Safeguarding Children: A Shared Responsibility
Safeguarding children is everyone's responsibility. At Hambleton Primary Academy, we believe in working together with parents and our community to keep children safe. This page offers information and resources to help us work as a team to support and protect our children.
Our Commitment to Your Child's Safety
At Hambleton Primary Academy, we are dedicated to keeping your child safe, happy, and supported. Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We have strong policies and procedures in place to protect children from all forms of harm and to promote their well-being.
Trauma-Informed Approach
At Hambleton Primary Academy, we understand that some children might have had difficult experiences that affect them. That's why we take extra care to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone. If a child is struggling, we use a special way of helping them make better choices, starting with gentle reminders and offering extra support to manage their feelings. Sometimes, a quiet space like our Zen Den, with tools like breathing exercises and fidget toys, can help children calm down. We use tools like the Zones of Regulation to help children understand their emotions and learn calming techniques. Our staff know how past experiences can sometimes show up in a child's behavior, even when they don't mean to, and we always respond with kindness and understanding.
Reporting Concerns
At Hambleton Primary Academy, the safety and well-being of our children is our top priority. If you ever have any concerns about a child's safety, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of staff. We take all concerns seriously and will deal with them sensitively.
Who to Contact:
- Holly Wood (DSL) h.wood@hambleton.fcat.org.uk
- Mr. Michael Goldie (Deputy DSL): 01253 700331 / m.goldie@hambleton.fcat.org.uk
- Mrs. Louise Shaw (Deputy DSL): 01253 700331 / l.shaw@hambleton.fcat.org.uk
How to Make a Report:
- You can speak to any member of staff at the school, but these designated safeguarding leads (DSLs) are available for specific safeguarding concerns.
- We encourage you to come forward and report any concerns you may have, either in person, by phone, email, or by using the "Reach Out" button at the top of this page.
What Happens Next:
- All concerns will be taken seriously and investigated appropriately.
- We will work closely with you and any other relevant agencies to ensure the child's safety.
Remember:
- You don't need to have all the answers to make a report.
- It's always better to report a concern and be wrong, than to ignore it altogether.
What is Safeguarding?
- Safeguarding means: Protecting children from harm and helping them grow up feeling safe, happy, and supported.
- This includes:
- Protecting children from physical, emotional, and online harm.
- Creating a caring and supportive environment at school.
- Teaching children how to stay safe.
- Working with parents and outside agencies to provide the best possible support.
Signs to Look For
- Children don't always say when something's wrong. Look out for changes in a child's:
- Behavior: Becoming withdrawn, angry, or having sudden outbursts.
- Mood: Seeming anxious, sad, or unusually quiet.
- Appearance: Unexplained injuries, changes in eating or sleeping patterns.
- Remember: This isn't a complete list. If you're worried about a child, even if it's a small concern, always report it to our DSLs.
External Support Resources
- NSPCC: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/ - Offers information and helplines for children and adults worried about a child.
- Childline: https://www.childline.org.uk/ – Offers a confidential helpline and support for children.
- Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/ - Provides confidential emotional support for anyone in distress.
- Lancashire County Council: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-education-families/keeping-children-safe/tell-us-if-you-are-worried-about-a-child/ - Provides support and advice for safeguarding concerns in Lancashire
Our Safeguarding Policies
For more detailed information on our safeguarding practices, please refer to the following policies, which can be found below:
Safeguarding Policies