Safeguarding Introduction
Abbeywood Community School fully recognises its responsibility under section 175 of the Education Act 2002 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and to work together with other agencies to ensure effective arrangements within our school to identify, assess and support children who are suffering from harm. Our work is directed by Keeping children safe in education 2024 (publishing.service.gov.uk) and Working together to safeguard children 2023: statutory guidance (publishing.service.gov.uk).
Safeguarding our school community is of paramount importance. We ensure that all our staff are aware of the range of safeguarding concerns that may affect students and the signs and indicators of abuse. We maintain a “it could happen here” attitude and work to maintain a culture of vigilance.
We have robust recruitment procedures and professional development programmes which ensure that all our staff uphold our strong ethos and values. All our staff receive annual updates as part of their child protection training, plus regular issue-specific updates throughout the year.
Our school Safeguarding & Child Protection policy here states that all staff should raise any safeguarding concerns they may have about students; the interests of the young person are paramount and take priority over professional loyalties.
There may be occasions when our concern about your child means that we must consult other agencies before we contact you. We may suggest an EHAP (Early Help Action Plan) to help coordinate support across agencies for families and young people who need extra help.
In addition to their tutors, students have support from their Pastoral Head of Year, who are available before school, during breaks, lunchtimes and after school.
We work with a range of external agencies to support young people and their families, but also have access to a school counsellor (one day per week), Mental Health Support Team (2 days per week), School Health Nurse (0.5 days per week). All are on a referral basis, often with a waiting list, so please contact the Pastoral Head of Year for more details.
Key School Contacts
Karen Harding – Designated Safeguarding Lead
Nicky Lopeman – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
We can be contacted via the main school number: 01454 862986 or safeguarding@abbeywoodschool.com.
The wider Safeguarding Team have also completed Advanced Child Protection training and can support you with your enquiry.
If you are concerned about a child and need to contact the local authorities:
01454 866000 Monday to Friday (South Gloucestershire)
0117 9036444 Monday to Friday (Bristol)
01454 615165 Out of hours/Weekends (Bristol & South Glos)
In emergencies if a child/young person is in immediate, please contact 999 and ask for police assistance.
If in doubt, speak out – Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
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