Keeping Children Safe

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.

Click the link to see the full document:

Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 (Part 1)

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# 

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 we 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 us using 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 Powell 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

 We all know the importance of teaching children how to KEEP SAFE, in EVERY WAY. 

Your Journey to School:

Please talk to your children about the importance of holding your hand on the way in to school. ALWAYS use the pedestrian gate together and NEVER encourage your child to use the vehicle gate.

Accidents WILL happen if you use this gate.

Your Journey to School:

 Our Golden Rules are:

We are kind

We are safe

We are ready to learn 

Please talk to your children about the importance of each rule and how it helps to keep everyone safe. You will see these posters displayed around Nursery. 

Internet Safety:

An increasing number of 3-4 year olds now have access to digital devices without adult supervision. 

We will be teaching your children INTERNET SAFETY using the character "Smartie the Penguin". Please have a look at the links below...

www.childnet.com/resources/smartiethepenguin 

www.internetmatters.org

Please use these resources at home with your children. 

Many children are copying violent language and behaviours from online gaming.

BE CAREFUL about what your child is seeing at home and always monitor their use of any digital devices.