Safeguarding
At OMG, we prioritise the safety and well-being of our students. We're dedicated to creating a secure environment where every student feels heard and supported.
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We want everyone in our school community to feel safe and respected and be able to talk about any concerns they may have.
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At OMG, we recognise that safeguarding young people is everyone’s responsibility. We want all children and adults to feel confident about reporting any safeguarding concern – and to know that they will be listened to.
Got a Safeguarding Concen
Would you like to talk to someone at OMG about a concern you have?
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Please get in touch with our Designated Safeguarding Lead – Helen Rose Strachan, or our Proprietor – Jamal Miah.
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Headteacher and DSL: h.strachan@omg.school
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Proprietor: j.miah@omg.school
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Phone: 0208 159 3838, 07498 330 265
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Or you can reach out to:
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Tower Hamlets LADO: 020 7364 0677, 07903 238827
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Tower Hamlets MASH: 020 7364 3444 / 5601 / 5606
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Tower Hamlets Early Help: 020 7364 5006
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Scan QR Code to report a concern
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How to get help if you're concerned about gangs and county linesIf 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
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Mental Health SupportWe 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.
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Staying Safe OnlineOMG 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.
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General government guidance for parents and carersA 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
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Concerned about sexual harassment or abuse?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.
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Worried about Bullying?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.
Online Safety
This can also be called ‘internet safety’, ‘online safety’ or ‘web safety’. E-safety is often defined as the safe and responsible use of technology.
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This includes the use of the internet and also other means of communication using electronic media (eg text messages, gaming devices, email etc).
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Please contact the school if you need any advice on Online Safety.
School ICT System Links and DFE Guidance
OMG Education Independent School uses Lightspeed Filtering and Monitoring solutions, to support Safer Internet Practises in school.
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Schools in England (and Wales) are required “to ensure children are safe from terrorist and extremist material when accessing the internet in school, including by establishing appropriate levels of filtering” . Furthermore, the Department for Education’s statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ obliges schools and colleges in England to “ensure appropriate filters and appropriate monitoring systems are in place. Children should not be able to access harmful or inappropriate material from the school or colleges IT system” however, schools will need to “be careful that “over blocking” does not lead to unreasonable restrictions as to what children can be taught with regards to online teaching and safeguarding.”
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It is important to recognise that no filtering systems can be 100% effective and need to be supported with good teaching and learning practice and effective supervision.
Help for Families
Our pupils are growing up in a world of ever-changing technology. While we feel that the use of technology is a largely positive aspect of modern life, we cannot ignore the risks that can be associated.
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Throughout school we aim to teach children:
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about the impact of cyber-bullying and what to do if they have been affected.
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to be vigilant when communicating online recognising that people may not always be who they say they are and to be sensible about what they share.
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to tell an adult they trust if something is upsetting them.
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to question the reliability of information given through a web based source.
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to search responsibly for information while using internet browsers.
We understand that much of our pupil's use of the internet will occur at home, away from the school filters.
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Below are a list of useful websites, advice and resources that you may find helpful when navigating the issue of online safety with your child.
Useful resources and links
Thinkuknow http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Thinkuknow is an education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. Since 2006, it aims to ensure that everyone has access to this practical information – children, young people, their parents and carers and the professionals who work with them.
Internet Matters https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/esafety-leaflets-resources/
A comprehensive web resource with a wide array of tips and advice on how to navigate the online world with your child. Some of their guidance we attach below but you can find even more by visiting the link.
National Online Safety https://nationalonlinesafety.com/resources/platform-guides/
National Online Safety's mission is to make the internet a safer place for children. They aim to do this by equipping school staff, parents and children with the knowledge they need to understand online dangers and how best to react should an incident arise. The link above provides up to date information about a wide variety of social media apps and platforms your child might be using.
NSPCC http://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/share-aware/
The NSPCC are the first to admit that the internet is amazing. Children can play, learn, create and connect - opening up a whole world of exciting possibilities. But with the digital world changing all the time, how can you make sure your child’s staying safe? That’s where the NSPCC come in. Whether you’re an online expert or you’re not sure where to start, their tools and advice will help you keep your child safe.
Childnet http://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers
Childnet International is a registered UK charity that aims to make the internet a safe place for children and young people. Packed with resources it is a great resource for parents.
CEOP http://ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) is part of the National Crime Agency and their website can be used to report if you are worried about online abuse or the way someone is communicating online.
BBC https://www.bbc.com/ownit
The BBC have a website and app called Own It. The website has a lot of content for children to help them navigate their online lives, and the free smartphone app comes with a special keyboard which can intervene with help and support in the moments that children need it the most.
SafetoNet https://safetonet.com/
SafeToNet is technology that educates children “in-the-moment” as they use their device. It is a safeguarding assistant that helps them become responsible and safe digital citizens. Its power lies in a smart keyboard that detects risks in real-time. It steers children away from trouble by filtering harmful outgoing messages before they can be sent and any damage can be done.
A guide to Apps & Social Media
The number of apps and social media channels your child could be exposed to grow all the time, as does an app's functionality.
We recommend you visit Net Aware to read the latest and most current advice on over 70 apps to ensure you know what they do, how you can limit their features as well as recommended age restrictions. https://www.net-aware.org.uk/
Please contact the school for further advice and guidance on Online Safety.
