Information for Parents and Carers

At Eastern High, the safety and wellbeing of our pupils is our highest priority. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where all children feel protected and able to thrive.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we work in close partnership with parents, carers and external agencies to keep children safe.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

We aim to ensure that all pupils:

• Feel safe, listened to and respected
• Know who to talk to if they are worried
• Are protected from harm, abuse and neglect
• Receive support when they need it

Safeguarding includes children’s safety:

• In school
• At home
• Online
• In the wider community

Who Is Responsible?

• All staff, volunteers and governors receive safeguarding training
• The school has Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) who take responsibility for child protection concerns
• The Governing Body oversees safeguarding arrangements and policy review

Details of the school’s safeguarding leads are available from the school office and the full Child Protection Policy.

How We Keep Children Safe

We promote safeguarding through:

• A positive school culture based on respect and care
• A curriculum that teaches children how to stay safe and healthy
• Robust safe recruitment procedures, including DBS checks
• Clear procedures for reporting and responding to concerns
• Monitoring of attendance, behaviour and wellbeing
• Close working with Children’s Services, Health and other partners when required

Recognising Concerns

Staff are trained to identify signs that a child may need help or protection, such as:

• Changes in behaviour or mood
• Injuries or physical concerns
• Emotional distress or anxiety
• Bullying or peer‑on‑peer issues
• Online safety concerns
• Poor attendance or withdrawal from learning

Any concern, no matter how small it may seem, is taken seriously.

What Happens If There Is a Safeguarding Concern?

If a concern is identified:

1. It is recorded and shared with the Designated Safeguarding Lead
2. The concern is reviewed promptly
3. Appropriate action is taken, which may include:

• Support within school
• Early help services
• A referral to Children’s Services
• Contact with the Police (when required by law)

The school’s role is to report concerns, not to investigate.

Working with Parents and Carers

We believe safeguarding works best when we work together. Wherever possible, we:

• Communicate openly with parents and carers
• Involve families in supporting their child
• Offer guidance and signposting to support services

However, the school has a legal duty to share safeguarding concerns with appropriate agencies if a child may be at risk, even if this is against parental wishes. In some situations, parents may not be informed immediately if doing so could increase risk to a child.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

• Safeguarding information is treated confidentially
• Information is shared only with professionals who need it to keep a child safe
• Data protection law allows information to be shared for safeguarding purposes
• All decisions are recorded securely

Supporting Our Pupils

Children who experience worry, harm or difficulty are supported through:

• A caring and inclusive school ethos
• Pastoral and wellbeing support
• Adjustments to learning where needed
• Support from external professionals when appropriate

For some children, school may be their only stable and safe place, and we take this responsibility seriously.