Safeguarding

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE) is updated on an annual basis and informs staff training and safeguarding practice within the Academy. The updated KCSiE can be viewed using the link below.

Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024

Emergencies/Concerns - If you are concerned that a child or young person is being harmed through abuse or neglect, the Slough Children First Referral and Assessment Service is where to start. If the child or young person requires immediate protection please call 01753 875362. 

For emergencies outside of Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, call the Emergency Duty Team on 01344 351999 email: EDT@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or dial 999.

All details and information about the Slough Safeguarding Partnership can be accessed via the link below.

Slough Safeguarding Partnership

LADO - The LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) for this local authority is:

Dawn Lisles
Tel: 01753 474053 / 07927 681858
Email: LADO@sloughchildrenfirst.co.uk

Suicide rates amongst young people aged 15-19 in England rose by 35 per cent from 2020 to 2021, according to data from the Office for National Statistics analysed by charity YoungMinds. At The Langley Academy we have a mental health team to support students who may be suffering from poor mental health.  The Academy also has a counsellor, Place2Be support and two Family Liaison Officers who also support students and families. 

For additional information and support please look at our Mental Health and Wellbeing Section.

A link to useful services can be found below:

CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) :: Healthier Together (what0-18.nhs.uk)

Kooth – on-line mental wellbeing community

Number22 | Free Counselling in Windsor, Slough and Maidenhead

Papyrus - prevention of young suicide

YoungMinds - Support for young people - 0207 089 5050

YoungMinds Crisis Messenger - Text YM to 85258 for free 24/7 crisis support

• Childline - Under 19s - 0800 1111
• Samaritans - 116 123
• Youth Access - Find a service - 0208 772 9900
• The Mix - Essential support for under 25s - 0808 808 4994 or text THEMIX to 85258
• Winston’s Wish - Support for bereaved children and young people - 08088 020 021
• Daisy’s Dream – Supporting children through bereavement - 0118 934 2604
• Anna Freud - Support and advice for young people - 020 7794 2313​
• NSPCC - help@nspcc.org.uk or 0808 800 5000
• GP
• NHS 111
• A&E - in an emergency
•  

Following the initial and ongoing response by education settings as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been increased wide-scale use of technology as a tool to facilitate children and young people's learning, socialising and play. KCSIE continues to strengthen the important message of online safety being recognised by all schools and colleges as a key safeguarding consideration and provides information and guidance to ensure DSLs and school/colleges leaders can take steps to protect their communities online.

We recommend that you regularly monitor your child's on-line activities.To support with this please use the links below:

• Childnet International
• NSPCC – Keeping children safe online
• Report- Remove – for removing indecent images that mighty have been posted online
• Resources on Sexting – Keep Children Safe Online: Information, Advice, Support - Internet Matters
• TikTok Parents Guide - Parents' Ulti
• TikTok App Safety
• Snapchat Parents Guide
• Social media guides
• Video - Online trolling and hate
• Video - Effect of social media on future careers
• Video - Social Media

Our school is part of Operation Encompass. Operation Encompass is a national police and education early intervention safeguarding partnership which supports children and young people who experience Domestic Violence and Abuse and which is in place in every police force in England and Wales.

Children were recognised as victims of domestic abuse in their own right in the 2021 Domestic Abuse Act. Operation Encompass means that the police will share information with our school about all police attended Domestic Abuse incidents which involve any of our children PRIOR to the start of the next school day.

Our Safeguarding Overview Directorate undertook training on 01.02.2023 and our DSL undertook training on 18.01.2024.

Operation Encompass Poster - English

Operation Encompass Poster - Bengali

Operation Encompass Poster - Punjabi-Indian

Operation Encompass Poster - Urdu

Network Rail in partnership with Learn Live are working to help raise awareness by educating your students about the dangers of the train tracks through interactive digital delivery.

You can access the videos as follows; entering the email railsafety@learnliveuk.com into the "I am registered field" when you first watch the videos.

Secondary school version: Age 11-16

College & University version: Age 16 plus

Can be found on the Policies page here.

Policies can be very complexed for young people to understand. In order to help the students at The Langley Academy stay safe and make decisions that keep themselves and others safe we have created a student friendly safeguarding policy. Please take time to read this with your child at home.

Student Friendly Safeguarding Policy

Reassurance & Building Intelligence

• We want to work together with our local communities to tackle serious and organised crime in Langley.
• Everyone should feel safe in Langley. If you feel unsafe where you live then we want to know about this.
• All partners are working closely to share information and identify hotspots for targeted activity to remove and disrupt organised crime.
• You will see us out and about where you live. We want to hear from you about the concerns you have and discuss with you how we can tackle crime and also how you can get involved in supporting the longer term success of this initiative.
• Please help to share our message amongst your friends, family and neighbours and tell us if there are networks or groups that you think we should be a part of.
• Our intervention and disruption work is assisted by the information that you, our communities, provide to us. By working with us, you could save a life and make Langley a safer place to live and work.
• You know your neighbourhood best and will notice if anything seems suspicious or out of place. Your piece of information could be the missing link that we need to disrupt criminal activity or to intervene with someone who needs help.
• If you are worried that someone you know is using violence, is being exploited by drug dealers, or is carrying a knife, please report it. We can then take the necessary steps to safeguard them and identify those responsible.
• You can report crime or something suspicious that you have seen or heard on our website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk or by calling 101. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
• The available opportunities, and details of how to get involved, can be found on the Slough Borough Council website.

Community Involvement

As part of Safer Langley, communities are invited to get involved in the range of activities taking place. This is a crucial part of the initiative, which the success of all partner activity and the long term benefits to the area relies upon.

• Your involvement in projects to improve the local area is just as important as ours. Without the support of residents, the long term success of this scheme cannot be fully realised. Get involved in local opportunities: Safer Slough Partnership – Slough Borough Council
• Everyone has a part to play in Safer Langley to make the area a better and safer place to live. In order to tackle crime and ASB in the area, police rely upon information from communities about concerns you may have. Wanting to live without a fear of crime is not ‘grassing’. You can share anything with Thames Valley Police online or via 101. Alternatively, you can contact CrimeStoppers with 100% anonymity on 0800 555 111.
• Events will be held with community groups that will provide opportunities for input from residents to determine how partners can best help and support communities.

Living close to The River Thames increases the need for our students and families to be aware of the risks a river can present. This is particularly prevalent in both the summer and winter months, when there can be extremes of temperatures, to avoid injury and fatalities. The below video produced by the Thames Valley Learning Partnership will support with gaining a greater understanding of water safety. In addition The leaflet from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service outlines ‘Ice Safety’ for the summer months.

Video - Water Safety

Leaflet - Ice Safety

We understand that some students may face barriers to disclosing information to staff.  Whilst we would prefer that students speak to any member of staff in the school they feel comfortable with, we also provide an on-line anonymous reporting tool WHISPER.

Students are able to access this via the school website or through the text details as shown in the poster below.  Students can include their name or remain anonymous and the report will be read by a member of the safeguarding team.

WHISPER is also available for all parents to use if you would prefer to remain anonymous.

What is Whisper?

Whisper Home Page

What is anonymous reporting?

Frequently asked questions

What is Prevent?

The Prevent duty is a critical part of safeguarding in schools, aimed at protecting children and young people from the risks of radicalisation and extremism. Under this duty, schools are required to identify and support individuals who may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism. This involves training staff to recognise signs of radicalisation, promoting fundamental British values, and working closely with local authorities and other partners to ensure a coordinated approach. By integrating Prevent into their safeguarding policies, schools help create a safe environment where students can learn and thrive without fear of extremist influence

What Parents Should Do If They Are Worried About Prevent:

If parents have concerns about the Prevent duty or suspect that their child may be at risk of radicalisation, they should take the following steps:

1. Communicate with the School: Reach out to the school's safeguarding lead to discuss any concerns. Schools are equipped to handle such issues and can provide guidance and support.
2. Stay Informed: Educate yourself about the signs of radicalisation and the Prevent strategy. Understanding the framework can help you better identify potential risks and know how to respond.
3. Engage with Your Child: Have open and honest conversations with your child about their online activities, friendships, and any changes in behaviour. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings with you.
4. Seek Professional Help: If you believe your child is at immediate risk, contact local authorities or the police. They can offer specialized support and intervention.
5. Use Available Resources: Many organisations provide resources and support for parents concerned about radicalisation. The NSPCC, for example, offers a helpline for advice and support.

By taking these proactive steps, parents can play a crucial role in safeguarding their children from the risks associated with radicalisation and extremism.

What are the Signs of Radicalisation?

The signs that a child or young person may be at risk of radicalisation can be subtle and varied. Here are some key indicators to watch for:

1. Withdrawal from Family and Friends: Sudden isolation from usual social circles.
2. Changes in Behaviour: Increased levels of anger, hostility towards others, or talking as if from a script.
3. Secretive Internet Use: Being secretive about online activities, especially related to extremist content.
4. Expressing Extremist Views: Using extremist terms, supporting violence, or expressing sympathy for extremist causes.
5. Possession of Extremist Material: Having literature or other materials that promote extremist ideologies.
6. Changes in Appearance: Sudden changes in appearance or dress, often to fit in with a particular group.
7. Disrespectful Attitude: A sudden disrespectful attitude towards others, especially those of different backgrounds or beliefs

It's important to note that these signs do not necessarily mean a child is being radicalised. They could be indicative of other issues or normal teenage behaviour. If you have concerns, it's crucial to communicate with the school or seek professional help.

Prevent Parents' Booklet