Safeguarding

At Gad’s Hill School, nothing is more important than the safety and wellbeing of everyone within our community. We are proud of our strong pastoral care and the diligence with which we safeguard pupils.

Our Safeguarding Policy is regularly updated and can be found on our Policies page.

What is Safeguarding?

In line with the latest publication of Keeping Children Safe in Education, we define safeguarding as:

  • providing help and support to meet the needs of children as soon as problems emerge
  • protecting children from maltreatment, whether that is within or outside the home, including online
  • preventing the impairment of children’s mental and physical health or development
  • ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care
  • taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

Who can help in school?

All staff receive regular training in their safeguarding responsibilities and if young people are worried about something at home, at school or on the internet they can talk to any adult in the School.

We also have a team of qualified Designated Safeguarding Leads, who are trained and experienced in supporting and making referrals for those who need help. They are:

 

Mr Paul Savage

Headmaster

Miss Louise Tucker

Head of Upper School

Mrs Julia Hurren

Director of Inclusion / Acting Head of Lower School

Mrs Debbie Mills

EYFS Manager

If you have any concerns for the wellbeing of a child, you can contact the Designated Safeguarding Leads by emailing dsl@gadshillschool.org or by telephone 01474 822366.

If your concern relates to a member of staff, you should contact the Headmaster, Mr Paul Savage.

If your concern relates to the Headmaster, please contact the Chair of Governors, Mr Dean Martin.

What other help is available?

There are other sources of help and information available. These include:

Childline – 0800 1111 – www.childline.org.uk You can speak to a counsellor either on the phone or online. The number is free and will not appear on any telephone bill.

NSPCC – 0808 800 5000 A confidential number for children and young people. Free on most landlines and mobiles.

Get connected – 0808 808 4994 This is a free number for young people that gives you support and information.

Childnet – www.childnet.com This is a website that offers advice young people advice about staying safe on the internet.

CEOP – www.ceop.police.uk This website will give you advice but also allows you to report inappropriate activity on social media.

The Hideout – www.thehideout.org.uk A website which helps children and young people to understand domestic abuse, and how to take positive action if it is happening to you.

Respect Not Fear – www.respectnotfear.co.uk This website contains information about respect in relationships.

In addition, you can access links to further support services on our Pastoral Care page.