Keeping Children Safe in Education

Keeping Children Safe in Education

This is statutory guidance from the Department for Education. Schools and colleges must have regard to it when carrying out their duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

Please click on the link for the full document.

During times when schools are closed, you may wish to talk to someone about concerns you have. In the first instance, email contact@shortheathfederation.org.uk 

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, you can also contact the following: 

MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub) 0300 555 2866 or out of hours on 0300 555 2922. 

NSPCC - 0808 800 5000 or report online at https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/report/

Childline - 0800 1111 or online at https://www.childline.org.uk/ 

For further information you can access Walsall Children and Young People's Service Directory - http://www.mywalsall.org/teens/index.php?view=directory&did=602#

You can find our Child Protection Policy and our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy on our policies page:

Domestic Abuse

We have seen and heard how our communities are looking out for one another right now and it is sincerely heart-warming.
We know that some people are concerned about friends, family and neighbours who might be suffering domestic abuse – whether that is violence, being threatened or someone controlling their behaviour.

Victims of domestic abuse may well feel there is nowhere to turn to for help and nowhere to go right now if they want to leave an abusive relationship.

We have been talking to our partners, a range of charities that support domestic abuse victims and our local councils. Their message is that refuges are still open and accommodation, advice and support is still available for people who need help.
A list of organisations ready to help people in Walsall are:

Black Country Women’s Aid
01922 649569 - www.blackcountrywomensaid.co.uk

Walsall Council Housing
01922 652250

Adult Social Care
0300 555 2922.

Children's Social Care
01922 658170

A full list of regional charities can be found on the police website: https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/your-options/domestic-abuse

We also know that children often suffer in households where there is domestic abuse. If you are concerned about a child, you can get advice, Live Chat police staff and report abuse to them using this link - https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/your-options/child-abuse

Alternatively you can talk to the NSPCC - https://www.nspcc.org.uk/

If someone is in immediate danger and their life is threatened, they should dial 999 and officers will get to them as soon as possible. If they cannot talk they can make a silent 999 call by typing 55 after the call is answered.

Domestic abuse can be reported to the police website - https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/
It’s easy to use and could be safer than calling.
Anyone can webchat police staff easily via the website for help and advice without having to talk to someone on the phone.

Together we are a community – let’s spread the message that no victim is alone.

Operation Encompass
Supporting our families by joint working with West Midlands Police.

In order to support our families we have signed up to Operation Encompass. This means that if the police are called to a domestic disturbance then school will be notified so we can support the child/ren and the family, in whatever capacity is required. Mrs Jackman is the named person who will oversee the information and support network.

Domestic Abuse, both physical and verbal, is a traumatic experience for a child and can seriously affect them in later life. It is a sad fact that when the police are called to a domestic situation that 50% of the calls show that a child has been present in the property.

Black Country Women's Aid are also committed to this initiative and can provide support for victims as well as the children involved. You can contact them on:

info@blackcountrywomensaid.co.uk
01922649569
The Cedar Centre Walsall
The Rock Centre
27-31 Lichfield Street
Walsall, WS1 1TE

Notice to Parents: 
Photographs and Filming at School Events:
Parents/carers are entitled to take photographs or short films of their children at school public events, but these are for their own personal use and must not be shared on social media

As you will be aware, Short Heath Federation operates a full no smoking site and works hard to promote a smoke free future for all pupils. In light of the increased popularity of electronic cigarettes (sometimes referred to as ‘vapes’ or ‘shisha’ pens) it is now necessary to be clear that the use of these devices on site is not permitted. Electronic cigarettes should not be charged on site as they represent a fire hazard.

http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/smoking/Pages/stopsmokingnewhome.aspx  provides support for smokers wanting to give up.