What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding means protecting a citizen’s health, wellbeing, and human rights; enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. It is an integral part of providing high-quality care within schools. We have both a statutory obligation and a moral responsibility to make sure that we address, challenge and report any instances where it is felt that this is not happening.

Our safeguarding practice in school is of the highest standard and is consistent with Westcountry Schools Trust, the Plymouth Safeguarding Children Board (PSCB), as well as Ofsted regulations. We work under the guidance of the Working Together to Safeguard Children’s Act and Keeping Children Safe in Education.

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At Hele’s School, the Designated Safeguarding Leads are:

You are welcome to contact any member of the Safeguarding Team using the following email address:

safeguarding@hls.westst.org.uk

To read the current Safeguarding and Attendance Policies please click here.

You can find our E-Safety hub by clicking here

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Safeguarding information for visitors to Hele’s School

Safeguarding is our main priority at Hele’s School. All of our students have the right to feel safe in every aspect of their lives and to thrive in an environment where they feel that they are being listened to. We support students in being aware of the key safeguarding issues through our curriculum and other key events throughout the year.   We encourage our students to look out for each other in addition to themselves, to make sure we are all doing our very best to make sure everyone is safe and supported. Students are always shown how to report issues/concerns and the difference doing this can make. A safeguarding visitors leaflet is available at Main Reception and distributed to all visitors to the school site.

Safeguarding information for students

We are a telling community.

'Tell Us Now' is available for students to raise any concerns or worries either for yourself or others. Click here to report any concerns you may have for yourself or others.

As a school, we are committed to ensuring that our students feel and understand how to keep themselves and others safe.

If you’re worried about your mental health, you are not alone. It can affect us in different ways. However, the way that you are feeling right now is valid and we are here to help you.

We understand that you might need someone to talk to in person about how you are feeling. Talk to your Pastoral Support Manager or Head of Year if you feel you will benefit from this. We do also have 1-to-1 counselling and emotional support in school.

Safeguarding information for parents

Parents - Who to talk to?

If you are worried or concerned about your child or another child, please contact our Safeguarding Team via the email below, where we will try to answer any questions. You will also find emails for Heads of Year and Pastoral Support Managers here

safeguarding@hls.westst.org.uk

Raising Safeguarding Concerns

If you're worried about a child or young person or think they're being abused, even if you're unsure, call Plymouth’s Families First team on 01752 668000 or email familiesfirst@plymouth.gov.uk.

The service is made up of multi-agency professionals who can give you advice, information and support.

They are available:

• 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
• 9am to 5pm Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays

An emergency on-call duty service is available for overnight enquiries.

You can also contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.  If a child, young person or an adult is at immediate risk of harm, please contact 999.

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Where to Get Support

Our policies and procedures are consistent with South West Child Protection procedures and respond to the statutory guidance outlined in Keeping Children Safe In Education.

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Parental Conflict

If you feel you are experiencing, or at risk of, Domestic Abuse please see www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk or www.womensaid.org.uk