Rawlins is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The Academy’s Child Protection Policy can be found via the policies page.
If you are concerned about a child, or want advice/guidance, you can contact the NSPCC helpline here: NSPCC Helpline | NSPCC
As part of our curriculum and tutor programme, safeguarding, welfare and mental health issues are discussed with pupils but it is important that parents are also fully aware of potential safeguarding risks. The following information is designed to support the safety of our young people.
The internet is a fantastic resource; it provides a wealth of information that can support young people to communicate, stay connected and with their learning. In school we take online safety very seriously, educating and enabling young people to understand the dangers present and manage/avoid the risks, throughout all areas of the curriculum.
As parents/carers you also have a significant role in ensuring that children stay safe online. With an internet that is continually evolving, we appreciate that it can be difficult to stay on top of the wide range of sites and devices that young people use. However, children and young people still need your support, advice and protection when it comes to managing their lives online and navigating the potential risks.
Below we have provided a number of links relating to online safety that you may find useful:
Other sources of information include:
We have an Acceptable Use Policy that aims to ensure safe use of the internet and school IT equipment. The relevant part for parents has been copied below:
7.1 Access to ICT facilities and materials
Parents do not have access to the school’s ICT facilities as a matter of course. However, parents working for, or with, the school in an official capacity (for instance, as a volunteer or as a member of the PTA) may be granted an appropriate level of access, or be permitted to use the school’s facilities at the Principal’s discretion. Where parents are granted access in this way, they must abide by this policy as it applies to staff.
7.2 Communicating with or about the school online
We believe it is important to model for pupils, and help them learn, how to communicate respectfully with, and about, others online. Parents play a vital role in helping model this behaviour for their children, especially when communicating with the school through our website and social media channels.
If you are concerned that your child is at risk online, please contact Rawlins and ask to speak to a Designated Safeguarding Lead or email safeguarding@rawlins.embracemat.org
CSE is a form of sexual abuse that involves the manipulation or coercion of young people under the age of 18 into sexual activity. The following websites offer guidance so that parents and carers feel more aware of the potential signs of CSE and the support available
Keeping it Together: A Parent’s Guide to Coping with Child Sexual Exploitation
Keeping it Together: A Parent’s Guide to Coping with Child Sexual Exploitation
If you are concerned that your child is at risk of CSE, please contact Rawlins and ask to speak to a Designated Safeguarding Lead or email safeguarding@rawlins.embracemat.org
Child criminal exploitation (CCE) is a growing issue where gangs target vulnerable children to get them to carry out criminal activity. County lines, a form of CCE, is a term used when drug gangs from big cities expand their operations to smaller towns, often using violence to drive out local dealers and exploiting children and vulnerable people to sell drugs. The following websites offer support and information for parents.
Please be aware of the following free course aimed at parents, which allows you to spot the signs of potential exploitation: https://paceuk.info/training/keep-them-safe/
If you are concerned that your child is being coerced into criminal activity, please contact Rawlins and ask to speak to a Designated Safeguarding Lead or email safeguarding@rawlins.embracemat.org
The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 details the ‘Prevent Duty’ for schools which equips us with the knowledge we need to look out for signs of potential extremist or radicalised behaviour. As parents, you may find the following websites and documents useful:
If you are concerned that your child is being coerced into criminal activity, please contact Rawlins and ask to speak to a Designated Safeguarding Lead or email safeguarding@rawlins.embracemat.org
As part of our statutory duty to promote students’ wellbeing, Rawlins has a clear role to play in preventing drug and alcohol misuse. At some point in their lives, your child may come into contact with drugs or alcohol. By talking openly about the risks, your influence can mean they make the right choices.
The following websites offers guidance and support for parents and students.
If you are concerned that your child is at risk of addiction, please contact Rawlins and ask to speak to a Designated Safeguarding Lead or email safeguarding@rawlins.embracemat.org
Domestic violence is threats, violence or abuse between people in a relationship together. Domestic Abuse takes many forms including psychological, physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse. Further information and support can be accessed on the following websites:
If you have concerns around the impact of Domestic Abuse on your child, please contact Rawlins and ask to speak to a Designated Safeguarding Lead or email safeguarding@rawlins.embracemat.org
We have a range of programmes in school as well as visiting support workers aimed at supporting our pupils with their Social, Emotional and Mental Health.
To discuss a referral to an in-school programme or an outreach worker, please contact your child’s Head of Year.
We are proud to be part of Operation Encompass, a national initiative that supports children and young people who may be affected by domestic abuse.
When police attend a domestic abuse incident, they notify the school’s trained Designated Safeguarding Lead before the start of the next school day. This ensures that staff who know the child best can offer immediate support, understanding, and care.
Being part of Operation Encompass allows us to:
Provide timely help for pupils experiencing difficulties.
Recognise and respond to changes in behaviour or wellbeing.
Offer a safe space and trusted adults in school.
Work closely with families and external agencies to keep children sa
Our safeguarding team is trained to handle information sensitively and confidentially, always acting in the best interests of the child.
For more information, visit https://www.operationencompass.org/
Anti-bullying
Bereavement
Counselling/therapy/emotional support
Divorce and Separation
Eating Disorders
Family Mediation
Hate Crime (incuding misogynism)
Self Harm
Support for families
