Safeguarding
At New Leaf Centre we believe that it is always unacceptable for a child or young person to experience abuse of any kind. We understand that young people can experience abuse in many different ways. This can range from not meeting basic everyday needs to being physically hurt.
It is our expectation that all pupils know that abuse in any form is not acceptable, and that all members of staff are available to help and listen, at any given time. We recognise that safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people is everyone’s responsibility. We follow Walsall Safeguarding Partnership procedures and acknowledge that the welfare of the child is at the centre of all decisions.
At New Leaf Centre it is our duty to respond promptly and appropriately to all concerns, incidents or allegations of abuse or neglect of a child. We work in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies. Our statutory duties and supporting guidance are set out in Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 and Keeping Children Safe in Education 2020.
Keeping Children Safe in Education
Working together to safeguard children inter agency guidance.
The NSPCC new helpline for people who have experienced sexual harassment or abuse in education
We’re launching a dedicated helpline for children and young people who have experienced sexual harassment or abuse at school, and for worried adults and professionals that need support and guidance.
Our new NSPCC helpline, Report Abuse in Education, will launch on 1 April. Working with the Department for Education (DfE), who have commissioned us on this initiative, we will run the bespoke helpline to provide appropriate support and advice to victims of abuse and harassment, and concerned adults, including onward action such as contacting the police if they wish to.
This dedicated helpline will offer support to:
- all children and young people making current and non-recent disclosures of sexual harassment or abuse on school grounds within school time, and incidents linked to school in any capacity
- any children or young people who want to talk about being involved or witnessing any incidents
- any adults who have experienced non-recent abuse
- parents and carers who have any concerns about their own or other children
- professionals who work in schools and need support in this or related issues.
Anyone who gets in touch through this dedicated helpline will also be signposted to other relevant support services available, including Childline - which provides ongoing support and counselling to children and young people.
The Report Abuse in Education helpline comes after a high number of anonymous testimonials were submitted to the Everyone’s Invited website, documenting abuse in all types of schools, colleges, and universities.
We will also continue to respond to the needs of children, schools, and others affected through our other services, including our e-learning, training courses, and consultancy for schools. Our work looks to prevent child abuse and make sure children have the support they need.
We will continue our policy and lobbying work to ensure that the introduction of compulsory relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) in schools delivers change. We want the Government to invest in high-quality training and support so teachers are confident and equipped to deliver RSHE lessons in their classrooms. We will also continue to advocate for a whole-school approach to tackling abuse where school communities challenge damaging norms and unhealthy attitudes about sexual behaviour so all schools are safe places for young people.
Young people and adults can contact the NSPCC helpline, Report Abuse in Education on 0800 136 663 or email [email protected]
Walsall Mental Health Information Hub
Walsall Safeguarding Partnership have provided information and resources on the Adult Mental Health Information Hub (specifically around the suicide prevention/zero suicide agenda) with some signposting, including services for young people too. It has a strong focus on our Think Family approach, and also being aware and supportive of our colleagues wellbeing
Online Safety
We aim to help children stay safe online. Has someone acted inappropriately to you online? – you can report it to CEOP.
Here is a great resource for safer internet day https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2024/parents-and-carers
Please be aware of internet safety too, especially with the current climate. Children are spending much more time either gaming, or browsing the internet, here is some tips and advice on staying safe online. https://www.ltai.info/staying-safe-online/
Report Terrorist or extremist content online.
If you’ve seen or heard something that could potentially be related to terrorism, trust your instincts and report it. Your actions could save lives.
PREVENT
Outcome Star
An Outcome Star and Teen Star is a worksheet designed to be used with young people. It is a positive, helpful process that supports young people to look at 6 different areas of their life and agree actions with support from their family support worker. The Outcome Star supports growth in education and realistic goals for our children’s futures.
We will always gain your consent prior to completing an Outcome Star and your child will be supported by a trained member of staff to complete each of the 6 areas of the outcome star. They will then score themselves through a journey of change and agree their own action plan.
