Child Protection and Safeguarding

Beckfoot School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all children regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.  The school provides a caring, positive safe and stimulating environment that promotes spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. We nurture remarkable learning environments, where everyone works together enthusiastically to create a positive, creative and caring culture.

We recognise that all adults in school have a full and active part to play in protecting our children from harm, and that the child or young person’s welfare is our paramount concern.  We ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate training to recognise, identify and respond to safeguarding concerns relating to young people.  All necessary steps are taken to ensure that adults in school are working in a safe way.

Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child or young person’s welfare.  We will ensure that concerns about our children are discussed with their parents/carers, unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child’s welfare. Confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored.

Our safeguarding curriculum helps children stay safe, recognise when they don’t feel safe and identify who they might/can talk to. Suitable support and guidance is provided so that learners know they have a range of appropriate adults to approach if they feel in need of assistance.

We ensure safeguarding practice at Beckfoot School reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice. For more details please refer to Beckfoot Trust's Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy.

We have a dedicated team of specially trained adults in school who support safeguarding.  If you have concerns about a child’s welfare, you should contact one of our Safeguarding Team: 

• Alex Denham (Deputy Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead)   
• Helen Backhouse (Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead) 
• Aieshah Ickringill (Assistant Headteacher, KS3 named lead) 
• Frances Wade (Assistant Headteacher, KS4 named lead) 
• Glenn Wright (Associate Head, KS5 named lead) 
• Mike Barnes (SENDCo) 
• Jack Wheeler (Year 11 named person)
• Helen Backhouse (Year 10 named person) 
  
• Alex Denham (Year 9 named person) 
• Junaid Khan (Year 8 named person) 
• Manny Mehmood (Year 7 named person) 
• Lauren Bannon (KS5 named person) 
• Kayleigh Towers (KS5 named person) 

You can also contact Bradford Council’s Children’s Social Care service if you are still worried about a child. During office hours (8.30am - 5pm Monday to Thursday, 4.30pm on Friday) call Children’s Social Services Initial Contact Point on 01274 437500.

At all other times, call Social Services Emergency Duty Team on 01274 431010.

If you have reason to believe that a child is at IMMEDIATE RISK OF HARM, contact the police on 999.

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Relevant school policies

• RSE Policy
• Beckfoot Local Behaviour Protocol
• Beckfoot Attendance Policy
• Beckfoot Child Protection and Safeguarding Protocol

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Other Sources of Information

• NSPCC: The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty To Children: NSPCC
• Helpline for young people: Childline
• Online safety: Thinkuknow | https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/ | National Online Safety
• Crime stoppers for young people: Fearless
• Mental health support for young people: YoungMinds

• Virtual reality headsets - Understand the risks and help children to use headsets safely: NSPCC advice