At Kingsmead, we want you to feel safe, looked after, and happy both in school and outside of it. If something is worrying you, or if you feel uncomfortable, please tell us. Sometimes we don’t always know if something bad is happening, so we need you to speak up.
Remember – you do NOT have to keep your worries a secret!
Our school has a Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy for staff, families, and Trustees, this is available on our school website. This student-friendly version is written for you – our students – to make it easier to understand. This is a simplified version of the main policy, which is longer and more detailed, but it includes everything that’s important for you to know.
This policy is here to help you understand what might be a problem and where you can get
help and support. It’s really important that you know who you can talk to if something is worrying you. It’s also important to understand why you might need to talk to someone about your concerns.
You may have heard the term DSL, but what does it mean? DSL stands for Designated Safeguarding Lead. This is the person in our school who has the responsibility for keeping you safe. All school staff have a duty to tell the DSL if they are worried about your safety or well-being.
Our staff are trained to keep children and young people safe, and safeguarding is their most important job. The DSL works with a safeguarding team, and you can talk to anyone in this team if you are worried about something.
The Safeguarding Team at Kingsmead includes:
Safeguarding Team: Everyone is responsible for safeguarding who works in the school!
Has someone said something or done something to you, or have you seen or heard something that upset or scared you? You must tell someone at school so we can help you.
Has someone touched you in a way you don’t like, such as on your bottom, private parts, chest, or anywhere else? It is never okay for anyone to touch you in a way that makes you uncomfortable. People who do this may lie to you to make you scared and stop you from telling anyone. But you must tell someone at school, and we will make sure you are supported and kept safe.
Has someone offered you something, like a tablet, cigarettes, vapes, or something to eat or drink, and you don’t know what it is? Do NOT eat, drink, or smoke anything that someone tries to give you. Tell someone at school straight away.
Has someone hurt you in any way, such as hitting, kicking, or pushing you? It is never okay for anyone to hurt you or make you feel frightened. You must tell someone at school so we can make sure it stops.
If you are worried about something or if you see someone else who is in trouble, you can talk to
We take your safety very seriously. All staff at our academy are trained to understand how to keep you safe, and there’s always someone you can talk to if you need help. The Principal is here to support all students and families if any concerns arise. We promise to do everything we can to keep you safe and make sure you feel cared for.
What Happens If You Tell Someone About Your Worries?
If you talk to an adult about your worries, they might need to check things with the DSL. If they can, they will handle the situation themselves. Please understand that staff and the DSL just want to help you feel safe and supported. Only people who need to know will be told about what you’ve shared so that you can be looked after properly.
There may be times when the academy needs to involve other agencies, like Children’s Social Care (Social Workers) or the Police, to make sure you are protected. This is because schools can’t handle everything alone, and there are other professionals who are trained to help in these situations.
Although this might sound a little bit scary, remember that Social Workers and Police officers are trained professionals who are excellent at helping children. There are also other agencies, like Youth Workers, Mentors, and Family Support Workers, who can assist you and your family. Don’t worry — the DSL will talk to you and explain everything, and you can always ask them questions if you are unsure about anything.
