MANAGING SAFEGUARDING RISKS IN OUR SCHOOLS

Our staff play a key role in keeping students safe by proactively monitoring any risks.

The Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) recently released new Safeguarding Risk Management resources for our schools to assist with this.

These resources are designed to help us continuously identify, prevent, and reduce risks to students of child abuse and harm, and support our school to be a safe environment where every child and young person can thrive and grow.

We have a school site Safeguarding Risk Management Plan that sets out the risks that we can identify, and most importantly, how we can reduce them. If you are wishing to view this please make contact.

As parents and carers, you play a significant role helping us to identify safeguarding risks in our school, and I’m sure you may also have ideas on how we can reduce these risks to keep students safe. 

If you or your child/children have any questions, concerns or wish to report any incidents relating to child abuse or harm, I encourage you to reach out to me or a trusted staff member. We welcome your views and any feedback.

The Tell Someone website is also another useful source of information if you are worried that a child may be at risk of harm or is being sexually abused or groomed. 

If you have any concerns, the website gives clear information about what to look for, how to make a report and who to speak to.

For further information on the work being done on safeguarding in our school, please visit DECYP's website.

Importance of Sleep

As we head into the back end of term the days are beginning to become shorter and sometimes this can affect sleep, coupled with a busy time in the school calendar students will begin to tire.

The following information has been sourced from Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800

Sleep is vital for kids' health, development, and wellbeing. It helps them to stay healthy, grow, learn and do well in school. Sleep physically restores their body, improves brain function and mental health.

Kids of all ages need to get enough sleep so they can play, learn, and concentrate during the day.

Not getting enough sleep can have a significant impact on your kids – behaviourally, mentally and emotionally.

Recommended hours of sleep per night can vary depending on age. Every kid is different, so take time to figure out what works best for your kid. Here is a guide:

• 0-11 months - 14-18 hours per day
• 1-2 years - 10-14 hours per day
• 3-5 years - 10-13 hours per day
• 6-13 years - 9-11 hours per day
• 14-18 years - 8-9 hours per day

There are many things you can do to help your kids get good quality sleep as often as possible:

Encourage exercise or time outdoors during the day.

Turn off devices at least 30 minutes before bed.

Talk to them about their sleep to figure out what might be impacting on it.

Help them make sleep a priority! Ensure they’re getting enough sleep for their age.

Set up a regular bedtime and waking up time – and help them stick with it!

Develop a regular bedtime routine – taking a bath, brushing teeth, then reading or meditation.

Create a good sleeping environment (dark, cool, quiet, and screen-free).

Avoid sugary foods and drinks a couple of hours before bed to help them rest easier.

Digital Skills for Families – Online Resources and Social Media Content

As part of the DECYP’s commitment to support families with online learning at home, there are a range of online resources for families available on the Digital Skills for Families DECYP website. Resources include information videos and tips for supporting online learning at home.