Child Protection: Safeguarding children - Information for Parents

At Albert Village, we believe it is of the utmost importance to have excellent systems for protecting children and safeguarding their welfare, throughout all the activities which the school undertakes. This means that staff and volunteers must be alert to possible concerns about every pupil, and to report these in a proper fashion. We have a safeguarding and child protection policy: parents may request a copy of this and it is available from the office.

It is important for parents to be aware that:

• Staff and volunteers in the school have a duty to report concerns about a child, whether this means the child may be in need of additional support or help of some kind or whether it is thought that a child may have been abused or be at risk of abuse.
• There are four categories of abuse: physical, sexual, emotional, neglect.
• In some cases the school is obliged to refer children to children's social care staff, for children to be assessed for their needs or if an investigation into possible child abuse is required. In many cases there will already have been discussions between school staff and the parents of the child, and the situation and concerns will not be a surprise to the parents. However, parents may not be told that the school has referred their child to children's social care if it is thought that this might put the child at risk.
• Children's social care tries to carry out its enquiries in a sensitive fashion. It has to gather information and generally it can be open with parents about the steps being taken.
• If you think your child may have been abused you can contact the children's social care office or the Local Authority's Allegations Manager, Safeguarding unit direct. If you think the abuse may have happened in school, contact the Headteacher or the Designated Senior Person for Child Protection, who is Mrs Lott. If you think your child has been hurt, arrange to visit your doctor. Comfort and reassure your child.
• If school staff need to express concerns about a child or refer a child to children's social care, it is understood that this can cause distress or anger for the child's parents. It is important that all parties - parents and school staff - try to discuss these matters as calmly and sensibly as possible

Please look at the links below for advice and support to help with parenting school children. Advice ranging from health and social issues, to parenting advice and help with what to do to help your child through school and after school.

NSPCC Pants
Talk PANTS is a simple conversation to help keep your child safe from sexual abuse. 
Childline 
A free, private and confidential service where children can talk about anything. 
Anti-bullying Alliance 
A wealth of resources and support promoting anti-bullying. 
BBC Own It
A website full of games, videos and resources to promote positive emotional wellbeing. 
Young Minds 
A website to support parents and carers with their child’s behaviour and mental health. 
NWG Network 
Information for parents and carers and child sexual exploitation
HappyMaps 
A website with a wealth of resources to support children’s behaviour and mental health

Relate – Parenting teenagers
Parenting teenagers can be challenging and many parents find it hard to adapt to changes in their child’s behaviour as they grow up. Here you’ll find lots of practical advice on how to deal with common teen issues.
Family Lives – Parenting teenagers
Parenting teenagers can be difficult but teens still need you. Read advice pages on what teenagers need from their parents and how to improve the parent teenager relationship.
Mumsnet – Parenting teenagers
Parenting teenagers can be the hardest job in the world. Here is some Mumsnet advice about the thrills and spills of parenting teenagers.
NHS – coping with your teenager
Information and advice for parents on dealing with their teenager, including what changes children go through in their teenage years, and how to deal with challenging teenage behaviour.

NSPCC – Drugs and Alcohol
Lots of parents are concerned about underage drinking and drug taking. Find out how you can keep your child safe and aware of the risks.
Careers advice for parents
Careers Advice for UK parents, young people, school leavers, A Level students, teenagers. Independent, informative & accurate.
Careers helpline for teenagers
Call the National Careers Service helpline for information and advice about jobs, careers and training if you’re 13 or older.