Safeguarding

Safeguarding at Balliol Primary School

Safeguarding is the responsibility of all school staff and everyone receives regular and current training to make sure they can respond to the needs of all children.  Safeguarding here at Balliol is led by Victoria Mellor (DSL) who is supported by Deputy Safeguarding Leads (DDSL), Sarah Suri and Danielle Jarvis.

Our Safeguarding

At Balliol Primary School we are committed to the safety, well-being and welfare of all our learners.

Everyone working in our school environment shares a strong commitment to protecting every child from harm.  We do this using various means:

• A well-trained safeguarding team who work with different agencies to support children and families.
• All staff have current and up-to-date training.
• Identify children who are suffering or are likely to suffer from serious harm and take swift action to ensure they are safe at home and at school.
• Engage with parents at the onset of concerns and supporting at Level 1 and Level 2 Early Help (see below).
• Have up to date policies reflecting local and national policies.
• Operation Encompass (see below).
• Have a Child Friendly Safeguarding Policy that children are familiar with and enabling them to be confident about raising concerns about themselves and others (see below).

Early Help

The Early Help team works closely with families in North Tyneside to provide the right support at the right time.  They are there to support you with concerns you might be having about your child/ren, your family and your home circumstances.  This might be about your children's behaviour, routine and boundaries, debt, housing as well as helping ensure you are receiving all the support you are entitled to. 

The support can help prevent small problems becoming big problems.  It is very supportive and can have a big impact on the lives of everyone within your family.

Why use early help?

Being a parent is one of the most important jobs but is also one of the most challenging - it is hard sometimes.  If one person in the family is struggling it often impacts not he whole family.  Early Help support is for the whole family so it is likely to help things improve for everyone.

How can I find out more?

• Call us on 01918142500
• Speak to your Health Visitor
• Follow this link to the Early Help - Parent Information Leaflet

Operation Encompass

We are proud to be active members of Operation Encompass.  Operation Encompass is a scheme operated by Northumbria Police that aims to support children who are exposed to domestic violence.

If the police have been called to an incident of domestic violence key adults in school are notified of this the next day enabling us to offer support to the children in school and ensure they are safe from harm.  It also enables us to offer support to other family members who may be affected.

Key adults are the safeguarding leads - Ms Mellor, Miss Suri and Mrs Jarvis.

For more information:  https://www.operationencompass.org/school-participation

County Lines

The 'County Lines' issue is becoming a bigger problem and can affect primary aged children.  Whilst being placed between two Metro stations is useful for exploring our area it also makes it easier for criminal gangs to operate here.  For more information on County Lines, including ho you can spot it and what action you can take to prevent it, please read this leaflet from Northumbria Police.  County Lines Leaflet - Northumbria Police

Are you worried about a child?

If you are worried about the welfare of a child, our safeguarding team are available through the school office (01918142500).

It is always best to share your concerns.

You can make a referral yourself to North Tyneside's Children's Services.  Follow this link for more information and for contact details:  North Tyneside Children's Services

In an emergency always call 999. 

National Documents

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1181955/Keeping_children_safe_in_education_2023.pdf)
• Working together to Safeguard Children (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/942454/Working_together_to_safeguard_children_inter_agency_guidance.pdf)

School Policies