all of the concerns that may be raised.
All HRCS staff receive significant safeguarding training and weekly refreshers and are very clear on the referral process, so students can talk to any member of staff in school about a concern they may have. These will be recorded and, if required, will then be directed to the most appropriate DSL to review and provide further support.
It is important that all members of the school community understand their safeguarding responsibility. Therefore, if you have a concern that a child is being harmed, is at risk of harm, or you receive a disclosure (intentionally or unintentionally) you must contact one of the designated safeguarding leads as quickly as possible.
Referrals can also be made:
Online via - www.kscmp.org.uk or if a child may be at risk of imminent harm, you should call the Integrated Front Door on 03000 411111 or the Police on 999
Safeguarding - Useful Links
We take safeguarding seriously, and want to be able to provide support not just for our young people but for their families too. You are always more than welcome to come into the school to discuss any concerns or worries you may have.
We are also happy to provide links to support agencies or charities who can offer free and impartial advice confidentially on a range of issues.
Please explore some of the organisations offering support below.
Links for Students
Ask SAM
Something on your mind? Or need some support?
Anyone can write in with their problem. I respond to a few letters each week. You can also read my advice to people who have similar problems to you.
The BeYou team are here to support you. We offer a safe, welcoming and inclusive space where LGBTQ+ young people can meet, socialise and find the support they need.
A space created by young people for young people to help navigate and learn about emotions.
Your online mental wellbeing community
Free, safe and anonymous support
Help for teenagers, young adults and students
Advice and support for students and young people with mental health problems.
Alcohol and Drugs
If you are worried about how much you are drinking or how much a loved one is drinking there is lots of helpful advice and support on the drinkaware website. They also have a helpful drink tracker and tools for managing what your alcohol intake is. On their website you will find a list of alcohol support services with helplines available.
Visit their website at: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/alcohol-support-services/
Find out about the different kinds of support we offer and what to expect when you come into one of our services
Honest information about drugs
A unique and proactive alcohol and substance education programme for young people age 11-18.
Helping young people in Kent and Medway to Think Differently about alcohol and substance misuse.
Anti-Radicalisation and Extremism
PREVENT is about safeguarding people and communities from the threat of terrorism. It is one of 4 elements of CONTES, the Government's counter terrorism strategy, aiming to stop people from becoming involved in terrorism or supporting terrorism. The Home Office works with local authorities, Multi-Academy Trusts, and a wide range of government departments and community organisations to deliver the strategy.
Please click here for a link to the official government document
Attached is a helpful guide for parents about Keeping Children and Young People Safe Against Radicalisation and Extremism
Anti-Trafficking
STOPTHETRAFFIK are dedicated to the abolition of human traffiking, including sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, labour exploitation, forced marriage, organ harvesting, forced criminality, drug trade and child soldiers.
On their website are resources on spotting the signs of trafficking, ways to help or get involved in what they do and a safe place to share information on trafficking if you are worried about someone or at risk yourself.
Visit their site on www.stopthetraffik.org
Bereavement
Your online mental wellbeing community
Free, safe and anonymous support
We aim to provide an open service that supports and meets the individual needs of all children and young people to help them adjust to a life that has changed following a bereavement.
CHUMS offer specialist bereavement support to children and young people from 3½ up until their 26th birthday in Kent and Medway.
Counselling
KENT COUNSELLING FOR SCHOOLS
Professional counsellors trained to help young people realise their full potential
Your online mental wellbeing community
Free, safe and anonymous support
Domestic Violence
There are lots of different people who can help you if you are being hurt at home or if you are worried about someone in your family being hurt at home. It can happen to anyone, but we don't always know who the right person is to talk to.
Refuge are an organisation that can help you if you are experiencing violence at home. They have information on their website about who you can talk to, how you can talk to them, and what to do if you are worried.
You can visit their website at www.refuge.org.uk
The NSPCC are there to talk to you if you are worried about a child being hurt or abused by someone They are able to offer support and to take some details from about what is happening. They can also offer a counselling service to young people.
You can visit their website at https://www.nspcc.org.uk/
You can email them on help@nspcc.org.uk or you can call them on 0808 800 5000
FGM
Every child has the right to not be touched by an adult when they do not want to. Female Genital Mutilation is illegal, and a form of abuse, therefore should be dealt with quickly and seriously.
FGM comprises all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
The NSPCC have a special helpline for anyone concerned about FGM, or anyone who has been affected by FGM. You can call them on 0800 028 3550 or email them directly on fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk
If you are concerned that a child is at imminent risk of harm, or may leave the country for the purposes of FGM in the next 48 hours you can call the police on 999.
Where concerns are not imminent but are still serious, please call the Children's Helpdesk on 01452 426565
Forced Marriage
Forced Marriage Unit (FMU)
The FMU is a government initiative set up to support anyone who is worried about or is at risk of being forced into a marriage, or anyone who has already been forced to marry another person. A trained professional will give you free advice on what you can do next, and help you with finding a safe place to stay or stopping a visa if you have been forced to sponsor someone. You have the right to choose who you marry, when you marry or if you marry at all.
Visit their website on https://www.gov.uk/stop-forced-marriage
Call their support line Monday to Friday (9-5) on 0207 008 0151 or during out of work hours on 0207 008 1500 and ask for the global response centre.
The Freedom Charity have been raising awareness and working hard to stop forced marriages from happening within the UK. On their website you will find resources, information and direction for how to get support if you are concerned about someone or yourself.
Visit their website on www.freedomcharity.org.uk/resources
Or call their helpline on 0845 607 0133
Alternatively you can text them on 88802 and they will call you back. You need to send the message '4freedom'
Help for Carers
Carers Direct
Carers Direct is for anyone who is looking after a family member who is ill or disabled or needs special help. It is part of the NHS website and offers information and advice.
There is a phone number you can call to talk to someone on 0808 802 0202
Or you can visit their website on https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support/carers-assessment/#the-types-of-carer-support-available
We are a social action organisation delivering diverse services and supporting individuals, organisations and communities across Kent, Medway, East Sussex and London
Homelessness
Shelter are able to offer housing advice to anyone who is experiencing or at risk of homelessness. You can find information on what to do about homelessness, private renting, tenancy deposits, repossession, eviction, repairs, housing benefits and council housing
You can visit their website at www.shelter.org.uk
Mental Health
Childline can help you on with all sorts of problems you may be worried your child has, including mental health difficulties, any anxieties or issues you may have about your health, living situation or education.
You can call them for free to speak to someone privately. You can contact a Childline counsellor about anything, no problem is too big or too small.
Call free on 0800 11 11 or visit www.childline.org.uk
YoungMinds are a charitable organisation who work with the Children and Adolescents Mental Health Service (CAMHS) to provide support, advice and counselling to young people experiencing depression, anxiety, bullying and eating difficulties. They offer a parent helpline for parents and carers worried about their children's mental wellbeing.
You can find a guide to support offered at https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/your-guide-to-support/
Their parental helpline can be reached through 0808 802 5544.
Mind are a nationwide mental health charity who are able to offer information and support for a variety of mental health issues.
Working closely with the NHS they have a wide range of resources and information on their website, including an A-Z of Mental Health, advice for helping someone else, guides to support and services and Elefriends - their online community.
Everyone is affected by a mental health difficulty at some point in their lifetime and Mind are on hand to help.
Visit their website on https://www.mind.org.uk/
Or call them today on 0300 123 3393 for their infoline.
Kent and Medway Children and Young Peoples Mental Health Service (CYPMHS) provide a range of support services, to ensure your referral is directed correctly, please complete this form with as much detail as possible.
This includes referrals for Autism and ADHD assessments. Note, we are not asking for additional forms to be uploaded at this time.
We’re transforming mental health by working with infants, children, young people and their families, their communities and professionals to deliver timely evidence-based support for all.
PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.
We aim to give families the tools and confidence to make the best health choices.
On Nemours KidsHealth, you'll find:
Doctor-reviewed advice on hundreds of physical, emotional, and behavioral topics.
Separate sections for parents, kids, and teens.
Easy-to-follow articles, slideshows, videos, and health tools designed to help families learn, grow, and be their best.
Free lesson plans and programs for teachers and early childhood educators.
We offer an extensive range of support services designed to help control anxiety rather than letting it control you.
Services available for both members and non-members include:
- Access to a community of other like-minded people
- Discounted one-to-one therapy services from our network of Anxiety UK Approved Therapists
- A wide range of helpful resources to help you understand and overcome anxiety
- Access to anxiety support groups
- Discounted Art for Anxiety Relief (AfAR) courses
- Discounted anxiety management courses
Anxiety makes us feel fearful. It can cause us to not want to face things or the reverse – to over-check and over-think. Anxiety responds really well to psychological treatment especially one called Cognitive Behavioural Treatment (CBT). This can include learning to manage the physical symptoms of anxiety through breathing and relaxing in special ways as well as identifying the thoughts that make you anxious.
Changing anxious behaviours helps break the hold that anxiety has on you.
We are the UK’s eating disorder charity. Founded in 1989 as the Eating Disorders Association, our mission is to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders.
Online Safety
Make a report of online abuse to the Police
Think You Know
Think You Know is a website you can go to that will help answer your questions and to let you know how to be safe when you are using the internet.
You probably use the internet for games or to talk to friends or even to search for information - Think You Know can help you stay safe.
Visit the website at https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
Dos and Don’ts
- DO NOT share private information on the internet.
- If you are not sure DO check with your parents/carers before you give out information.
- DO use the same rules when you surf the internet as you would walking down a street.
- NEVER have face-to-face meetings with anyone you only know online.
- DO accept friend requests from people you already know if you are friends with them
- DO NOT accept friend requests or messages from strangers.
Cyber bullying is when one or more people try to tease, harass, threaten or embarrass another person using technology such as mobile phones or the Internet.
Please see Online Safety for further advice and links.
Relationships and Sexual Health
If you are worried about a young person who might be pregnant, have any questions about pregnancy or know they are already pregnant and looking for support, Brook are able to help. They are a national organisation dedicated to educating young people about pregnancy and sexual health, and have many links with other support services and helplines. They also have a forum available for users to post questions and communicate with each other in a safe and supportive environment.
Visit their website at https://www.brook.org.uk/your-life/category/pregnancy
Family lives offer a listening and supportive, non-judgemental service for parents. They have a lot of information on their website, including parenting advice videos and forums to chat to other families. Thy offer online parenting courses too for those wanting to be prepared for parenthood.
You can visit their website on www.familylives.org.uk/how-we-can-help/confidential-helpline
Alternatively you can call their helpline on 0808 800 2222 for information, advice, guidance and support between 9am-9pm Monday to Friday or 10am-3pm at the weekend.
Services for Families - KCC
Early Help
Social Health Care
Salus is an organisation that exists to improve the lives of children.
To achieve this, we have been delivering high quality, high-impact services for children, young people, families, schools, communities and other practitioners for over 30 years and are leading experts in our field.