Dear Parent/ Carer,
I am writing to you with this first half-term’s safeguarding update.
Keeping Children Safe in Education (September 2022):
All staff have now received their annual update training on the above named statutory guidance. In particular, HDHS staff are attuned to emerging mental health needs pupils may be experiencing and signposting young people to early help and support they may require to ensure minor issues do not develop into major ones.
We are also using TPP (Trauma Perceptive Practice) to inform our interactions with pupils to ensure that we are well aware of their potential needs.
National Online Safety School Status (Reminder):
As I have previously mentioned, we are a NoS School which means we are committed to educating all school stakeholders on the risks and dangers of unsafe online habits and behaviours. For parents, there are “Explainer Videos” to keep you in the loop about the latest trends on social media or online risks. Here’s an example from the most recent update: https://nationalonlinesafety.com/hub/view/webinar/an-introduction-to-streaming . As a parent, you can sign up for free and access all resources. Please visit this link to do so:
http://nationalonlinesafety.com/enrol/harwich-and-dovercourt-high-school
Half-term safeguarding arrangements:
During the half-term break, if you have any urgent concerns regarding the safety or wellbeing of a child, please call the Essex Safeguarding Child Board on 03456037627 or Essex Police via 999 in an emergency or 101, or via text (18000).
Any concerns sent in from 4pm on Friday 21st October to 8am Monday 31st October may not be picked up immediately, so please refer to the sources above during this period. All non-urgent concerns can still be sent to school or reported via the Whisper button: https://www.swgflwhisper.org.uk/report/har4
Halloween – advice for young people:
Please click on this link (Halloween – Essex Police) for advice from Essex Police on having a safe Halloween.
Over half term and across the Halloween period young people may be more likely to see frightening content and encounter peer pressure to undertake harmful online challenges – safeguarding partners are encouraging parents and carers to talk to their children about what they are playing and looking at online. Please see this link for more information from the Essex Safeguarding Children Board:
https://www.escb.co.uk/about/campaigns/online-safety/
British Transport Police:
If you are on public transport and you are feeling unsafe or threatened you can text British Transport Police on 61016. Don’t forget that for emergencies still dial 999.
Have a safe and restful half-term.
Yours faithfully,
J.W. Loten
Deputy Headteacher/ Designated Safeguarding Lead
