Safeguarding
The safety of our students is paramount. As a school we are fully committed to child protection and safeguarding. We follow all statutory guidelines as well as our own policies and procedures. Our safeguarding policy can be viewed by clicking here and we would be happy to provide a paper copy on request.
We will act to protect a child where there is a disclosure or concern about abuse. The categories of abuse recognised by Social Services are neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse and sexual abuse. More information about child protection and safeguarding can be found on the Devon & Torbay Safeguarding Children Board's website:
Devon & Torbay Safeguarding Children Board
At King's we have a team of designated officers:
- George Penman – Deputy Head Student Support (gpenman@thekings.devon.sch.uk) is the Designated Safeguarding Lead and he works closely with:
- Paula Farrand – Deputy Head Inclusion pfarrand@thekings.devon.sch.uk
- Richard Gerry – Assistant Head – Head of 6th Form rgerry@thekings.devon.sch.uk
- Jo Bunker (Pastoral Support Worker for Patteson) jbunker@thekings.devon.sch.uk
- Bindu Usher (Pastoral Support Worker for Coleridge) busher@thekings.devon.sch.uk
- Nikki Shepphard (Pastoral Support Worker for Kennaway) nshepphard@thekings.devon.sch.uk
- Russ Knill (Pastoral Support Worker for Raleigh) rknill@thekings.devon.sch.uk
- Laura Woodhall (6th Form Safeguarding) lwoodhall@thekings.devon.sch.uk
- Becky Gammon (Learning Coach) bgammon@thekings.devon.sch.uk
- Alison Long (Learning Coach) along@thekings.devon.sch.uk
- The Designated Safeguarding Trustees are Sue Cade and Lady Lucy Kennaway
Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
MASH is a partnership between Devon County Council children’s social care, education and youth services; Devon NHS health services; Devon and Cornwall Police; and the Probation Service working together to safeguard children and young people.
When a professional, family member or member of the public is concerned about a child or young person’s safety, they can contact MASH. They deal with all enquiries/referrals where there is a child protection concern. You can find out more about what the organisation does and how to contact them in the MASH Information sheet below. If you have serious concerns about a child or young person, or if you need help parenting your child, you can call 0345 155 1071 or email: mashsecure@devon.gcsx.gov.uk
Online safety
Most young people are accessing the internet from a variety of devices. Safe use of the internet is taught primarily in PSHE and ICT. However, all adults need to be aware of safeguarding issues around the internet. Adults also need to be aware of potential use of the internet in Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and Radicalisation and there is free and useful information, advice and resources in the following sites and documents:
Some useful documents can be found below covering the following:
- Internet Safety Leaflet for Parents
- Helping You Protect Your Child from Online Sexual Abuse
- Instagram Parents Guide
- Snapchat Parents Guide
- A Guide for Parents of Children and Young People Who Have Got in Trouble Online
Radicalisation
There’s a chance that your child may meet people online or visit websites that could lead them to adopting what you consider to be extreme views, and becoming radicalised. Please follow the links below for advice to parents about radicalisation:
Mental Health Support
We are mindful of the pressures facing young people and try to offer strategies to our young people through the PSHE programme. In particular we are part of a Character Education programme which Mr Back (our PSHE Co-ordinator) runs. We also offer support to students who are struggling with aspects of teenage life. In the first instance students and parents can contact the Pastoral Support Workers in Student Support. In addition, the following websites and resources may be helpful:
Please click on the following link to access the Mental Health Help and Advice Lines:
Mental Health Helplines
young devon - Email: referrals@youngdevon.org Exeter: 01392 331666 Newton Abbot: 01392 381992
Counsellors available online: Monday-Friday 12 noon till 10pm, Weekends 6pm till 10pm. The online service: provides access to online advice, self-help tools and counselling and is available 365 days a year and provides interactive counselling until 10pm every night. The face-to-face service, can be accessed on a self-referral basis by young people aged 11 to 18 years and is available by contacting Young Devon provides access to Young Devon’s trained counsellors is available in safe settings across Devon .
Other Safeguarding Support
- Child line: 0800 1111
- NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
- Runaway 24/7 helpline: 116000
- CEOP online reporting: www.ceop.police.uk
- Women’s Aid and Refuge – 0808 2000
- The Samaritans – 08457 90 90 90
- The National Stalking Helpline – 0808 802 0300
Drugs & Alcohol Support
- FRANK – 0300 123 6600
- www.talktofrank.com
- Y Smart – Drug & Alcohol Services – 01271 388162