Policy: Safeguarding and Child Protection (Student Version)

Student-Friendly Safeguarding and Child Protection Guide

What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding means making sure that everyone at Co-op Academy Belle Vue is safe and protected from harm. This includes ensuring that you feel safe at school, at home, and online. We take steps to protect you from any kind of abuse, neglect, or harm.

What is Child Protection?

Child protection is part of safeguarding and focuses on helping you if someone is hurting you or if you’re in a situation that makes you feel unsafe. This can include physical harm, emotional abuse, neglect, or other situations where you might be at risk.

How We Keep You Safe

Trusted Adults: We have staff members called Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) who are specially trained to help you if you’re feeling unsafe or worried. You can talk to them or any other trusted adult at school about your concerns.

Clear Rules and Policies: Our school has rules to make sure everyone is treated with respect. Bullying, discrimination, and any form of mistreatment are not tolerated.

Health and Safety: We ensure that the school environment is safe, whether you’re in class, in the playground, or online. We also teach you how to stay safe, especially when using the internet.

What Should You Do If You’re Worried?

If something is bothering you or making you feel unsafe, it’s important to talk to someone. You can:

• Speak to a Teacher or DSL: They are here to listen and help you.
• Report Concerns: If you feel uncomfortable talking directly, there are ways to report your concerns, like through the school’s website or a trusted adult.

What Happens When You Speak Up?

When you share something with a trusted adult, they will listen carefully and may need to share this information with other professionals who can help keep you safe. This is to make sure you get the support you need.

Your Rights

• You Have the Right to Feel Safe: No one should make you feel scared or uncomfortable. If they do, you have the right to speak up.
• You Have the Right to Be Listened To: When you talk about your worries, you will be taken seriously, and the school will take steps to help you.

How We Teach You to Stay Safe

• Lessons and Activities: We include lessons on staying safe, both online and offline, in your curriculum. These lessons help you understand how to protect yourself and others.
• Open Communication: We encourage you to talk to us about any concerns you have. You will always be heard, and your safety is our top priority.
• Important Contacts
• DSL Contacts: If you need help, you can talk to Mr. Daniel Haste, Ms. Joanne Pilling, Mr. Joel Howarth, Ms. Jennie Makinson, or Ms. Aimee Halliday. They are here to support you.

Keeping Each Other Safe

Everyone at Co-op Academy Belle Vue has a role in keeping the school a safe place. Look out for your friends, follow the school rules, and don’t be afraid to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.