Safeguarding information
Unexplained absences
All schools have safeguarding duties under section 175 of the Education Act 2002 in respect of their students, and as part of this should investigate any unexplained absences and gives due regard to this responsibility and the attendance policy is written in accordance with “Children missing education: Statutory guidance for local authorities” (January 2015)
The academy collaborates closely with the education welfare service (ESBAS), other schools and local social services to ensure that children do not go missing from education: no child of compulsory school age is removed from the school roll at the Academy without the authorisation of the designated safeguarding lead and without confirmation from the school the student is joining or without the academy notifying the local authority/ESBAS.
Nationally, students with school attendance average of 90% or less are considered persistently absent and therefore at risk of becoming NEET or being the victim of abuse or exploitation. As such, the Academy refers all students with an average attendance of less than 90% to ESBAS and works with families who have children who are at risk of becoming persistently absent in order to improve the attendance of their children.
Students using technology at school and home
A reminder of our Acceptable Use Agreement for students when using technology at school, or at home to access remote learning.
Operation Encompass
Our Academy is taking part in a new operation that will run jointly with Sussex Police called Operation Encompass.
Operation Encompass has been designed to provide early reporting to schools and colleges of any domestic abuse incidents that occur in which a child was present, ordinarily resides at the incident location or with an involved party. We know that children can be significantly affected through witnessing or being exposed to domestic abuse and this operation will allow us to better support our students and their families.
Nominated members of staff, known as a Key Adults, have been trained to liaise with the police. At The Hastings Academy our Key Adults are the Safeguarding team. They will be able to use information that has been shared with them, in confidence, to ensure that the right support is available should it be required by a child and / or their family.
We are keen to offer the best support available to our students and we believe this is going to be extremely beneficial for all those involved.
If you have any concerns or questions then please contact the Safeguarding team and we will be happy to discuss this further.
Guidance for gypsy, traveller and liveaboard boater households
The Friends, Families and Travellers charity have recorded some audio guidance to help families who live on traveller sites, roadside in vehicles or on canal boats and who have a possible COVID-19 infection. It is intended to add to current Public Health England and DfE guidance, not to replace it.
CEOP Safety Centre
The NCA’s CEOP Command is here to help children and young people. We are here to help if you are a young person and you or your friend (up to age 18) has been forced or tricked into taking part in sexual activity with anyone online, or in the real world. We also have advice and links to support for other online problems young people might face, such as cyberbullying and hacking. Visit our Safety Centre for advice and to report directly to CEOP, by clicking on the Click CEOP button.
Tackling extremism and Prevent
All adults at the Academy play a vital role in protecting young people from extremist groups or individuals who deliberately try to radicalise or recruit them using the internet and social media. Furthermore, the Academy is dedicated to serving the local and national community by promoting the fundamental rights and values that characterise British society.
The Academy provides a safe environment in which students can discuss issues such as extremism and terrorism in an age-appropriate and balanced way. Examples include lessons on extremism and radicalisation in ‘Lifelong Learning’, discussions of extremist views expressed in ‘Animal Farm’ during English literature lessons and learning about terrorism and democracy during History lessons. Opportunities to debate stereotyping, propaganda, online safety and freedom of speech can be found across the curriculum.
All students at the academy are taught to participate in and value democracy. There is an active, elected school parliament who run, amongst other things, weekly tutor groups discussions on issues that affect the whole academy. We hold regular ‘mock’ elections to coincide with national elections and have recently had fantastic turn outs for a mock ‘Brexit’ referendum and a mock general election.
The Academy’s internet filtering system effectively prevents students from accessing dangerous websites and students receive regular lessons and assemblies on e-safety. All teaching staff have completed the Metropolitan Police’s online ‘Channel’ training to help them spot students in danger of radicalisation and new staff receive training in their safeguarding duties. The academy works closely with the local police and Children's Services to offer support to any students identified as being at risk .
The most recent Ofsted inspection (Jan 2018) concluded that safeguarding at the Academy is ‘effective.’
Online Safety
The internet can be a useful tool for communicating, downloading information (such as recipes, maps, train times, weather etc ) researching, shopping, teaching and generally having fun playing internet games and activities. For most people the internet has become the first port of call for information and a vital part of their everyday life; and for children in particular an excellent tool for homework and chatting to friends! Because of the prolific use of the internet coupled with the anonymity of internet users, internet safety has become paramount and all internet users need to be aware of the key issues. As with many activities in life, so long as you follow certain guidelines and are aware of the dangers, you should still be able to enjoy safe surfing. Many organisations have set up comprehensive websites which provides guides and rules on internet safety. Below are some of the best guides and information for parents to fully support their students in being safe online.
If you have a concern about an online safety issue related to your child in school, please contact us.
This site provides information for parents regarding the apps and devices their children use, and how safe they are/how to use them safely.
Protect young eyes - parental controls
Safeguarding resources
East Sussex County Council
Guidance from the local council
5 Do’s and Don’ts for an e-safe environment. (For parents, carers and Childminders)
E-safety discussions at home
A document on Having an e-Safety discussion at home
Having an e-Safety discussion at home (With teenagers)
How to effectively manage User Accounts to promote Esafety
Your child tells you they have been receiving nasty messages (A guide for parents and carers)
My child has been sending unpleasant messages on the internet… HELP!
Siobhan Denning
Safeguarding Link Trustee
School Health service
The School Health Service provides support to students, families and schools around school health needs that may affect a student’s access to education. School Health Service provide a range of intervention including, confidential drop in within secondary schools, health promotions and packages of care for specific health needs. Contact them on 01424 728368.
Drop in is available to all students on Tuesdays during second break in U6
Medical forms
Please use these links to complete the relevant medical forms as directed by the Academy:
Keeping children safe
If you have concerns as to the safety and wellbeing of a young person who attends the Academy, please contact the Academy.
Any information you provide will be in confidence; safeguarding information is processed confidentially within the academy, but we will also share information with other agencies when appropriate.
CEOP Safety Centre
The NCA’s CEOP Command is here to help children and young people. We are here to help if you are a young person and you or your friend (up to age 18) has been forced or tricked into taking part in sexual activity with anyone online, or in the real world. We also have advice and links to support for other online problems young people might face, such as cyberbullying and hacking. Visit our Safety Centre for advice and to report directly to CEOP, by clicking on the Click CEOP button.
