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Safeguarding
Overarching Principles
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Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and duty
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We rely on all those working with children to take any suspicions, allegations or concerns about a child seriously.
- Always assume ‘it could happen here’.
Safeguarding Team
The St Augustine Academy Safeguarding Team has been trained to an advanced level on all aspects of safeguarding. The team is available to any student, parent, or school staff member to discuss and report any safeguarding concerns.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) – Mr N Leatherbarrow
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSL) – Miss S Dean
Designated Persons – Mrs L Gordon-Shellam, Ms J Bailey & Mr G Langford
Head of School – Mr Ball also holds the advanced level safeguarding qualification and oversees all safeguarding arrangements at St Augustine Academy.
Social Media
Snapchat
Please would all parents/carers remind/urge their child not to create/join Snapchat groups using the St Augustine Academy school name, these groups are unauthorised, and we would remind parents/carers that where we find substantiated proof that a group has been created by an individual/group of individuals then sanctions will be applied in line with our Academy Behaviour Policy.
We have become aware that a number of students are part of WhatsApp messenger groups in excess of 1000 people. As you will appreciate this creates significant safeguarding concerns.
As a reminder to all parents/carers in Europe and the UK, the minimum age of use for WhatsApp is 16 years old. 
Like many age restrictions on social media apps, some children may choose to ignore this and sign up, but we would strongly encourage parents/carers to ensure that their child is not part of a mass group, as often they will not be aware of who many of the other participants are.
Online Safety
The following agencies can be contacted in the event of any online safety concerns:
Road Safety
Since the start of term we have received a number of concerns raised following near misses as our students travel to and from school. Please remind students to be alert at all times, including:
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Not walking in the road when travelling in a group
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Running into and across roads, especially directly outside of school gates
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Crossing Between Cars
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Cross roads with headphones in
Parent/Carer Focus
Parental involvement in sport
The NSPCC's Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) have a new campaign running from 2 to ask parents to get involved in their children’s sport, to be supportive and to help keep children safe. To support this, there is a new film called “My No.1 Fan”, which features real families talking about what positive parental behaviour and support means to them and how negative behaviour can impact children’s enjoyment of sport.
Watch the video: My no.1 fan - positive parental involvement in sport
Safeguarding Websites
General Safeguarding Support Information
Kent County Council - Protecting Children
Mental Health Support
NHS - Parents, Carers and Families Information
Kent Youth Health (School Health) are a team of school nurses and practitioners who work to improve the general health and wellbeing of children, young people and their families. They work with health visitors, community paediatricians, schools and other services from your local community. You do no have to be in school to use this service.
You can access this support via:
Telephone: 0800 0113 474
Email: nem-tr.kentchildrenandyoungpeoplehealthservices@nhs.net
Online: https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/forms/school-health-service-referral-form/
Kooth: https://www.kooth.com/
Kooth is available for 10- to 25-year-olds across the UK. They offer digital counselling services, an online magazine, online discussion forums, a daily journal and mini-activities to help improve your emotional wellbeing. The online counselling service is available weekdays between 12pm and 10pm and weekend between 6pm and 10pm.
You can access this support via:
Online: https://www.kooth.com/
Moodspark: https://moodspark.org.uk/
Moodspark is a place where young people aged 10-16 can learn how to look after their emotional and mental health and find ways to help them bounce back when life gets tough. They have lots of online resources for you to read. Topics include Emotions and Behaviours, Education, Feeling Secure, Friendships and Health.
Shout: https://giveusashout.org/
Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope. To start a conversation, text the word “shout” to 85258. You will receive 4 automated text messages and then get connected with a Shout volunteer who will message with you to help you reach and calm and safe space. Shout is a short term, immediate support service and does not offer regular, ongoing support.
You can access this support via:
Text: Message “Shout” to 85258
