Heston Community School has the safeguarding of its students at the heart of everything that it does, promoting the physical and emotional well-being of every student. Safe, happy and confident young people will thrive academically, contribute positively to the wider community and become active citizens.

The School follows the guidelines as published by the Department for Education under Section 175 of the Education Act 2002 and 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' [September 2023]. Furthermore, Heston works closely with the Local Authority and other external agencies to ensure the welfare of all our students.

At the core of our Safeguarding Practice are:

• Procedures that ensure safe recruitment to help deter, reject or identify people who may pose a risk to children
• A strong PSHE curriculum that educates all our students on how to keep safe, recognise behaviour that is unacceptable and who to inform when concerned
• Ensuring all staff receive high quality Safeguarding training
• Appropriate provision for any child who has been subject to abuse
• A Governing Body, Headteacher and staff that understand their responsibility, under safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance, to be alert to the signs of child abuse and to refer concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

The School raises awareness of issues such as well-being, mental health, eating disorders, self-harm, E-safety, FGM, CSE, radicalisation and relationships through curriculum lessons, assemblies and tutor time. We also have visitors to the school to talk to the students about key issues.

The School’s Safeguarding Team consists of:

• Julie Macsorley                                   -         Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Mike O'Hagan, Deputy Headteacher   -         Deputy Safeguarding Lead
• Beth Hart, Deputy Headteacher          -         Deputy Safeguarding Lead
• Ingrid Hall, Deputy Headteacher         -         Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Should you have a concern about the safety of a child, there are a number of ways that you can make a referral by contacting:

• The School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead on 020 8572 1931
• The School’s Child Protection or Pastoral Team on 020 8572 1931
• Hounslow Children’s Services directly on 020 8587 3660
• The police on 999 or 101

 

SAFER SCHOOLS OFFICER

Our Safer Schools Officer is located at the School and is available to meet with students and their parents, whenever the need arises. He contributes to the School’s Assembly and PSHE programmes, addressing issues related to personal safety and raising awareness about risk and personal safety.

 

E-SAFETY

Remaining safe online is becoming increasingly important. Whilst the Internet is useful for many purposes in daily life, there is also a darker side, with cybercrime, inappropriate material and illegal activity taking place online. The School is committed to ensuring staff and students alike have the knowledge to safeguard themselves against viruses, hacking and have an awareness of the dangers of using social media. E-Safety is concerned with the Safeguarding of young people and ensuring they remain safe when using digital technology.

E-Safety is covered in KS3 Computing Lessons, in assemblies and in PSHE lessons.  Our Safer Schools Police Officer also leads assemblies on Internet safety.

Please use the links below to develop your understanding of the challenges faced by young people and how you can support your child.