Every student needs to feel safe so that they can be happy and do their best

Who can you talk to if you are worried about something or you or a friend feels unsafe?

Safeguarding is EVERYONE’s responsibility, so you should be able to speak to any Bedford member of staff. However, there are some members of staff with specific responsibilities:

Roles and Responsibilities:

If you see or hear something that doesn’t feel right…

What kind of things might make you feel unsafe?

• Being hurt by an adult or another child

• Unkind or sexualised comments

• Bullying or feeling threatened

• Inappropriate online behaviours

• Being touched in a way that you don’t like

• Not being looked after by people at home

• Seeing people you love being hurt

Worried about a friend? Friendship issues?

Has something happened to you or a friend involving an adult or another child?

What should I do if I am worried about something or someone?

Don’t bottle it up! Talk to a member of staff about your concerns. Tell them in your own words why you or another student needs help. They will tell you that they may need to pass the information on to Mrs Ramsden (Designated Safeguarding Lead).

Or…

Talk directly to Mrs Ramsden or your PGO.

The member of staff will listen to you, and together you will discuss the problem and the action that may be taken to support you.

Or…

Email: Concern@bedford.wigan.sch.uk

What will happen if I speak to a member of staff?

When a student tells a member of staff something of concern, the member of staff will:

• listen to what the student has to say
• accept what the student says and make sure he/she knows that we take it seriously
• reassure the student that he/she did the right thing in sharing the information
• explain to the student what we will do next to offer support
• record what has been said and inform Mrs Ramsden

Bullying, Online Safety & Mobile Phones:

Students have a safeguarding responsibility to look after themselves and each other.

The internet is a brilliant place to connect with others, to be creative and to discover new things. However, using the internet, either through a browser or through various apps, also comes with an element of risk.

You need to know how to navigate the online world in a safe and responsible manner.

Everyone has a right to feel safe and for the majority, you will be lucky and not have any issues, however like the lottery…it could be you.

At Bedford High School, you will be taught about online safety through your PDE lessons, form time activities, assemblies and enrichment opportunities.

If you get into a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, confused, upset you should speak to a trusted adult, either at home or in school. Although you are welcome to speak to any member of staff in school, and they will take your concern seriously, we have a dedicated pastoral team ready to support you:

Finally here’s some top tips to help keep you safe:

1. Protect your online reputation: ‘think before you post.’ Content posted online can last forever and could be shared publicly by anyone.
2. Know where to find help: Understand how to report inappropriate behaviours or contact to websites and service providers. Learn how to use blocking and deleting tools. If something happens that upsets you online, it’s never too late to tell someone.
3. Don’t give in to pressure: Keep calm and stay in control. Once you’ve posted something. It’s very hard to take it back. Think ‘Would I say this in person?’.
4. Respect the law: Age restrictions are there for a reason and to protect you. Only use reliable legal services to access music, films and games.
5. Treat others as you would like to be treated: Never lower yourself to unkind behaviours. If someone is unkind to you online, speak to a trusted adult

Are there any other places I can seek advice?