Child Protection
At North Road Academy, the safety, welfare and wellbeing of every pupil are of the highest importance.
As an independent Muslim SEND school, we recognise that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities may face additional safeguarding risks and may not always be able to communicate concerns in the same way as other pupils. Our staff are therefore trained to recognise changes in behaviour, communication, emotional wellbeing and presentation that may indicate that a pupil requires additional support or protection.
All pupils are supported with care, dignity and respect. Staff remain vigilant to pupils’ wellbeing throughout the school day, including during lessons, transitions, breaktimes, outdoor activities and other areas of school life.
All members of staff are subject to the appropriate safeguarding and safer recruitment checks, including enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
Our staff receive regular safeguarding and child protection training in accordance with statutory guidance and the school’s safeguarding procedures. In addition, all staff complete specific training in:
Safeguarding Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
This specialist training helps staff to understand the particular vulnerabilities that children and young people with SEND may experience, including communication difficulties, increased dependency on adults, difficulties recognising unsafe situations and potential barriers to reporting concerns.
Staff are expected to report and record any safeguarding concerns promptly and to follow the school’s safeguarding and child protection procedures. Concerns are managed by the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead and safeguarding team in accordance with current statutory guidance and local safeguarding arrangements.
North Road Academy is committed to creating a safe, supportive and nurturing environment in which pupils feel secure, listened to and respected.
A copy of our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on our website and can also be provided upon request.
Has someone done something online that has made you or a child or young person you know, feel worried or unsafe?
The NCA’s CEOP Command helps to protect children and young people from online sexual abuse and exploitation.
At North Road Academy, we recognise that children and young people with SEND may be particularly vulnerable online. Some pupils may find it more difficult to recognise unsafe behaviour, understand boundaries, identify when someone is being dishonest, or explain when something has happened that has made them feel uncomfortable or worried.
CEOP can help if a child or young person aged 18 or under has been pressured, forced, persuaded or tricked into taking part in sexual activity, either online or in the real world. Support and advice are also available for other online concerns, including cyberbullying, inappropriate contact, hacking and other situations that may make a young person feel unsafe.
We encourage pupils to speak to a trusted adult whenever something online worries, confuses or upsets them. For pupils who may find verbal communication difficult, staff will support them to express concerns using appropriate communication methods, including visual prompts, symbols, communication aids or other personalised approaches.
Parents and carers are also encouraged to talk regularly with their children about online safety and to be aware of the websites, apps, games and social media platforms they use.
For advice, support or to make a report directly to CEOP, please visit the CEOP Safety Centre by clicking the Click CEOP button.
If something online does not feel right, tell a trusted adult. Help is available.
Concerns and Complaints
Whilst every effort is made to ensure we are meeting your satisfaction, we understand and take very seriously any feedback or grievances you may have with any aspect of our school. You will be provided with a Complaints Procedure document which will ensure each matter is dealt with swiftly.
The Complaints Procedure Policy Provides details of the complaints procedure adopted by the school, together with details on complaints registered under the formal procedure during the preceding school year. A copy of this policy is available to download in full from the Policies page on our website.
