Safeguarding at Gillas Lane
At Gillas Lane Primary Academy all staff know that:
'Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families and carers has a role to play in safeguarding children. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all professionals should make sure their approach is child-centred. This means that they should consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child.'
'Staff members working with children are advised to maintain an attitude of ‘it could happen here’ where safeguarding is concerned. When concerned about the welfare of a child, staff members should always act in the best interests of the child'
(Keeping Children Safe in Education)
Reporting a concern
To contact school with any immediate safeguarding concerns, please contact Mrs Monaghan (DSL) or Mrs Straughan (Deputy DSL).
Mrs Monaghan: emma.monaghan@aimhigh.co.uk
Mrs Straughan: kay.straughan@aimhigh.co.uk
School number: 0191 5005956
If you have any concerns around the safety and well-being of other children whom you may have contact with through family, friends or neighbours or within the wider community, please click on the link below to find out more about how you can report your concerns.
https://tacklechildabuse.campaign.gov.uk/
These concerns should also be reported to Together for Children
Children's Safeguarding: 0191 5617007 (Monday - Thursday 8.30am - 5.15pm and Friday 8.30am - 4.45pm)
Out of Hours Emergency Duty Line: 0191 5205560
Alternatively, call the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) helpline for support and advice if you have a concern for your own or another child’s safety on 0808 800 5000.
If you feel that a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999. You can report concerns to the police on their non-emergency number, 101.
Operation Encompass
We are an Operation Encompass school. Operation Encompass is a unique police and education early intervention safeguarding partnership. If a child has been exposed to or involved in a domestic abuse incident, school are informed. This means that we can then offer any appropriate support to the child and family and ensure that all interactions , from when the child arrives at the school gates, are of a positive and reassuring nature.
Kidsafe
At Gillas Lane, we are a KidSafe registered school. KidSafe is a charity which was founded in 2004 to teach children how to keep themselves safe. The aim of KidSafe is to protect, educate and empower children. With the help of our puppet, KS, lessons are uniquely designed to help children take an active role in protecting themselves from all forms of abuse.
The programme consists of games, scenarios involving a puppet named KS and fun interactive activities for the children to participate in. Through the programme, children will learn how to keep themselves safe whilst having fun.
An overview of each Kidsafe session will be shared with our families on Class Dojo after the session has been delivered - this will allow families to be aware of what has been taught and to share any comments they may have with staff.
If you require any further information, you can take a look at the KidSafe website.
Home or Out Alone
As your child gets older, it’s likely they’ll want a bit more independence. Staying home or going out without you is a natural step for them to take — when the time is right. It can be hard to decide whether your child is ready. There’s a lot to think about. And a lot you might be worried about. This guide is designed to
reduce that worry, by helping you make the right decision for you and your child.
Knife Crime - You Only Live Once (YOLO)
Working in partnership with Northumbria Police and the Crime Commissioner's Violence Reduction Unit, YOLO (Foundation of Light) supports young people aged 10-16 who are or have been in possession of carrying a knife or weapon, or there is evidence they may be involved in serious violence in the future.
The free 20-week early intervention programme is managed by a specialised Youth Engagement team and young people can be referred via school, the Youth Justice Service and Northumbria Police.
Young people will be offered a Youth Work Officer and will receive 1-1 mentoring opportunities, intervention sessions and the chance to engage in activities such as sport, music, art and social action projects.
Intervention sessions included, but are not limited to, Knife Crime Awareness, Social Media Safety, Community Cohesion (ASB), Drugs & Alcohol Awareness, Exploitations & County Lines, Hate Crime, Goal Setting, Healthy Relationships in the Family Home and Laws & Consequences.
If you think this is something that could support you and your child, please get in touch with Mrs Monaghan and she can discuss the referral process.
Wearside Women in Need - WWiN
WWiN are a local service that supports women and children who have experienced domestic abuse. They have a wide range of specialist domestic abuse services and offer outreach work at school. If you would like somewhere safe to contact WWiN, please feel free to call into school and ask to speak to Mrs Monaghan.
