Safeguarding

Our wider understanding of safeguarding in the context of Waltham Forest and London enables staff to identify and report concerns which are contextual to the pupils and families of which we serve.

Therefore our team at Heathcote School will endeavour to: 

• Ensure our approach is child-centred, considering always what is in the best interest of the child
• Safeguard children both preventatively and responsively 
• Ensure the suitability of adults who have contact with children
• Promote good health, effective management of medical conditions, and the development of self-care in children & young people
• Have clear standards of behaviour for staff / volunteers and children / young people
• Manage behaviour by anticipating possible concerns, prevention strategies, and conduct clear, fair responses to challenging behaviour 
• Maintain records that document safeguarding concerns over time, including low-level worries about a child or young person that together may paint a picture of concern
• Ensure that all policies and procedures relating to safeguarding and wellbeing are updated annually in collaboration with the board of governors.

Occasionally our duties as a school take on a child protection role. Such processes will take a priority when we feel or are informed that a child is in danger or imminent risk or harm. 

Such circumstances would be in relation to the following;

• Protecting children from maltreatment
• Preventing 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.

Heathcote School may be the only stable, secure, and safe element in the lives of children at risk of, or who have suffered harm. Nevertheless, whilst at school, their behaviour may be challenging and defiant, or they may instead be withdrawn, or display abusive behaviours towards other children. We recognise that some children may abuse their peers and any incidents of child-on-child abuse will be managed in the same way as any other child protection concern and will follow the same procedures.  We will seek advice and support from other agencies as appropriate and work with the families of those involved.

We take particular note of sexual violence/harm or harassment that takes place at Heathcote School ensuring that all disclosures are taken seriously and that pupils are given support, reassurance, and information about laws in place to protect them from sexual violence and sexual harassment.  Where possible, support to the victim and any disciplinary action will be maintained at the same time as appropriate and on a case-by-case basis. This will be determined by risk assessment, liaison with the Waltham Forest Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub, the child’s family and with consideration of the victim’s needs. 

Staff at Heathcote School understand the changing aspects of safeguarding for young people and we recognise the impact that the internet and more specifically social media use has on young people. Pupils are taught about their responsibilities and expectations whilst in the online space and staff are trained to identify online risks and the safeguarding of pupils.

At Heathcote School we educate pupils to identify harmful behaviours and support their peers through ‘allyship’ whilst reporting concerns straight away to staff members.   

The broad risks that children and young people can be exposed to is ever changing. As a school we embrace our role in teaching and educating our pupils about various risks and ways that they can minimise their exposure to such safeguarding concerns. The safeguarding aspects of the pastoral programme delivered through assemblies and tutorial sessions are complemented with safeguarding workshops and presentations throughout the year, many of which are delivered by external, partner agencies.   

Heathcote School works closely alongside our professional partners in the London Borough of Waltham Forest and other local authorities housing our families. We access provisions across Waltham Forest to assist us in educating and safeguarding our young people and their families.

Throughout their journey at Heathcote,our pupils will be educated on the following topics and concerns;;

• Substance misuse
• Female Genital mutilation
• Social Media/Online Safety
• Grooming and Child Criminal Exploitation(CCE)
• Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Serious Youth Violence and Weapons awareness
• Hate Crime
• Misogyny and Violence against Women and Girls
• Stop and Search – rights of young people
• Radicalisation and Extremism
• Conflict resolution and Healthy Relationships
• Consent and Harmful Sexual behaviours

If we require advice or further support around the welfare of a child we contact the Waltham Forest Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (Wf MASH) on the details below;

• Call 020 8496 2310 (during office hours) or
• Call 020 8496 3000 (out of office hours)
•  alternatively, email MASHrequests@walthamforest.gov.uk

In the instance that you have a concern about a child in Waltham Forest, if it is an emergency contact the police on 999. In the event of a concern locally contact the WF MASH team on the above details or the NSPCC via the contacts below;

 NSPCC Helpline- 0808 800 5000 or

 email- help@NSPCC.org.uk

 or completing our report abuse online form.