Safeguarding

Blackfen School for Girls is committed to practice which protects students from harm and supports them to thrive. Staff in this organisation accept the importance of safeguarding all young people in our care, to ensure that they have opportunity to achieve their full potential. We recognize that the whole school community has a role to play in safeguarding children, and we therefore work hard with our students, our staff, and our parents and carers to ensure we are well informed about contextual (local) and broader safeguarding risks. We recognise that everyone has a role to play in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

We have designated child protection and safeguarding officers whom you can contact if you have any questions or concerns relating to child protection or safeguarding. All Blackfen School for Girls’ staff are trained at least annually in safeguarding, and receive regular updates about safeguarding matters throughout the school year. Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and their Deputies receive extensive certificated training at least every two years.

Our safeguarding team and contacts

The designated senior leadership team member for child protection and safeguarding is Clare Glen, welfare manager. She can be contacted at school via main reception 0208 303 1887 or via email CGL@blackfen.bexley.sch.uk

The Designated Prevent Lead is Clare Glen. She can be contacted as above.

The Headteacher Carrie Senior, Deputy Headteacher Ruth Makepeace and Assistant Headteacher Kim Brewer are all trained to designated safeguarding lead level (DSLs)

All student support officers are trained as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads, as are Miss Hoad and Miss Woodhouse on the senior leadership team. The student support officers are the staff who deal with the majority of welfare concerns across the school. They are available daily to support your children. The deputy designated safeguarding contacts (student support) are:

Year 7: Ms Osborne AOS@blackfen.bexley.sch.uk

Year 8: Mr Pidwell LPI@blackfen.bexley.sch.uk

Year 9: Ms George SGR@blackfen.bexley.sch.uk

Year 10: Mr Loughlin (Mon-Thurs) KLO@blackfen.bexley.sch.uk and Ms Smith (Fri) KSM@blackfen.bexley.sch.uk

Year 11: Ms Pascoe VPA@blackfen.bexley.sch.uk

Sixth Form: Ms Brewer KBR@blackfen.bexley.sch.uk

Concerns about a child outside school opening times

Outside of school operating times (for example in the school holidays), you may have concerns about a child. In an emergency, you should always call 999. If you are worried that a child is at risk of abuse or neglect, you must share your concerns immediately. You should contact Bexley MASH (the multi-agency safeguarding hub). You can contact Bexley MASH on the following numbers:

Daytime hours (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)

02030455440

Out of hours (5pm to 9am Monday to Friday and 24 hour cover at weekends)

0208 3037777 or 02083037171

If you live outside of Bexley, you can contact your local MASH. The contact numbers are available on the relevant local authority’s website.

The role of the Local Authority Designated Officer

The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for Bexley deals with allegations that a person who has worked with children has:

Behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed a child;
Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child; or
Behaved towards a child in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children.

The LADO’s role is to provide advice and guidance to employers and other individuals and organisations who have concerns relating to an adult working with children. The LADO can be reached on LADO@bexley.gov.uk

Additional information can also be found on the Bexley Borough's Local Safeguarding Children's Board website.

Working with the Metropolitan Police

We are fortunate to have a Safer Schools Police Officer who works with the school and who supports us to deliver PSHE content and advice to our students and their families. Should you wish to meet our Police Officer, please email Ms Glen (CGL@blackfen.bexley.sch.uk) for this to be arranged. Safer Schools Officers visit the school regularly and will meet students during assemblies, during tutor time and as required.

Associated documents and additional support

For additional information about safeguarding and welfare provision at Blackfen School for Girls, and for additional support, please visit our parent hub.

For the school's internal Safeguarding Policy and other associated documentation please click on the links below: