Safeguarding
Here at North Durham Academy we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Safeguarding children is everyone's responsibility. We want all children and young people to be safe, feel secure, well cared for and able to reach their full potential.
This means that we have a Child Protection Policy and procedures in place which we refer to in our prospectus. All staff (including supply staff, volunteers and governors) must ensure that they are aware of these procedures. This policy can be found here on our policy page and a paper copy of this policy is available on request from the main office. We will always act in accordance with our statutory responsibilities.
Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child’s welfare. We will ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with his/her parents/carers first unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child’s welfare.
The NDA Safeguarding Team
| Name | Role |
| Deborah Menear | Designated Safeguarding Lead – Head of Student Support |
| Mark Gray | Designated Safeguarding Lead – Head Teacher |
If you are concerned about a child’s welfare, please record your concern, with one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads.
If your concerns relate to the actions or behaviour of a member of staff (which could suggest that s/he is unsuitable to work with children) then you should report this to Mrs Menear in confidence, who will refer the matter to the Headteacher (or the Chair of Governors if the concern relates to the Headteacher)– who will consider what action to take.
If you are a student who thinks they are in danger, you can speak to Mrs Menear in school or via email d.menear@ndacademy.co.uk If you have an urgent concern outside of these times you can contact Childline or call 0800 1111. In the event of an emergency outside of school, please contact police on 999, or for police help that is not an emergency call 101.
If you wish to report a concern which does not hit the above criteria you can submit an SOS which will automatically alert members of the safeguarding team. ADD SOS LINK
Useful numbers and websites
Children's Social Care 030000 267 979
NSPCC help line: 0808 800 5000
LGBT switchboard: 0300 330 0630
Kooth: (www.kooth.com) support service for student’s wellbeing
Barnardos: 0800 008 7005
SOS (Speak Out Safely)
