Safeguarding Principles
St Bede’s Catholic High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the health, safety and well-being of every student. We expect all staff, governors and volunteers to share this commitment.
We have a number of policies and procedures in place that contribute to our safeguarding commitment, including our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, which can be viewed here: Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy. We listen to our students and take seriously what they tell us. Students are made aware that they can talk to any adult in school if they have any concerns. All staff are trained in safeguarding and receive regular safeguarding updates, including the signs and indicators that a child may be being harmed or at risk of harm and the procedure to record and report any student disclosures.
St Bede’s High School also has a statutory responsibility to share any concerns it might have about a child in need of protection with other agencies and in particular police, health and children’s services. Schools are not able to investigate child protection concerns but have a legal duty to refer them. In most instances, St Bede’s will be able to inform the parents/carer of its need to make a referral. However, sometimes the school is advised by children’s services or police that the parent/carer cannot be informed whilst they investigate the matter. We understand the anxiety parents/carers feel when they are not told about any concerns from the outset however, we must act upon the advice given to us in the best interest of the child. If you have any safeguarding concerns please contact Mr M Wilde (m.wilde@sbchs.co.uk) or any member of the school safeguarding team (admin@sbchs.co.uk) or 01695 570335.
Guidance and Support
The Pastoral Team is made up of a team of Year Leaders and our Pastoral Manager. They can offer support to students and parents/carers creating a positive link between home and school. Year Leaders will discuss overall academic progress, emotional wellbeing and they can direct you to the support we have in school.
We also have a school chaplain who offers supports children in their faith journeys, as well as being a member of our team who offers a listening ear and a safe space. As our chaplain, Jacinta, arranges our liturgical celebrations and ensures all children enjoy a formational and often transformational experience. Jacinta also works to champion mental health across the school across all year groups.
Operation Encompass
In conjunction with Lancashire Police, St Bede’s High School is involved in an initiative called Operation Encompass. The purpose of Operation Encompass is to safeguard and support children and young people who have been involved in, heard or witnessed a domestic abuse incident. Following such an incident, children will often arrive at school distressed, upset, worried and unprepared. Operation Encompass aims to ensure that appropriate school staff (Key Adults) are made aware early enough to support children and young people in a way that means they feel safe and included. At St Bede’s High School, our Key Adult is Mr Wilde, Designated Safeguarding Lead. This is a valuable initiative that means we can continue to support and help children and families within our school community when they need it most. You can find out more information by visiting: www.operationencompass.org or by contacting Mr Wilde
Young Minds offers support and Information on child and adolescent mental health. Services for parents and professionals. Phone: Parents’ helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)
Parent & Carer Wellbeing
The NHS website is a great source of support for the mental health needs. Visit the site below for further information.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/improve-mental-wellbeing/
Further helplines for conditions such as Stress, Anxiety and Depression can be found on the following links:
