Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility
Safeguarding is an integral part of our life at Northfield Manor and is everyone’s responsibility. All Northfield Manor staff receive yearly training to help them to recognise abuse and to promote the welfare of our children. All staff and Academy Councillors are asked to read and sign to say that they understand the most recent version of Keeping Children Safe in Education document on a yearly basis.
It is important for children to feel safe. Our day-to-day practices, our curriculum and through the use of specialist organisations help empower our children by teaching them how to recognise abuse, stay safe on and offline and to use their voices to speak out. Children are encouraged to talk to a trusted adult if they are worried about anything.
At Northfield Manor, we have a pastoral care team to support children’s well-being, behavioural and emotional needs.
At times, we may need to share information, get advice or work in partnership with other agencies if we are concerned about a child’s welfare. We believe it is always better to be transparent with all parties at these times and work together to achieve the best outcomes.
There may be times when you need extra help and support. If this is the case, please come and talk to us. There are many ways in which we can help.
What You Can Do
Parents and carers play a role in safeguarding children in their community. If you have any concerns, no matter how small, you should report them to someone who you trust will listen. The school is
required to have a Designated Child Protection officer for this purpose. Parents and children should speak to the safeguarding officer if they have any concerns about a child or staff member. Pastoral support can be also offered to help any child.
If you think a child or young person may be in immediate danger, call 999. Otherwise contact Birmingham Childrens Trust Duty Team: 0121 303 1888 – Emergency Out of Hours: 0121 675 4806
www.birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk – Birmingham Children’s Trust (previously called children’s services) exists to make a positive difference for children, young people and families across the city.
Safeguarding Policies
Early Help Family Support
A range of sectors are working together in our locality to provide early help and support to families. These include the community, voluntary and faith sectors, health services, family support, social work, police, schools, education providers, further education institutions, nurseries, children’s centres, health visitors, GPs, and West Midlands Police.
Partners are collaborating to offer timely support to families seeking early help. These conversations focus on initial support for a variety of issues, including access to food and fuel, cost of living pressures, mental health, parenting challenges, domestic abuse, housing needs, and loneliness, among others.
You can also contact Mrs Sheldon for advice and support.
Getting Help for a Family
Use the links below to find out about a range of help which can accessed through your local Early Help Locality Hub.
The Waiting Room
A one stop directory for health and wellbeing services across Birmingham and Solihull.
From Birmingham with Love
A simple list of universal early help that is available from partners for all families. The information can be viewed online or downloaded as a flyer, available in different languages.
To gain access to local support in your area you can complete the Family Connect Form by following link below or contact Mrs Sheldon for support.
Online Safety
With all the different means of accessing the internet, we know children and young people may spend more time online, especially as a result of the pandemic and lockdowns. The internet is an amazing resource and increasingly younger children are using it. It enables children and young people to connect, communicate, learn and be creative in a number of different ways on a range of devices. However, the internet is always changing and being able to keep up to date with your children’s use of technology can be a challenge. You may sometimes feel that your children have better technical skills than you do, however, children and young people still need advice and protection when it comes to managing their lives online. Please view the parentsafe website for further information.
Thinkuknow is the national online safety education programme from the National Crime Agency. Thinkuknow offers learning activities, advice and support for children and young people aged 4-18 and their families. The for 4s to 7s will help you start a conversation about online safety and for 8s to 10s, there’s the Play Like Share animations. Visit thinkuknow for further information on keeping your child safe online.
Other Useful Safeguarding Websites
Childline A free, private and confidential service where you can talk about anything. Whatever your worry, whenever you need help, we’re here for you online, on the phone, anytime.
NSPCC
NSPCC stands for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. It means that each of us has a responsibility to keep childhood free from abuse, and we must do everything possible to protect children and prevent it from happening.
Barnardos
Support and protect children and young people facing a wide range of issues, from drug misuse to disability, from sexual abuse to domestic violence.
The PANTS / Underwear Rule
Guidance for parents on how to talk to your child about keeping themselves safe from sexual abuse.
Anti-Bullying Alliance The Anti-Bullying Alliance
Anti-Bullying Alliance The Anti-Bullying Alliance is a coalition of organisations and individuals that are united against bullying.
Kidscape
Kidscape is an award-winning bullying prevention charity. Established in 1985, who support children and their families across England and Wales to challenge bullying and to have happy, healthy relationships.
CEOPs Thinkuknow
Thinkuknow is the education programme from NCA-CEOP, a UK organisation which protects children both online and offline
Internet Matters
Internet matters supports parents with comprehensive resources and expert guidance to help them navigate the ever changing world of child internet safety.