Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is our highest priority and the golden thread that runs through everything we do at Storyybrook. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive environment where children feel protected, valued, listened to and confident to speak up. Through a child-centred approach, every decision is made in the best interests of the child, with a focus on removing barriers, raising aspirations and improving outcomes.
We embed a whole-school culture of safeguarding through strong relationships, professional curiosity, early intervention and collaborative working with families and external agencies. As a specialist SEMH setting, we recognise that behaviour can sometimes communicate unmet needs or safeguarding concerns, and all behaviour is understood within a safeguarding context.
Through our curriculum and daily interactions, we help children develop the knowledge, confidence and skills to recognise risks, build healthy relationships, stay safe online and offline, and know when and how to seek help. By keeping pupils at the heart of all we do, we help every child feel safe, supported and able to thrive both in and beyond school.
Key Safeguarding Documents
Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
Download PDFSafeguarding Flow Chart
Download PDFPrevent Duty Policy
Download PDFChild-on-Child Abuse Policy
Download PDFIntimate Care Policy
Download PDFUse of Reasonable Force and Other Restrictive Interventions Policy
Download PDFSafeguarding Governance
Governance and Safeguarding Oversight Framework
Download PDFRelated Policies
Safeguarding at Storyybrook is embedded across all aspects of school life and should be read in conjunction with a range of supporting policies and procedures. These documents work together to promote the safety, wellbeing and welfare of all pupils and ensure that safeguarding remains the golden thread running through our provision.
Key related policies include:
- Behaviour and Relationships Policy
- Child-on-Child Abuse Policy
- Anti-Bullying Policy
- Attendance Policy
- SEND Policy
- Online Safety Policy
- Prevent Duty Policy
- Intimate Care Policy
- Use of Reasonable Force and Other Restrictive Interventions Policy
- Educational Visits Policy
- Staff Code of Conduct
- Whistleblowing Policy
- Low-Level Concerns Policy
- Managing Allegations Policy
- Safer Recruitment Policy
- Complaints Policy
- Health and Safety Policy
- Risk Assessment Policy
Together, these policies support our commitment to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive environment where children feel protected, valued, listened to and supported to thrive.
At Storyybrook, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and underpins every decision, interaction and system within the school.
Prevent Strategy
As part of our commitment to safeguarding, Storyybrook is fully committed to the Prevent Duty and protecting pupils from the risk of radicalisation and extremism. All staff receive Prevent training and understand their responsibility to identify concerns, remain vigilant and respond appropriately.
The Prevent Duty is embedded throughout our wider safeguarding framework and is reflected in:
- Our curriculum, including PSHE, RSE and SMSC provision
- Behaviour and relationships practice
- Therapeutic and SEMH support
- Online safety and responsible use of technology
- Pastoral care and pupil support systems
- Staff conduct and professional responsibilities
As a specialist SEMH school, we recognise that some pupils may be more vulnerable due to difficulties with identity, belonging, relationships or emotional wellbeing. Through strong relationships, a culture of inclusion and early intervention, we help pupils develop resilience, critical thinking and a sense of safety, belonging and respect.
All staff are trained to:
- Understand the risks associated with radicalisation and extremism
- Recognise potential signs of concern
- Follow safeguarding procedures and report concerns promptly
- Promote a culture of safety, respect and inclusion
Report a Safeguarding Concern
The safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. If you have any concerns about a child's welfare, safety or wellbeing, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) as soon as possible. We encourage all concerns to be shared, no matter how small they may seem.
If a child is at immediate risk of harm, please contact the police on 999 immediately.
ReportUseful Safeguarding Links
