Safeguarding

at Barr Beacon School

Barr Beacon School is committed to promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We fully recognise our responsibilities for safeguarding and child protection. Our policy and procedures apply to all staff, governors and those visiting the school. We aim:

  • To recognise signs and symptoms of pupils suffering harm or likely to suffer harm at the earliest possible moment to prevent concerns from escalating.
  • Raising awareness of child protection issues and working on the prevention of abuse, through the teaching and pastoral support offered to students.
  • Following procedures for identifying and reporting cases, or suspected cases of abuse.
  • To maintain a ‘child-centred’ approach and always act in the best interests of the child.
  • Establishing a safe environment in which children can learn and develop.
  • Maintaining a ‘child-centred’ approach and always act in the best interests of the child.

The designated senior leader for Safeguarding at Barr Beacon School is Mrs S Saunders (DSL).

If there are any concerns that a pupil may be at risk of abuse or neglect, in almost all circumstances we will talk to our parents/carers about our concerns and we will also explain if we need to refer our concerns to outside agencies. We will inform parents/carers if we need to make a referral, but in some circumstances we may need to make the referral without consulting. We will only do this if we genuinely believe that this is the best way to protect a pupil and the fact that we did not have consent from a parent/carer to the referral will be recorded.

Safeguarding through the Curriculum

Pupil safeguarding and the promotion of fundamental British Values are at the heart of all our work at Barr Beacon School. Great importance is placed on identifying opportunities in the taught curriculum for children to learn about safeguarding. Our broad and balanced curriculum gives pupils the chance to experience life in all its diversity, to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills that significantly impact on personal development, behaviour and welfare and equip every child with the knowledge and skills required for personal safeguarding.

Across Years 7- 13, the following topics are examples of the kinds of issues we cover within the PSHE curriculum; cyberbullying, British culture, world cultures, sexual health, British values, immigration, homosexuality, homophobia, gender identity, healthy relationships, globalisation, free speech, internet safety, drugs/alcohol education, the economy, the rule of law, government, multi-culturalism, human rights, the media, work-related learning and more. We are sensitive in our teaching and recognise that some more sensitive topics are taught at an age appropriate level. This curriculum time also covers health and wellbeing with a focus on healthy lifestyles, diet, sleep, personal hygiene and the importance of vaccinations. This is further enhanced through theme of the week assemblies across the year.

To assist in the delivery of these topics, we have worked with organisations such as the Local Authority Prevent Co-ordinator (radicalisation), Loudmouth and Saltmine Theatre companies (CSE, E-Safety, knife crime, mental health), Walsall Street Teams (Exploitation) School Nursing Team (mental health, healthy relationships, teenage pregnancy). Pupils also have access to a School Counsellor and Mental Health Support Worker who offer guidance on keeping safe.

Working together with outside agencies to deliver high quality workshops and performances enables pupils to develop an awareness of society and be informed about how to keep themselves safe in an array of circumstances. This understanding develops over their school journey with age appropriate topics which deepens their knowledge of the wider world and educates our pupils on how to stay safe. 

Please click onto the icons to take you to relevant information to help you support your child:

BBS-Safeguarding