Safeguarding is a term that means making sure learners are safe, healthy, protected from harm and enjoy positive wellbeing. Here at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group we are committed to doing everything we can to make sure all of our students (and staff) are kept safe and protected from harm.
We follow the statutory government Guidance contained in Keeping Children Safe in Education and work closely with Wakefield Safeguarding Children Partnership.
- We have clear policies and procedures in place Safeguarding Policy and Procedures
- We ensure all of our staff working for, or on behalf of the College, are suitable to work with young people carrying out all the relevant checks.
- Ensure all staff have regularly updated Safeguarding training according to their roles.
- Promote student activities and deliver sessions with safeguarding and wellbeing themes.
- Take all concerns seriously, offer support via Youth Workers (Student Wellbeing Officers) and Counsellors, or provide advice and referral to specialist agencies, or Social Care Direct where appropriate.
Prevent
Part of the College’s safeguarding duty also includes protecting vulnerable individuals from the risk of radicalisation and extremism. This is called the ‘Prevent Duty’. Prevent is a government initiative aimed at stopping people becoming involved with, or supporting violent extremism.
The government has defined extremism as: “vocal or active opposition to British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs”. The college shares and promotes these values across our community.
Lots of safeguarding advice and information is available to students via Moodle with links to relevant sources of support and buttons for reporting any concerns you may have for your own safety or that of others. You can also share concerns with a trusted tutor, Student Group Leader or the Student Experience Team.
Parents - If you are worried about a child, young person or vulnerable adult you can contact the Student Wellbeing and Safeguarding Manager in College on 01924 789755 or see information on the Wakefield Safeguarding Children Partnership website for parent’s and carers.
Where a young person or adult is in serious danger of harm outside college hours contact Wakefield Social Care Direct on 0345 8 503 503 (or your local social care team if outside Wakefield) or the police.
Radicalisation
Radicalisation is the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies. If you are worried someone close to you is becoming radicalised act early and seek help. The sooner you reach out, the quicker the person you care about can be protected from being groomed and exploited by extremists.
Police forces across the country have specially trained Prevent officers who work with professionals in health, education, local authorities and charities, as well as faith and community groups to help vulnerable people move away from extremism. They are here to listen and offer help and advice. Receiving support is voluntary.
Friends and family are best placed to spot the signs, so trust your instincts and share your concerns in confidence. They can help if you act early. You won't be wasting police time and you won’t ruin lives, but you might save them. To find out more about how to help someone close to you visit actearly.uk.
- College Contacts
Carol Price
Heart of Yorkshire Group Safeguarding LeadMichelle Jones
Deputy DSL & Children in Care DTEmail: a href="mailto:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Useful Links
Kooth
Free online counselling and support for young people.Samaritans - 116 123
If you need to talk about anything – calls are free and confidential.Karma Nirvana - 0800 5 999 247
Supporting victims of honour crimes and forced marriage.CEOP
For reporting online concerns and protection against exploitation.