Safeguarding

At Cambourne Village College we work hard to make sure that we build up positive relationships with the students in our care and we hope that we can support families in safeguarding your children.

What is safeguarding?

• Protecting children
• Preventing harm to a child

This therefore includes a variety of different aspects. We are here to help your child make good choices but also support them if they make a mistake.

We work with individual students, their families and external agencies.

What do we do at CamVC to safeguard your child?

• Staff are vigilant – staff are very good at noticing the small changes and listening to the concerns of those in our care.  Tutors are well placed in this process however all staff play an active role in this.
• Designated Team – we have a specific team of people working each day to address concerns raised by staff, pupils, parents and external agencies.  This team works to make sure concerns are addressed and the appropriate support is advised
• Pupil Voice – we encourage pupils to speak to us or raise their concerns via the ‘Report a Concern’ button on their ipad

How can we help you?

If you have any concerns about your child or you would like any support please contact us via cam-safeguarding@cambournevc.org

All of our policies can be found here.

 

During the holidays 

Please be aware that during the holidays the cam-safeguarding email inbox will be checked once each day.

If you become aware of any situation in which you think that a child may be at risk over the holiday period, please make a referral to children’s social care by calling 0345 045 5203 (during office hours) or 01733 234 724 (out of hours) and the police, if appropriate, immediately.

Keeping Yourself Safe Online

Working from home means that we are relying more on the internet and technology. It also means that we are socialising in different ways, mainly via apps and social media. Staying in touch with your friends and loved ones using video messaging, texting and phone calls is important. However, interacting online doesn’t come without dangers.

FACT: 51% of year 8 students in the UK have accepted a friend request from someone they don’t know

FACT: 30% of year 8 students in the UK have requested to be friends with someone they don’t know

Questions to ask yourself to help you stay safe

Is this person who they say they are?

Why does someone want me to see this?

Why does someone want me to send this?

Why would someone want me to believe this?

Why does this person want my personal information?

Is this too good to be true?

Life Online

Harassment, bullying and trolling are common-place. It’s easy to say things online that you might not say to someone’s face. Stop and think before posting. It is easy for online behavioursto cross a line and become illegal. Examples of illegal behaviours include forms of hate crime such as homophobic and racist remarks, sharing and receiving indecent images (sexting).

FACT: What you post now could affect your future career opportunities and relationships – both positively and negatively. Think before you send.

Why might strangers want to speak / contact you?

Whilst you might like to think the best of people, not everyone has good intentions. Adults and other young people might contact school-aged children in order to radicalise them, abuse and exploit them or recruit them into gang-related and other criminal activity.

NEVER give out addresses, phone numbers or email addresses to people you do not know and NEVER arrange to meet someone you have not met before.

What can I do to get through this?

Create a solid routine that works for you and allow flexibility when needed.

Exercise can be positive for mental health and do what you enjoy.

Recognise when online behaviours stop being fun and begin to create anxiety.

Find the balance between time spent on and off-line.

 

If you are worried about yourself, a friend or anyone at school then you can talk to your parent / carer. You can also e-mail the safeguarding team at school on:

cam-safeguarding@cambournevc.org

Below are two links to help you learn about staying safe online and dealing with worries and anxiety:

https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/online-mobile-safety/staying-safe-online/

https://www.kooth.com/

Your parents / carers can also help you stay safe by reading this guide:

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/