We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Our policies, including our Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy, align with Southampton Local Authority guidance. These are available below.

We may work with external agencies when there are concerns about a child’s welfare, and will involve parents/carers unless doing so would risk the child’s safety.

We actively support the Government’s Prevent Agenda to counter radicalism and extremism.

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Miss Hughes, supported by deputies Mrs Abbott, Mrs Southwick and Mrs Niziolek. Our safeguarding governor can be contacted via the school office. If you have a concern, please speak to a member of the safeguarding team or email: safeguarding@bitternemanor.net.

The Difference Between Safeguarding and Child Protection

• Safeguarding refers to the overall policies and practices schools use to keep children safe and support their well-being.
  This includes:

  • Building security

  • Safe staff recruitment

  • General safety procedures

• Child Protection is a part of safeguarding. It focuses on protecting specific children who are suffering or at risk of significant harm.

• Our school's child protection procedures are outlined at the end of the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

Children & Families First (Previously Early Help)

Our DSLs can help families access early support and charity referrals. If you're facing any challenges, please talk to us.

Children and Families First offers support in areas such as:

• Parenting and behaviour

• Emotional wellbeing

• Substance misuse

• Domestic abuse

• Money, housing, and work advice

• Staying safe online and outside

The Children's Resource Service

Worried About a Child? Get Help

* If a child is in immediate danger, call the police: 999

Contact the Children’s Resource Service

For families, children & young people:

• Monday–Friday (8:30am–5:00pm, Fri until 4:30pm):
   023 8083 3004

• Evenings, weekends & bank holidays:
   023 8023 3344

For professionals:

• Monday–Friday (8:30am–5:00pm, Fri until 4:30pm):
   023 8083 2300

• Evenings, weekends & bank holidays:
   023 8023 3344

Other Support Available

• NSPCC Free Helpline (for families or professionals):
   0808 800 5000

Other Useful Websites:

• Action for Children
• Anna Freud National Centre - Charity supporting Mental Health.
• Child Exploitation and Online Protection - Information for parents / carers concerned about online activity.
• Educate Against Hate - Online safety advice for parents / carers.
• Gov UK - Government guidance.
• NHS - Change for Life - Information and advice from the NHS.
• Safer Internet Centre - Online safety advice for parents / carers.
• Southampton City Mission and Basics Bank - Provider of food and clothing to families in need.
• Southampton Safeguarding Children Partnership
• Young Minds - Information for parents / carers concerned about their child's mental health.