Safeguarding

If you have any concerns about a child’s safety, we encourage you to reach out to any member of our staff. It is crucial to share your concerns, no matter how small they may seem. Every piece of information can contribute to a clearer understanding of the situation and may be vital in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our pupils.

We are committed to treating all concerns with professionalism, confidentiality, and respect. Please be aware that, in some cases, we may need to share information with appropriate services, such as the police or social services, to ensure the best outcome for the child.

For immediate assistance, you can contact the police at 101 for non-emergencies or 999 in emergency situations.

You can also contact Middlesbrough Social Services: 01642 513389

Your vigilance and communication are essential in helping us maintain a safe environment for all our pupils.

At River Tees Hospital School, all staff adhere to the “Keeping Children Safe in Education” statutory guidance provided by the Department for Education (DfE). This essential guidance, which is regularly updated, is accessible on the GOV.uk website and serves as a foundation for our safeguarding practises.

We prioritise safeguarding for both our pupils and staff, recognising that education is a powerful tool in keeping young people safe. Our curriculum includes targeted lessons on risk-taking behaviours and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) within our Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) framework. This ensures that pupils are well-informed about how to stay safe and know who to turn to for support.

We are committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment where every child feels secure and empowered.

Support Agencies in the North East

• NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)
  Provides advice and support for parents and children regarding safeguarding and child protection.
  Visit NSPCC
• Child Protection Services – North East
  Local authority services dedicated to safeguarding children and supporting families.
  Find Your Local Authority
• Mental Health and Wellbeing – CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) Tel: 0300 013 2000
• Barnardo’s
  A charity that supports vulnerable children and young people through various services, including safeguarding.
  Visit Barnardo’s

• The Lucy Faithfull Foundation
  Offers support for parents concerned about sexual behaviour in children and young people.
  Visit Lucy Faithfull Foundation
• ChildLine
  A free, confidential service for children and young people to talk about anything that’s troubling them.
  Visit ChildLine
• Action Against Abduction
  Provides resources and information on child abduction prevention and safety.
  Visit Action Against Abduction
• Internet Matters
  Offers resources for parents to help keep their children safe online, including guides and safety checklists.
  Visit Internet Matters
• Thinkuknow
  Provides information and resources for parents and children on online safety and cyberbullying.
  Visit Thinkuknow
• Middlesbrough Council – Safeguarding Children
  Local safeguarding children board providing resources and support for families in Middlesbrough.
  Visit Middlesbrough Council
• Young Minds
  A mental health charity for children and young people, offering support and resources for parents.
  Visit Young Minds

These resources are designed to empower parents and carers with the information and support they need to ensure their children’s safety and wellbeing.

Safeguarding Against Extremism and Radicalisation

At River Tees Hospital School, we recognise that children can be vulnerable to extremist ideology and radicalisation. Just as we protect children from other forms of harm and abuse, safeguarding against these risks is an integral part of our overall safeguarding approach.

Understanding Extremism
Extremism involves vocal or active opposition to fundamental values such as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for different faiths and beliefs. This includes any calls for violence against individuals, including members of the armed forces.

What is Radicalisation?

Radicalisation is the process through which an individual begins to support terrorism and extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups. It is essential to identify and address this process early to prevent individuals from being drawn into harmful activities.

The Nature of Terrorism

Terrorism encompasses actions that endanger or cause serious harm to individuals, damage property, or disrupt systems. Such actions are intended to influence government policy or intimidate the public, often for political, religious, or ideological purposes.

At our school, we are committed to fostering a safe environment where pupils are educated about these issues and equipped with the tools to recognise and resist extremist influences. We work closely with local authorities and relevant agencies to ensure that our safeguarding practises are effective and responsive.

Operation Encompass

Operation Encompass is a national initiative that fosters collaboration between police and educational institutions to support children and young people affected by Domestic Violence and Abuse. This vital partnership operates within every police force in England and Wales.

Recognising children as victims of domestic abuse in their own right, the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 underscores the importance of safeguarding these individuals. Through Operation Encompass, the police share information with our school regarding any domestic abuse incidents involving our students, ensuring that this information is communicated before the start of the next school day.

Rest assured, all information received through Operation Encompass is stored securely and treated with the utmost confidentiality, in line with our safeguarding and child protection policies. We are committed to ensuring that our actions do not put the child or any non-abusing adult at further risk.

By working together with local authorities and law enforcement, we aim to provide timely support and protection for our students, fostering a safe and nurturing environment where they can thrive.

Safeguarding and Clinical Supervision

At River Tees Hospital School, we prioritise the wellbeing of our staff through robust Safeguarding Supervision and Clinical Supervision frameworks. 

Intent: The primary aim of these supervisory systems is to create a safe and supportive environment that fosters professional growth while ensuring the highest standards of care and safeguarding for our staff. 

Implementation: Our Safeguarding Supervision provides staff with regular opportunities to discuss concerns, share best practises, and receive guidance on safeguarding issues, ensuring that all staff are equipped to identify and respond to potential risks. Concurrently, Clinical Supervision offers our specialists in the Trust structured support to reflect on their practice, manage the emotional demands of their roles, and enhance their skills in delivering care. 

Impact: This dual approach not only empowers staff to effectively support pupils but also cultivates a school culture centred on safety, trust, and collaboration. By prioritising both safeguarding and clinical wellbeing, we foster an environment where staff feel valued and supported, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for our pupils and a positive, cohesive school community.

Qualified Safeguarding Supervisors in Hospital School:

• Adam Burns
• Sue Hull
• Philippa Seager 

Safeguarding Supervision Policy