Safeguarding Support
Keeping Children Safe
At Benton Park School, the safety, wellbeing and welfare of every pupil is our highest priority. We are committed to creating an environment where young people feel safe, supported and able to learn, develop and thrive.
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Every member of staff receives regular training and plays an active role in identifying concerns, responding appropriately and ensuring that pupils receive the support they need. We work closely with families, external agencies and professional services to ensure that children are protected and well supported both in and beyond school.
A Visible and Accessible Team
Our safeguarding team is highly visible across the school and readily available to support pupils and families.
We know that concerns can arise at any time, which is why safeguarding support is not confined to an office or a single point in the day. Staff work proactively throughout the school, building positive relationships with pupils and ensuring that support can be accessed quickly when needed.
Pupils know who they can speak to if they are worried about themselves or someone else, and we actively encourage them to seek help whenever they need it.
Early Help and Timely Support
We believe that early intervention makes a difference.
Our safeguarding team works closely with pupils, families, pastoral staff, inclusion teams and external professionals to identify concerns early and provide appropriate support before challenges escalate.
Support may include:
- Emotional wellbeing support
- Early Help referrals
- Attendance support
- Family support
- Mental health support
- Online safety guidance
- Safeguarding interventions
- Signposting to specialist services
By working collaboratively, we ensure that pupils receive the right support at the right time.
Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing
We recognise that wellbeing and safeguarding are closely linked.
Alongside our safeguarding provision, pupils have access to a range of wellbeing support, including trained staff, targeted interventions, mentoring, counselling and external specialist services where required.
Wellbeing themes are also explored through Personal Development lessons, assemblies and our Check In programme, helping pupils develop resilience, self-awareness and strategies to manage challenges positively.
Online Safety
Helping young people stay safe online is an important part of our safeguarding work.
Pupils are taught how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully. Through our curriculum and wider safeguarding programme, they learn about:
- Online relationships
- Social media safety
- Cyberbullying
- Privacy and security
- Digital footprints
- Misinformation and harmful content
- Responsible use of technology
We also work closely with families to help them support safe use of technology at home.
Working in Partnership with Families
Strong relationships between school and home are essential in keeping children safe.
We work openly and collaboratively with parents and carers, providing guidance, support and advice when concerns arise. Where appropriate, we work alongside a range of external agencies to secure the best possible outcomes for pupils and families.
Our aim is always to provide support with dignity, care and compassion whilst ensuring that safeguarding remains at the centre of every decision we make.
A Culture of Safety and Belonging
Safeguarding is about much more than responding to concerns. It is about creating a culture where children feel safe, respected, included and valued every day.
Through strong relationships, clear expectations and a commitment to kindness, resilience and responsibility, we help pupils develop the confidence to speak up, seek support and make positive choices.
By creating a safe environment where every pupil knows they matter, we help bring our vision to life: Together we belong, develop character and achieve excellence.
The Safeguarding Team
Our named designated safeguarding lead officer on senior leadership team with lead responsibility and management oversight/accountability for child protection is Allana Howard.
Additional Designated staff are Ravi Kelly, Tilly Fox, Chloe Parker-Reaney, Maggie Green, Emma Leonard and Vikki Taylor. Along with the Headteacher, Nicholas Skilton, they will be responsible for co-ordinating all child protection activity.
If you have any queries or concerns please feel free to speak to one of the above members of staff who can be contacted by telephone on 0113 250 2330.
