Safeguarding & eSafety
Safeguarding & eSafety Policy
Gable Hall School is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for children, staff and visitors and promoting a climate where children and adults will feel confident about sharing any concerns they may have about their own safety or the well-being of others.
We are committed to the vital contribution of all governors, staff and support staff make to safeguarding children a priority. We aim to ensure that child protection concerns and referrals are handled sensitively, professionally and in ways that support the specific needs of the individual child.
Through providing a caring, safe and stimulating environment which promotes the social, physical and moral development of all our students, we aim to foster an atmosphere of trust.
Students can contact the Safeguarding Team by email or speak to a member of staff displayed on the poster below. The poster is displayed in every classroom, office and in corridors. This is to ensure that every member of the Gable Hall community can report and discuss matters with trained staff.
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To contact the safeguarding team please email:
inreach@gablehall.com - This email is for students to be able to have contact and necessary support with school, whilst school holidays are in progress.
WhoCanHelp@gablehall.com – an email address set up for our students. The email will go straight to the safeguarding team who can direct to appropriate sources of support or information linked to wellbeing.
Pastoral@gablehall.com – an email address set up for Parents/Carers. The email will go straight to the Pastoral team who will refer your email to the appropriate member of staff and ensure someone contacts you directly to deal with your concern.
- Mrs N.Jeffery – Designated Safeguarding Lead – nicola.jeffery@gablehall.com
- Mr M.Taylor – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead – michael.taylor@gablehall.com
In a circumstance that you are unable to speak to the above members of staff, you can also contact:
- Thurrock Multi-Agency safeguarding hub (MASH) - 01375 652 802. Out of hours Emergency Duty Team number which is 01375 372 468.
- Thurrock Emergency Duty Team: 01375 372468
- Local Authority Designated Officer: (LADO) - 01375 652535/652921
Gable Hall School has a culture of belief and support and takes all disclosures seriously. We maintain an ‘it could happen here’ attitude at all times.
Safeguarding aims
The aims of our Safeguarding policy are Prevention, Protection and Support in line with Child Protection guidelines. The Academy safeguarding procedures ensures that we:
- Support our students' development in ways that foster security, confidence and independence.
- Raise the awareness and importance of recognising and reporting safeguarding, and of moral and professional responsibilities amongst all stakeholders including support and teaching staff, governors, students, visitors and parents.
- Provide high quality training and awareness campaigns for staff, and to ensure that the SLT/DSL/DDSLs undertake appropriate training (including biannual level 3 training and safer recruitment training).
- Provide a systematic means of monitoring all students, particularly those who are vulnerable or known to be ‘at risk’ of harm.
- Emphasise the need for excellent communication between staff, students, parents and external agencies (including the Police, PREVENT duty teams, Social Services, Youth Offending teams and other key agencies and workers involved in supporting our students and families).
- Develop, implement and review structured procedures within the Academy so that they are effective and can be understood and consistently followed by all members of the Academy community.
- Maintain vigilance and an ‘it could happen here’ attitude, and that we build a holistic picture of each child’s needs by paying attention to each factor or piece of information.
Child Confidentiality - Members of staff have a professional responsibility to share relevant information about the protection of students with other professional agencies. This can include Social care, Early Help services, Police and other agencies that may support your child. A member of staff must, therefore, never promise confidentiality.
Prevent Strategy - At Gable Hall School we recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is no different from safeguarding against any other vulnerability. PREVENT is the name given to a national strategy which aims to stop people from becoming involved with violent extremists or supporting terrorism. The Prevent duty is carried out under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, which legally requires us to take steps to prevent students being drawn into terrorism. We take this duty seriously and carry out the four main actions, being risk assessment, working in partnership, staff training and IT Policies. If we assess a students as a risk, we will refer them to the Channel Partnership, which focuses on providing support at an early stage.
In terms of Internet safety, we ensure suitable filters (including key word and phrase monitoring) are in place to keep students away from extremist materials.
We recognise that we play a vital role in keeping people safe from harm, including from the risks of extremism and radicalisation, and in promoting the welfare of students in our care.
If you have concerns about pupils travelling to a conflict zone seek Home Office guidance and refer to MASH team if still concerned.
Report any concerns to the MASH (number above) or call the Anti Terror Hotline on 0800789321 for an immediate response.
Helpful Contacts and Resources:
Helplines:
- Childline: 0800 1111
- NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000
- Kooth: www.kooth.com - a support service for students' well-being
- Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub: 01373 652 802
- Out of Hours Emergency Duty Team: 01375 372 468
Useful Websites:
- Revised Prevent Duty Guidance for England and Wales - Comprehensive guidance on the Prevent Duty.
- Educate Against Hate - A valuable resource for information and guidance on tackling extremism and radicalisation in educational settings.
- Educate Against Hate - Parents - Resources and advice specifically aimed at parents to help understand and address radicalisation and extremism.
For additional support and information, please explore these links to ensure the safety and well-being of students and the community.
Anti-bullying
Addressing Bullying: Support and Guidance
Bullying affects numerous individuals and can manifest anywhere, whether it's at school, during commutes, within sports teams, or even amongst friends and family groups.
Bullying typically entails repetitive behaviours intended to inflict emotional or physical harm on someone. Often, it targets individuals due to their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, appearance, disability, or other characteristics.
Forms of bullying can encompass:
- Social Bullying
- Threatening Behaviour
- Name-Calling
- Cyberbullying
If you are experiencing bullying, it is vital to confide in a trusted adult at school. Your Pastoral Lead is the ideal person to report bullying to, and if possible, bring a friend with you for support.
Avoid the temptation to retaliate or respond aggressively, as this could lead to harm or trouble.
Sources of Support and Guidance:
- National Bullying Helpline
- Provides advice and support for individuals facing bullying, with specific guidance on addressing bullying on social media.
- Helpline: 0300 323 0169
- Telephone: 0845 225 5787
- Operating hours: 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday
Additional Sources of Support:
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- A coalition of organisations committed to stopping bullying.
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- Offers practical advice and support for individuals affected by bullying, including parents and schools.
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- An anti-bullying charity that provides support, information, and resources to combat bullying.
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- Focusses on preventing bullying and child abuse by providing workshops, advice, and support for children and parents.
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The Diana Award Anti-Bullying Campaign
- Empowers young people to tackle bullying in their schools and communities.
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Bullying Prevention Resources by StopBullying.gov
- A U.S. government website with a wealth of resources on preventing and addressing bullying.
Remember, you don't have to face bullying alone, and there are dedicated organisations and professionals ready to help and support you in addressing this issue.
Child Exploitation and Online Protection
Are you worried about online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating with you online?
Make a report to one of CEOP's Child Protection Advisors
Should I make a report to CEOP? - CEOP is here to keep children safe from sexual abuse and grooming online. CEOP are unable to respond to reports about bullying, fake accounts or account hacking.
We are here to help and give you advice, and you can make a report directly to us if something has happened online which has made you feel unsafe, scared or worried. This might be from someone you know in real life, or someone you have only ever met online. We take all reports seriously and we will do everything we can to keep you safe.
As well as making a report to us, the CEOP Education website has information and advice to help you if something has happened to you online.
If you are in immediate danger please call the police on 999 straight away. Please also tell an adult you trust who will be able to help you.
What kind of things do people report to CEOP?
- Some of the things children and young people have reported to us include:
- Someone online has asked me to send them nude images
- I shared a nude image with someone online and they are threatening me
- I did something that I was embarrassed about on webcam and someone has turned nasty towards me
- Someone I don't know is asking me to live-stream and do things I don't want to do
- Someone online kept asking me to meet them face-to-face and I feel pressured by them
- Someone online was talking to me about sex and it made me feel uncomfortable
- Someone online is putting pressure on me to do things I don't want to do
- Someone I met in an online game keeps trying to talk to me privately
What happens when I make a report? - CEOP is here to help keep you and other children and young people safe online. If you are being sexually abused or groomed online we will do everything we can to make you safe. Please remember that CEOP are unable to respond to reports about bullying, fake accounts or account hacking.
If you decide to report to us, all you need to do is tell us what you know about what has happened. Don't worry if you feel like you don't know all of the details, whatever you tell us will be useful.
Please remember whatever has happened it is not your fault and nothing you say will shock or surprise us, we deal with this every day and are here to help you.
The most important thing to remember is that you have contacted us and as a law enforcement agency there is a lot that we can do to make sure you are safe.
What will CEOP do with my report?
- Your report will be read by a Child Protection Advisor at CEOP. Our Child Protection team are specialist workers who have helped thousands of children. They will immediately start thinking about how they will help you.
- If you are reporting sexual abuse or grooming, a Child Protection Advisor will contact you by phone or email as soon as they can and will work with you to make a plan to keep you safe.
- The Child Protection Advisor may need to talk to other adults about what you tell them to help keep you safe. They will only share what you tell them if they really need to and will always take your feelings into account when deciding the best ways to help you.
Who are CEOP Child Protection Advisors? - A CEOP Child Protection Advisor is someone who:
- Will try to help you
- Will listen to what you have to say
- Will not be shocked by what you tell them
- Will be honest with you
- Will not judge or blame you
- Will make decisions jointly with you wherever possible
- Will work with other professionals to keep you safe
- Will talk to your parents/carers for you, if you want them to, to explain what has happened
Family Support
Supporting Families: Valuable Resources
We understand that families may encounter various challenges, and to assist you, we've curated a list of helpful websites and services:
1. Relate Parenting Advice
- Parenting teenagers can pose challenges, and adapting to changes in your child's behaviour as they grow up can be tough. Explore practical advice on dealing with common teenage issues.
- Click Here
2. Domestic Abuse - Thurrock Council
- Thurrock Council's domestic abuse website offers guidance and connections to agencies that can provide you with the support you need.
- Click Here
3. Essex Compass
- Essex Compass is a collaborative initiative comprising domestic abuse services that offer assistance to victims across Essex. If you reside outside Thurrock or are supporting someone in another area, Essex Compass can be a valuable resource.
- Contact Essex Compass for support beyond Thurrock.
4. Reporting Domestic Abuse
- Reporting domestic abuse is essential, and there are various avenues for doing so. Rest assured that your report will always be handled confidentially and taken seriously to ensure you receive prompt support.
5. Reporting to the Police
- Essex Police provides information and advice regarding domestic abuse. When reaching out to Essex Police, enquire about speaking with their Domestic Abuse Investigations Team.
- For non-emergency calls, dial 101.
- In emergencies, when a crime is in progress, a life is at risk, or violence is occurring or threatened, call 999.
6. Clare's Law - Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS)
- To ascertain if a partner has a history of domestic violence or abuse, you can explore Clare's Law, which enables domestic violence disclosure scheme (DVDS) applications.
- Essex Police: Clare's Law
We hope that these resources prove valuable in addressing your family's needs and challenges. Remember, seeking assistance and support is a crucial step towards overcoming difficulties and fostering a healthier family environment.
Keeping children safe in education 2023
The latest Government Keeping Children Safe in Education documents can be found by selecting this link.
Money-Mules-Parent-Guardian-Leaflet
Money-Mules-Parent-Guardian-Leaflet - Click Here
Mental Health and Wellbeing
At Ortu Gable Hall we believe in the in the importance of looking after ourselves, not only our physical health but our wellbeing too.
Take a look at our Mental Health and Wellbeing dedicated website area.
Online E-Safety Policy & Advice
At Gable Hall Secondary School, our students have taken the initiative to create a short film that raises awareness about the crucial importance of staying safe online. We believe that this film can benefit not only our students and their parents but all young people who navigate the digital landscape - Click Here to watch
Online Safety is an ever-evolving and paramount concern in today's digital age. The internet, alongside related technologies like mobile devices (phones, tablets, gaming media, and smartwatches), is advancing rapidly and has become an integral part of our students' daily lives.
Many of these technologies empower students to engage creatively in their learning processes. On a social level, our students often use the internet for entertainment, interaction, and communication with 'friends.' However, these digital interactions bring about new risks that many adults never encountered during their own youth. This underscores the pressing need for parents and caregivers to comprehend how their children navigate the digital landscape.
Understanding how children use the internet and associated technologies is vital. It enables parents and caregivers to help manage the inherent risks and reinforce essential online safety messages that we all should prioritise.
To further assist parents and caregivers in this endeavour, we offer access to our comprehensive Online Safety Policy. This policy delineates our approach to online safety within our curriculum, our technical safeguards within the school environment, and our commitment to helping parents understand the digital world to support their child's responsible and appropriate use.
Whenever you're online, it's crucial to remember the following key principles:
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Protect Personal Information: Never share personal details, photographs, or information that could potentially identify you, your family, or your home address.
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Strangers Online: Keep in mind that everyone you encounter online is essentially a stranger, regardless of how friendly they may appear.
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Meeting Precautions: Never arrange to meet someone you've only interacted with online without sharing the details with a trusted friend or family member.
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Attachments and Downloads: Avoid opening attachments or downloading files from sources you don't know and trust.
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Report Concerns: If you encounter anything disturbing while using the internet or email, do not respond directly. Instead, log off and promptly report it to the appropriate authorities.
By adhering to these fundamental principles, we can collectively foster a safer and more responsible online environment for all.
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Promoting E-Safety at Gable Hall:
While Gable Hall incorporates e-safety education into its curriculum, it is equally crucial for parents to be aware of the associated risks and understand how to foster a culture of e-safety within their homes.
The Think You Know website, designed by law enforcement for parents, serves as a valuable resource. It offers essential information on:
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Understanding Children's Online Activities: Gain insight into what children are engaging with online, ensuring parents are well-informed about their digital world.
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Effective Communication: Discover strategies for initiating conversations with your children about their online experiences, promoting open dialogue.
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Identifying Potential Risks: Understand the various risks your child might encounter in the online sphere, empowering you to address and mitigate them.
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Utilising Safety Tools: Learn about the tools and resources available to enhance your child's online safety.
Additionally, "Think You Know" has developed a comprehensive Parents’ Guide to E-Safety, along with informative booklets focusing on specific apps commonly used by children:
Other useful links for parents:
Zipit App and Childline - The is app supports children to know how to respond to and prevent others seeking or sending inappropriate images of requests online. The app can be accessed by following the link below where there is also Childline advice on staying safe online - Click Here
NSPCC advice for online safety - It can be hard to know how to talk to your child about online safety. From setting up parental controls to advice on sexting, online games and video apps. This website can help you to understand the risks and keep your child safe. Click Here
National Online Safety - This website has links to the information on different apps and games which we send out periodically. Click Here
Safeguarding Poster
Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment
Addressing Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment:
Sexual abuse and harassment, even when perpetrated by children of similar ages, can be deeply distressing and often involve sexualized behaviours that occur both online and offline. These harmful behaviours are driven by attitudes about sex, relationships, and gender, sometimes perpetuated by adults and children alike. It is incumbent upon all of us to take an active role in combating this issue.
Our guidance to parents and caregivers emphasises the importance of proactively fostering a culture of open communication before any crisis arises. Children have expressed their desire for parents and caregivers to establish a safe and non-judgemental environment where they can freely discuss these sensitive topics. It's far more effective to create such an atmosphere in advance rather than attempting to cultivate it while addressing a problem.
We must acknowledge that it requires immense courage for a child to share their experiences of abuse or harassment, and our support is critical.
For further assistance and guidance on initiating conversations with your child about sexual harassment, we recommend exploring the following resources:
Additional Sources of Support and Guidance:
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NSPCC - Child Protection Resources
- Offers a wide range of resources and information on child protection.
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Childnet International - Online Safety Resources
- Provides guidance for parents and caregivers on online safety for children.
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National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children - Helpline
- If you have concerns about child abuse or need advice, you can contact the NSPCC helpline at 0808 800 5000.
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Educate Against Hate - Supporting Parents
- Offers resources and guidance to help parents address issues related to extremism, radicalisation, and online safety.
Remember, creating a supportive environment and being informed are vital steps in safeguarding our children from harm and promoting their well-being.
