Safeguarding
Co-op Academy Bebington is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students in the academy.
We recognise that there is no higher priority than student’s safety and well-being. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
At Co-op Academy Bebington, we feel it is of the utmost importance that students not only feel safe, but are safe, so they can reach their full potential. Our nurturing environment coupled with a culture of support means students can seek the help they need quickly, and the staff are expertly trained to look out for any signs that a student is subject to harm.
It is important that all members of the academy’s community see it as a safe place, and this extends to parents and carers. We know that starting secondary school can be an anxious time for parents as well as students. Parents can feel confident and secure that detailed policies and procedures are in place to ensure that all staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children within the academy.
At Co-op Academy Bebington, we have a team of experienced staff who are safeguarding trained. We also ensure all staff are kept up to date with relevant information so that student safety is at the forefront of everything we do.
Not only do we prioritise the safety of all students at the academy, but we also recognise that our role is to educate students and parents about how to keep themselves safe, whether this is online or recognising signs of abuse.
We have in place a range of policies and procedures to support our safeguarding commitment. All concerns are passed through the members of staff who are trained as ‘Designated Safeguarding People’ in school in compliance with the ‘sharing of information’ guidance. You can find links to all these policies and procedure below. If there is any additional information you require, a member of our safeguarding team is happy to discuss any concerns.
All students, staff and parents are encouraged to report any concerns about any aspect of safeguarding or child protection to the safeguarding team. Students will be taken seriously if they seek help from a member of staff and where appropriate we will signpost students and families to receive additional support from outside agencies if this is necessary.
Safeguarding Leads
Miss Julia Sleeth | Designated Safeguarding Lead.
(julia.sleeth@coopacademies.co.uk)
Mrs Shereen Hayes | Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Roles and Responsibilities of Safeguarding Leads
The roles and responsibilities of the designated safeguarding lead.
- All policies and procedures to safeguard staff and students are in place and are updated as appropriate.
- All staff/volunteers have read and understood the policies.
- All staff/ volunteers understand and are confident with safeguarding procedures.
- All staff are aware about abuse in order to overcome barriers to students and young people reporting their concerns.
- Supporting staff/volunteers recognise the signs and indicators that might give rise to concern.
- Providing detailed training on how to respond to concerns about the abuse of young people, as well as how to respond to young people making an allegation of abuse.
- Explaining ways in which adults can raise concerns about unacceptable behaviour by other adults.
- Addressing specific issues such as, photography and images on the internet, supporting performers, physical contact, one-to-one coaching, journeys in cars, conduct on school trips.
- Providing support to staff, parents and carers and for confidential discussions about concerns.
- Co-ordinating arrangements for monitoring of students on roll who have been identified as being in need of protection.
- Working closely with other professionals with regards to referrals to social care and other external agencies.
Cause for Concern
Cause for concern means “reason to worry”. If you are worried about yourself or someone else who may be at risk of the concerns listed below; then please let an adult know.
How to report cause for concern for you or someone who you may be concerned about
- Use the Cause for Concern button (below) to report your concern / worry. A member of the Safeguarding Team will be alerted and respond to you
- Speak to any member of staff – they may need to pass your concern on to your Pastoral Leader and / or the Safeguarding Team
- Speak directly to your Form Tutor, Pastoral Leader or the Safeguarding Team
Inappropriate Sexualised Behaviour
Sexual harassment: This is when someone carries out unwanted sexual behaviour towards another person that can, but not always, make them feel upset, scared, offended or humiliated.
Sexual violence: Sexual violence is any kind of sexual activity or act (including online) that was unwanted or involved one or more of the following: pressure, manipulation, intimidation, threats, deception and force. In other words, any kind of sexual activity or act that took place without consent.
There are lots of different types of sexual violence, including child sexual abuse, rape and sexual assault.
If you or someone you know are concerned about inappropriate sexualised behaviour please report it as soon as you can. Inappropriate sexualised behaviour can include:
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual violence
- Consent
- Healthy relationships
- Indecent images requested or sent
How to report cause for concern for you or someone who you may be concerned about
- Use the Sexual Violence / Sexual Harassment button (below) to report your concern / worry. A member of the Safeguarding Team will be alerted and respond to you
- Speak to any member of staff – they may need to pass your concern on to your Pastoral Leader and / or the Safeguarding Team
- Speak directly to your Form Tutor, Pastoral Leader or the Safeguarding Team
Bullying
If you have a worry or an issue, it’s always best to talk to an adult about it. On this page you will find information about who you can talk to at the
If you need to report concerns for yourself or someone else around bullying, you need to let an adult know.
How to report bullying for you or someone who you may be concerned about
- Use the Bullying report button (below) to report your concern / worry. A member of the Pastoral Team will be alerted and respond to you
- Speak to any member of staff – they may need to pass your concern on to your Pastoral Leader and / or the Safeguarding Team
- Speak directly to your Form Tutor any member of the Pastoral Team or any member of staff
Useful Safeguarding Links
Please find below some external websites that provide advice and guidance on a range of safety issues:
Local Links
CAMHS | https://www.cwp.nhs.uk/our-services/wirral/camhs-0-18-wirral
Provides treatment and support to young people that are experiencing mental health difficulties
Family Toolbox | https://familytoolbox.co.uk/
Tips and tools for family life on the Wirral
Wirral Gov | https://www.wirral.gov.uk/benefits-and-money/emergency-financial-support
Offers emergency financial support to parents
Zillo | https://www.zillowirral.co.uk/about-4
A website for young people to get information on the latest events, news, expert health and wellbeing advice
Response | https://www.talktofrank.com/treatment-centre/response
A confidential service for people ages 13-19, offering a wide range of support covering drugs and alcohol, mental health and homelessness
Koala | https://koalanw.co.uk/family-support
Trained family support mentors who can visit you, offering flexible support that is tailored to your family needs
Talking Together Wirral | https://www.nhs.uk/services/clinic/talking-together-wirral/NDC17
A free confidential service available to anyone aged 16 or over
The Hive Youth Zone | https://www.thehiveyouthzone.org/
A purpose built facility for young people aged 8-19, and up to 25 for those with disabilities
Cafe Create |https://www.zillowirral.co.uk/
A place for young people to relax, be supported, get informed and get involved
Teenage Helpline | https://www.wirralinfobank.co.uk/Services/4131
Puts young people in contact with peers, as well as offering other support
Sexual Health Wirral | https://www.sexualhealthwirral.nhs.uk/
Free and confidential contraception and sexual health services for people living on the Wirral
Brook Wirral | https://www.sexualhealthwirral.nhs.uk/our-services/aged-19-and-under/brook-wirral/
Free and confidential services for people aged 19 and under, offering sexual health screening, contraception, pregnancy testing, condoms and advice
Barnardos | https://www.barnardos.org.uk/
Providing support for young people in care
Self injury support for women and girls | https://www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk/
Self-harm and self-injury charity offering direct support
Wirral Foodbank | https://wirral.foodbank.org.uk/
Helping local people in crisis
Tomorrow’s Women | https://www.tomorrowswomen.org.uk/
Support for women and girls facing personal problems
0-19 Health & Wellbeing Service | https://localofferwirral.org/listing/0-19-health-and-wellbeing-service/
A range of support for young people and families
Crea8ing Community | https://www.crea8ingcommunity.com/
Peer lef support group for parents of children with mental health and SEND support needs
Team Mental Health Provision | https://www.cwp.nhs.uk/our-services
A range of services to support parents and families
The Martin Gallier Project | https://www.themartingallierproject.org/
Supporting an individual who is experiencing suicidal crisis
The Paul Lavelle Foundation | https://paullavellefoundation.co.uk/
Providing support for low to medium risk males experiencing domestic abuse
Nacro – https://www.nacro.org.uk/
Advise and support disadvantaged young people and adults
The Rollercoaster Project | https://letstalkaboutloss.org/
Improving youth access to bereavement support, led by young people themselves
Young Person’s Advisory Service | https://ypas.org.uk/gyro-parents-group-pilot/
For parents of transgender and non binary young people, or those exploring or questioning their gender
Useful Resources
Samaritans | https://www.samaritans.org
Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you
Childline | https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice
Childline is here to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through
Educate Against Hate | https://educateagainsthate.com/
Practical advice for parents, carers, and staff on protecting young people from extremism and radicalism
Parent/Carer Information
NSPCC | https://www.nspcc.org.uk/
Advice, guidance and support
Family Lives | https://www.familylives.org.uk
Building better family lives together
Internet Safety
Thinkuknow | https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
Thinkuknow is the education programme from NCA-CEOP, a UK organisation which protects children both online and offline
My Safety Net | https://mysafetynet.org.uk/
Safety Net is a charity which helps children and young people feel safe and confident
CEOP Internet Safety | https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Are you worried about online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating with you online? Make a report to one of CEOP’s Child Protection Advisors
Get Safe Online | https://www.getsafeonline.org/
Advice and help about online safety
Substance Abuse
Talk to Frank | https://www.talktofrank.com/
Honest information about drugs
Teens Health – Drugs and Alcohol | https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/drug-alcohol/?WT.ac=t-nav-drug-alcohol#catnutrition
Links to information about drugs and alcohol
Turning Point | https://www.turning-point.co.uk/
Drug and alcohol support for young people
Self Harm
National Self Harm Network | https://www.nshn.co.uk/
The forum provides crisis support, information and resources, advice, discussions and distractions
ALUMINA | https://www.selfharm.co.uk/
FREE ONLINE SELF-HARM SUPPORT FOR 14-19’S
NHS Self harm guide | http://www.selfhelpguides.ntw.nhs.uk/bsmhft/leaflets/selfhelp/Self%20Harm.pdf
This booklet is for people who deliberately harm themselves and are unhappy about it. It is also for family and friends who may have difficulty understanding this behaviour
Mental Health
Rethink Mental Illness | https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/living-with-mental-illness/
Guidance and support with mental health
Young Minds | https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
Helping young people get the mental health support they need
NHS | https://www.nhs.uk/
Information and guidance around mental health
Kooth | https://www.kooth.com/
Mental Wellbeing
Bereavement
Winston’s Wish | https://www.winstonswish.org/
Winston’s Wish support children and young people after the death of a parent or sibling
Cruse Bereavement Care | https://www.cruse.org.uk/
Cruse Bereavement Care are here to support you after the death of someone close
Sexual Health
Brook | https://www.brook.org.uk/
Your free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing experts
NHS | https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/
Information about sexual health
Eating Disorders
Beat Eating Disorders | https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/about-eating-disorders/do-i-have-an-eating-disorder/
Advice, guidance and support about eating disorders