Working with External Agencies to Safeguard Children
The safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. To ensure that children receive the right support at the right time, the school may work in partnership with a range of external agencies and professionals.
These may include Children's Social Care, the Local Authority Safeguarding Team, Health Services (including school nurses, GPs and mental health services), Educational Psychologists, Early Help Services, the Police, and other specialist support agencies where appropriate.
Information will only be shared when it is necessary, lawful, and in the best interests of the child. Wherever possible, we will work openly with parents and carers; however, there may be occasions when we need to seek advice, share information, or make referrals without parental consent if we believe a child may be at risk of harm.
By working collaboratively with families and partner agencies, we aim to ensure that all children are safe, supported, and able to achieve their full potential.
At Reynolds Academy, online safety is an important part of safeguarding. We are committed to helping children use technology safely, responsibly, and positively.
Children use the internet for learning, gaming, and communication, but they may also be exposed to risks such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, online scams, or contact from strangers.
In school, pupils are taught:
- How to stay safe online
- How to protect personal information
- How to behave respectfully online
- How to report concerns or unsafe behaviour
Parents and carers can support online safety by:
- Talking regularly with children about their online activity
- Checking apps, games, and social media are age appropriate
- Using privacy settings and parental controls
- Encouraging children to speak to a trusted adult if something worries them online
We encourage all families to work with us to help children develop safe and responsible online habits.
If you have any concerns about online safety, please contact the school.
Pastoral Team
At Reynolds Academy, we recognise that children learn best when they feel safe, happy, and supported. Our Pastoral Team plays a key role in promoting the emotional wellbeing, personal development, and welfare of all pupils.
The team works closely with children, families, and staff to provide support when challenges arise, whether these relate to friendships, emotional wellbeing, attendance, behaviour, family circumstances, or other concerns that may affect a child's ability to thrive in school.
We are committed to building positive relationships with our pupils and their families. The Pastoral Team offers a listening ear, a range of interventions, and guidance, helping children develop confidence, resilience, and the skills they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom. A child's voice is at the heart of our school. We care about the wellbeing of our pupils and aim to ensure that their perspectives and lived experiences are central to the support we provide.
Where appropriate, the team may also work with external agencies and specialist services to ensure that children and families receive the right support at the right time.
Parents and carers are encouraged to contact the school if they have any concerns about their child's wellbeing.
Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)
At Reynolds Academy, we work closely with our local Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) to help promote the safety, wellbeing, and positive development of all pupils.
The PCSO regularly supports the school through assemblies and workshops on topics such as personal safety, online safety, anti-bullying, healthy relationships, and responsible citizenship. They also provide advice and guidance to staff, pupils, and families when needed.
As part of our safeguarding arrangements, the school may seek advice from or share information with the PCSO where there are concerns about a child's safety or wellbeing. Any information sharing will be carried out appropriately and in line with safeguarding and data protection requirements.
We value the positive relationship between our school, families, and local policing teams, which helps us create a safe, supportive, and secure environment for all children.
What is the Prevent Strategy?
The Prevent Strategy is part of the UK Government's wider safeguarding responsibilities and aims to protect children and young people from being drawn into terrorism, extremism, or radicalisation. Schools have a legal duty to help safeguard pupils from risks both online and offline, just as they do with other safeguarding concerns such as bullying, abuse, or exploitation.
What do we mean by extremism and radicalisation?
Extremism is the promotion of views or actions that oppose fundamental British values such as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.
Radicalisation refers to the process by which a person may come to support extremist ideas or groups.
Children and young people can be vulnerable to influence from a range of sources, including social media, online content, peer groups, or individuals who seek to exploit them.
How does our school support the Prevent Strategy?
At Reynolds Academy, safeguarding is our highest priority. We aim to provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where pupils feel valued and respected.
We support the Prevent Strategy by:
- Promoting respect, tolerance, and diversity
- Encouraging critical thinking and open discussion
- Teaching pupils how to stay safe online
- Helping children develop resilience and confidence
- Providing a curriculum that promotes British values and positive relationships
Our staff receive weekly safeguarding and regular Prevent training so they can identify concerns and provide appropriate support when needed.
Will the school discuss concerns with parents?
If any concerns arise about a child's wellbeing or safety, the school will speak with parents or carers. However, as with all safeguarding matters, there may be situations where we need to seek advice from external agencies first to ensure the child remains safe.
What can parents do to help?
Parents and carers play an important role in keeping children safe. You can help by:
- Talking openly with your child about their online activity
- Encouraging respectful discussion and critical thinking
- Being aware of changes in behaviour or friendship groups
- Helping your child understand how to stay safe online
- Contacting the school if you have any concerns
If you would like more information about the Prevent Strategy or safeguarding at our school, please contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Designated Safeguarding Lead - Mrs R Scott
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead - Miss K Lindley and Mrs H Rushworth
Nominated Governor for Safeguarding – A Manders
Additional information can also be found on the UK Government website.