Everyone who works with children and young people has a responsibility for safeguarding and acting to ensure that they receive the right support at the right time.
Biddick Academy takes its role in safeguarding extremely seriously and our staff will do everything they can to protect students and children from harm. We acknowledge that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and adopt a ‘culture of vigilance’. All of our staff are trained to be vigilant and aware of the signs and indicators of abuse.
The viewpoints and voice of students is of paramount importance to our academy and we will endeavour to listen to their wishes, thoughts and feelings, as well as identifying and supporting their needs. We will work alongside students to develop trusting, consistent and professional relationships. We advocate early help processes and, where possible, we will identify any difficulties or concerns early in order to act preventatively. We will always provide support and advice for families and parents/carers, whilst acting in the best interests of the student at all times. Safeguarding also includes ensuring we follow safe working practices and provide a secure learning environment for our students and staff.
Safeguarding legislation and government guidance states that safeguarding means:
- protecting children from abuse and maltreatment
- preventing harm to children’s health or development
- ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care
- taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcomes
Child protection is part of the safeguarding process. It focuses on protecting individual children identified as suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. This includes child protection procedures which detail how to respond to concerns about a child.
Schools play an essential role in protecting children from abuse. They have regular contact with children and young people so are in a strong position to identify signs of abuse and neglect.
Biddick Academy will safeguard children and young people by:
- creating safe environments for children and young people through robust safeguarding practices
- ensuring that adults who work in the Academy, including volunteers, don’t pose a risk to children
- making sure staff are trained, know how to respond to concerns and keep-up-to-date with policy and practice
- teaching children and young people about staying safe
- maintaining an environment where children and young people feel confident to approach any member of staff if they have a worry or problem.
We are an Operation Encompass Academy. This programme aims to safeguard and support children and young people who are involved in or affected by incidents involving domestic abuse.
Biddick Academy works closely with all agencies to ensure the young people in our Academy are safe. If you would like help or support, either for yourself, a family member or friend then please contact the following services:
https://www.togetherforchildren.org.uk
Together for Children works on behalf of Sunderland City Council to deliver children’s services in Sunderland.
NSPCC has a lot of information including information for parents on how to keep their children safe online.
Childline has a wealth of information, including specific information on Domestic Abuse and how to safety plan and get help.
https://www.cntw.nhs.uk/services/wear-recovery-sunderland-integrated-drug-alcohol-service/
Wear Recovery is a support service for people addicted to alcohol and other substances – self-referrals can be made.
If you would like to find out more information on how to keep your child safe online, then please look at the following websites which have a lot of child and parent friendly information.