Parental Guide to Safeguarding

Categories of Abuse

Abuse is a form of maltreatment of a child. It may involve causing harm or failing to act to prevent harm. Abuse can be inflicted by adults or by other children. Any child can be at risk, regardless of background.

The four main categories are:

• Physical Abuse: Hitting, shaking, burning, poisoning, or otherwise causing physical harm. Includes making up symptoms or deliberately making a child unwell.

• Emotional Abuse: Persistent actions that harm emotional development, such as making a child feel worthless, silencing them, serious bullying (including online), or limiting normal social interaction.

• Sexual Abuse: Forcing or encouraging sexual activity, whether contact (e.g. touching, rape) or non-contact (e.g. showing sexual images, grooming online). Can be committed by any gender, including other children.

• Neglect: Ongoing failure to meet basic needs (food, clothing, shelter, medical care, supervision, education), likely to cause serious harm.

Anti-Bullying

Bullying is repeated, negative behaviour intended to cause distress, discomfort, or fear. It must be deliberate and persistent, not isolated unkindness.

Types:

• Verbal

• Physical

• Indirect (spreading rumours, exclusion)

• Cyber/online

We tackle bullying through:

• Weekly PSHE lessons

• Assemblies reinforcing our school values

• Immediate investigation of concerns by class teachers and senior leaders

Parents can help by encouraging open conversations with their child, spotting changes in mood or friendships, and contacting us if they are concerned.

Reasonable Punishment and Smacking

It is illegal for school staff to smack children. Parents may only physically discipline a child if it amounts to “reasonable punishment” under the Children Act 2004, which excludes causing injuries, using implements, or repeated incidents.

We encourage positive discipline strategies, such as:

• Clear boundaries and rules

• Praising positive behaviour

• Offering choices and shared decision-making

• Removing privileges instead of physical punishment

Children Missing from Education (CME)

A CME is a child of compulsory school age who is not on a school roll and not receiving education otherwise. Absence for 10 consecutive school days without explanation (or shorter if safeguarding concerns exist) will trigger investigation and possible referral to the Local Authority.

County Lines

County Lines is criminal exploitation where gangs coerce or force children to transport drugs, money, or weapons, often far from home.

Warning signs:

• Unexplained absences, money, phones, or possessions

• Secretive behaviour and new, older friends

• Staying out late or going missing

• Use of violent or sexualised language

If you suspect County Lines involvement, contact the DSL or the police.

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse includes any behaviour to control, intimidate, or harm a partner or family member. It can be physical, emotional, sexual, or financial.

Signs:

• Fear of a partner, avoiding certain topics

• Belittling or humiliation

• Physical harm or threats

• Controlling access to friends, money, or movement

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 999. For support, contact the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

FGM is the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is illegal in the UK and must be reported to the police if suspected.

Possible signs:

• Talk of a special ceremony or trip abroad

• Prolonged absence and discomfort on return

• Asking to be excused from PE

If you suspect a child is at risk, contact the DSL or call 101.

Sports Clubs and Activities

When choosing a club or coach for your child, check that they have:

• A named safeguarding lead

• Clear safeguarding and complaints procedures

• DBS checks and safe recruitment

• First aid provision and trained staff

A safe club will welcome your questions and share policies openly.

Sexting

Sexting is sharing sexual, naked, or semi-naked images, videos, or messages. We teach children to:

• Think before sharing

• Never send images without consent

• Tell a trusted adult if pressured

For advice, visit NSPCC Sexting Advice or call 0808 800 5000.