Under the Education Act 2002 (Section 175), schools must make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. Parent/carers should know that the law (Children Act 1989) requires all school staff to pass on information which gives rise to a concern about a child’s welfare, including risk from neglect, physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
The staff will seek, in general, to discuss any concerns with the parent/carer, and where possible, seek their consent to a referral to Social Care. This will only be done where such discussion will not place the child at increased risk of significant harm. Schools will seek advice from Social Care when they have reasonable cause to suspect a child may be suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. Occasionally, concerns are passed on which are later shown to be unfounded.
Parents/carers will appreciate that the designated person for safeguarding (child protection) was carrying out their responsibilities in accordance with the law and acting in the best interests of all children.
Please click here for a direct link to the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
Click here to view the whistleblowing policy
Latest News
Dear Parents/Carers,
We have received the below concern from West Midlands police. It has also been publicised in the media. It is a good reminder of how important it is that parents are fully aware of the apps or websites our young people are using. We recommend that parents have an open dialogue with young people about the positives and negatives of all social media. You might like to ask them regularly “which apps do your friends use most?”, “what is the latest craze?” and “have there been any problems online?”.
Please read the warning below and also the online safety advice at the following sites.
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/articles/what-is-live-streaming/
Thank you for your support, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or comments.
Kind Regards,
Dan Oliver
Senior Safeguarding Lead
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Dear all,
West Midlands Police has been made aware of an an App called “UNICO LIVE”. The app is publicised as age restricted 12+ and designed for young people to upload videos of them performing, singing and dancing etc.; it has come to our attention that there is inappropriate content on the platform involving young people which is being investigated.
The content does not appear to be monitored and we urge you to raise awareness widely to increase vigilance and reduce the likelihood of any child being sexually exploited.
Please share at the earliest opportunity with your pupils, staff, friends and family.
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Dear Parent/Carers,
Online Safety Certificate for Students
As part of our commitment to helping students stay safe online we are asking your child to complete the following online safety certificate this term. This can be completed at home on any internet enabled device or using school computers in the library. The deadline for this to be completed is the end of term. Some students may wish to make use of some of the time on the upcoming Teacher Training Day on 1st Feb 2019, PRIDE showcase Day on Feb 6th 2019. To access the certificate go to https://onlinesafetyalliance.org/certificate/
The username and password will be given to the students by their tutor. If you would like us to email you this information then please send a request to schooladmin@barrshill.coventry.sch.uk with your child’s name and year group.
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Online Safety Advice – Momo Challenge
It’s important to note that new challenges are arising on the internet all the time. National Online Safety have created this guide to raise awareness of the issue and offer advice on helping parents to talk to their children about making safer decisions online. See also ‘7 conversation starters’ guide for more tips on better communication with your child.
Internet Safety – MOMO update
Online safety remains a very serious concern. The internet can be a source of lots of false information, from harmless inaccuracy to fake news and sites supporting very negative or distressing views of the world. The MOMO and Blue Whale challenges have both had hoax elements to them, despite widespread reporting in the main stream media. The conversations with young people around how to be critical of online messages or content, how to stay safe and build a positive view of themselves are more important than ever. Please discuss these important messages regularly as families, see the 7 conversation starters attached.
The MOMO advice attached remains useful but see the BBC report for information on which elements may be unfounded.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-47393510
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November 2018
Dear Parents,
It is always a tragedy when any young person loses their life, no matter what the circumstances. The recent death of a 16 year old in Wood End, from a knife attack, has brought issues of loss, crime and personal safety to the front of all our minds.
We want to encourage you to discuss these recent events with your child…click the link below for advice on personal safety for young people.
Website Advice Personal Safety Letter 2018
