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Safeguarding

At Blackbrook School, we are committed to the continuous safeguarding of our children and families and promote the ethos that:

Safeguarding is EVERYONE'S responsibility.

Blackbrook School recognises that high self-esteem, confidence, supportive friendships and clear lines of communication with trusted adults help children to feel safe, secure and supported.

How We Keep Children Safe

At Blackbrook School, we have:

  • An ethos where children feel secure, are encouraged to talk and are listened to. This is inherent within our school values.
  • Established that pupils know there are trusted adults in school whom they can approach if they are worried or experiencing difficulties.
  • Included within our curriculum the knowledge and skills children need to keep themselves and others safe, including when online, and how and where to seek help if they are worried.
  • Ensured that, wherever possible, effective working relationships are established with parents, carers and external agencies to support children and families.

All staff receive safeguarding and child protection training, including online safety, as part of their induction. Training is regularly updated, and all staff receive safeguarding updates throughout the year and at least annually.

The Safeguarding Team

If any member of the school community has concerns about the welfare of a child, they should report these concerns immediately.

You can:

  • Speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team in person.
  • Contact the school office and request a call back from a member of the Safeguarding Team.
  • Email safeguarding@blackbrook.oak (this inbox is accessible to the DSL & DDSL)
  • Complete our online safeguarding concern form using the link below.

To report a safeguarding or welfare concern about a pupil or family at Blackbrook School, you can complete this online form. This information will be handled sensitively and is only viewable to the Safeguarding Team. 

This poster is displayed around the school site to inform colleagues and visitors.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Mr Daniel Seviour (Headteacher)

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs)

Kelly Brooks (Behaviour & Pastoral Lead and Deputy DSL)

Safeguarding Governor

Sue Morkane

Follow the Rainbow

The Safeguarding Team includes trained members of staff who work closely with children, families and external agencies to ensure that every child is safe, supported and able to thrive.

Children are encouraged to speak to any trusted adult in school. They are also encouraged to "Follow the Rainbow". Members of the Safeguarding Team are easily identifiable through their rainbow lanyards and are always available to listen and help. Children are reminded through whole-school and phase assemblies that all adults in school are here to make them feel safe and that the adults who wear rainbow lanyards help the adults with this. 

Reporting a Concern

If you have a concern about the safety or welfare of a child, please speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team immediately.

To report a safeguarding or welfare concern about a pupil or family at Blackbrook School, you can:

  • complete our online form
  • speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team in-person
  • email safeguarding@blackbrook.oak.education
  • phone the school office and request a call back from a member of the safeguarding team

Any information shared will be handled sensitively and will only be accessed by appropriate members of the Safeguarding Team.

Is a Child in Immediate Danger?

If you are worried about a child or young person who may be at risk of harm, please contact:

  • Children's Social Care: 0300 123 2224
  • Email: childrens@somerset.gov.uk
  • Police: 101
  • Emergency: 999
  • Emergency Duty Team (out of hours): 0300 123 23 27

You can also report concerns about online sexual abuse or exploitation through CEOP:

https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/

Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

If you have concerns about the behaviour of someone working or volunteering with children, please contact the school Safeguarding Team. You can also contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

 

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy contains detailed information about safeguarding arrangements, roles and responsibilities, procedures and guidance.

View our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy here

Child-on-Child Abuse

Blackbrook School recognises that children can abuse other children, both in person and online.

We take all concerns and reports seriously and encourage children to speak to a trusted adult or a member of the Safeguarding Team if something has happened that has made them feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

We are committed to ensuring that all children feel safe, respected and supported.

Online Safety

Keeping children safe online is an important part of safeguarding at Blackbrook School.

We teach children how to use technology safely and responsibly and have appropriate filtering and monitoring systems in place across our school network and devices.

Our safeguarding arrangements recognise evolving online risks, including:

  • Cyberbullying
  • Harmful online content
  • Online exploitation and grooming
  • Unsafe online contact
  • Sharing of images and personal information
  • Online scams and fraud
  • Risks associated with emerging technologies, including generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Further information can be found in our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

Early Help and Family Support

We recognise that families may sometimes benefit from additional support before difficulties escalate.

Our Safeguarding and Pastoral Teams can help families access appropriate early help services and, where necessary, work alongside other agencies to ensure children and families receive the right support at the right time.

If you feel your family may benefit from additional support, please contact the school and ask to speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team.

Support for Children and Families

Our Safeguarding Team is always happy to offer advice and support. The following organisations also provide useful information and guidance for children, young people and families:

NSPCC

Support and advice for parents and carers.

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/

Childline

Confidential support for children and young people.

https://www.childline.org.uk/

CEOP

Help and advice regarding online safety and reporting online abuse.

https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/

 

At Blackbrook School, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to working in partnership with children, families and the wider community to ensure every child is safe, happy and able to thrive.