Safeguarding

If you’re worried that a child or young person might be or is at risk of being exploited by a county lines gang, you must share your concerns. Please speak to our school’s designated safeguarding lead (Helen Rose Strachan) or a staff member. If you think a child is in immediate danger, you can contact the police on 999. The NSPCC have lots of information and expert advice about how to support a young person who may be at risk of gang involvement or involved in county lines. t: 0808 800 5000 e: help@nspcc.org.uk. You can also contact Crimestoppers (anonymously) at 0800 555 111

We understand the importance of providing support and resources for students who may be struggling with mental health issues, and we have a range of measures in place to ensure that they receive the help they need. Our goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where all students can thrive, and we are committed to working with our students, parents, and staff to achieve this. Please speak to our headteacher (Helen Rose Strachan) about mental health concerns. Mind is a mental health charity which provides support to everyone who has experienced a mental health problem. If you are concerned about your mental health or about someone you know, you can contact Mind for advice at 0300 1233393. YoungMinds offers information and advice about children's and young people’s well-being and mental health. It provides extensive guidance for young people on coping with mental health issues. YoungMinds also has a helpline for parents and carers at 0808 8025544. The Kooth team provides free, safe, anonymous online support and counselling for young people. Samaritans are available day or night for anyone struggling to cope and needing someone to listen without judgement or pressure. They give people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others. They encourage, promote, and celebrate those moments of connection between people that can save lives. They offer listening and support to people and communities in times of need. You can call free on 116 123.

OMG Education believes that everyone in the school community has the right to learn and teach in a supportive and caring environment without fear of being bullied. We will help all members of the school community benefit from computing and online technologies while understanding their risks and equipping children with the knowledge and skills to use them safely and responsibly. If you want advice on staying safe online, visit thinkyouknow.co.uk. They also have information about online blackmailing and how to access help if you need it. Common Sense Media has useful reviews and advice from parents and children on all the latest games, apps, and films. The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) offers advice on online safety. If you have been a victim of sexual online abuse or you’re worried this is happening to someone you know, you can let CEOP know safely and securely on their website.

A helpful government guide for parents and carers has lots of advice about keeping children and young people safe and getting support if needed. The guide includes information about: Protecting children from domestic abuse Teenage relationship abuse Child sexual abuse and exploitation Sexual assault referral centres Crime, Criminal Exploitation and County Lines, violence and gangs Protecting children from radicalisation Prevent Online child safety Mental health

OMG Education is committed to facilitating an environment where everyone feels confident about reporting any incidents of child-on-child abuse or sexual harassment and knowing that they will be heard and supported. We follow the guidance in the Department for Education’s Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance at all times – as outlined in our safeguarding policy. The NSPCC has a dedicated helpline for children and young people who have experienced abuse at school or for worried adults and professionals who need support and guidance, including for non-recent abuse. t: 0800 136 663. If you’re worried about your boyfriend or partner’s behaviour, learning more about the warning signs of domestic violence could help you – or someone close to you – stay safe. Refuge offers advice about domestic abuse for teenage girls and young people. t: 0808 2000 247 The Hide Out also offers advice for children and young people about domestic abuse. If you are worried about a young person who might be in an abusive relationship, you can find out more information about teenage abusive relationships and how to get help. You can also call Childline to talk about any concerns you might have. They have trained counsellors there to support you. t: 0300 123 7123.

lease encourage your child to speak to any staff member if they worry about bullying. All OMG staff are committed to doing everything they can to prevent bullying. We want our school to be an environment that is safe, supportive, and free from intimidation. We actively promote a culture of awareness, tolerance and inclusion where all forms of bullying are unacceptable. You can find more details in our anti-bullying policy. Bullying UK offers lots of advice for young people and parents about bullying. You can also call their helpline at 0808 800 2222. Childline is there to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. You can talk about anything. Whether it’s something big or small, their trained counsellors support you. t: 0300 123 7123.