Safeguarding

At Knutsford Academy and Cheshire Studio School we recognise the responsibility we have to ensure that we safeguard the young people in our care as well as promoting their welfare. All adults working with young people have a pivotal part to play in this process. 

If any parent or member of the public have safeguarding or welfare concerns about a student at Knutsford Academy then they should report their concern directly to one of the designated members of the safeguarding team.  

Further information is also available on the Student Support page, click here to open.

Safeguarding Team 

• Mr C Leigh – Designated Safeguarding Lead – clh@knutsfordacademy.org.uk
• Mrs C Storrow – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead – csw@knutsfordacademy.org.uk
• Mrs A Jones – Safeguarding Practitioner – ajo@knutsfordacademy.org.uk
• Designated Teacher for Looked After Children : Mrs H Weigh : hwh@knutsfordacademy.org.uk

Alternatively you could either phone the school directly on 01565 633294 or email the safeguarding inbox at safeguarding@knutsfordacademy.org.uk 

Additionally any issue can be reported to the appropriate Form Tutor or Head of Year. 

Please click on the links below to download the Safeguarding Policies for both Knutsford Academy and Cheshire Studio School. 

Click here to download the Safeguarding Policy for Knutsford Academy.

Click here to download the Safeguarding Policy for Cheshire Studio School.

Click here to download the Covid 19 Safeguarding Policy.

Click here to download the Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Policy.

E-Safety

E-safety involves learning about how to minimise the risks associated with the use of technologies such as mobile phones, tablets, computers and wearable devices for young people.

Knutsford Academy recognises that modern technology has a very significant impact on all aspects of our modern society and that young people leaving school now require considerable knowledge, skills and awareness if they are to be successful in their futures. The Academy encourages safe use of these modern technologies as a powerful tool to help enhance learning and teaching across the whole curriculum. We strive to provide staff and students with safe and appropriate access to support the education of students whilst at the Academy, and all our staff are CEOP trained in E-Safety.

Our Students are learning through PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship and Education) lessons how to keep themselves safe when online. However, many parents have told us they feel out of their depth with some technologies and are not fully aware of what can be done to minimise these risks so we have provided some useful guidelines and additional information below.

Here is a list of basic guidelines we would encourage all families to consider:

• Keep the computer in a communal area of the house, where it’s easier to monitor what your children are viewing.
• Tell children to never give out their personal details and explain what is meant by this. If they want to subscribe to any services online, make up a family email address to receive the mail.
• Consider using internet filtering software, walled gardens and child-friendly search engines. Use your browser’s controls as some offer differing degrees of security for each family member.
• Find out what child protection services your Internet Service Provider (ISP) offers – do they filter for spam, for instance?
• Make sure that they only use moderated chat rooms and encourage them to introduce you to their online friends.
• Encourage your children to tell you if they feel uncomfortable, upset or threatened by anything they see online.
• Involve your children in writing your own family code of acceptable internet use. Remember that what’s acceptable for a teenager isn’t necessarily OK for a primary school-aged child, so get their input.
• Computers are expensive so bear in mind that a child with a laptop may be vulnerable when carrying it to and from school.

There are two links below to useful websites that provide further information.

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/

https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/

Attached are some more detailed factsheets from CEOP (the National Crime Agency) regarding E-Safety.

Where Can I Get Help If The School Is Closed? 

During a school holiday or other period of closure you can get help through a variety of different agencies. The list below is not exhaustive but provides some contact points to access help and support.

Safeguarding of Children Concerns (Cheshire East)

• Consultation Service: 0300 123 5012
• Emergency Duty Team (out of hours): 0300 123 5022

Safeguarding of Children Concerns (Cheshire West and Chester)

• Consultation Service: 0300 123 7047

Safeguarding of Children Concerns (Manchester)

• Consultation Service: 0161 234 5001

Safeguarding of Children Concerns (Trafford)

• Consultation Service: 0161 912 5125
• Emergency Duty Team (out of hours): 0161 912 2020

The Cheshire Mental Health Crisis Line – VISYON

• 0800 145 6485

CAHMS (Also CYPMHS)

• Out of Hours helpline from 5pm to 10pm Monday to Friday and 12pm to 8pm on weekends : 01244 397644 or 0300303397
• cwp.nhs/services-and-locations/services/east-cheshire-0-16-camhs/

KOOTH; an online mental wellbeing community

• https://www.koothplc.com/

Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Hub

• 0300 123 5101

Healthy Relationships

• https://disrespectnobody.co.uk/

Bullying Support

• 0323 0169 or 0845 22 55 787
• Open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday

Eating Disorder Support

• https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

Support for children and families with SEND in Cheshire East

• http://www.ceias.cheshireeast.gov.uk/home.aspx

Citizens Advice Bureau Cheshire East

• 03444111444
• Crewe Branch : 10270 303003
• citizensadvice.org.uk

Crisis & Childline

• Text SHOUT to 8525
• Call : 08001111
• childline.org.uk

Young Minds

www.youngminds.org.uk

CEDAH : Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Hub : provides 24 hour contact and support for anyone suffering domestic abuse.

• 0300 123 5101
• TEXT 07777 941464
• cheshireeast.gov.uk/livewell/staying-safe/domestic-abuse-and-sexual-violence/domestic-abuse-getting-help.aspx

Please remember in an emergency to always call 999

5 ways to positive mental wellbeing

1. Connect with other people

Good relationships help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth, give you an opportunity to share positive experiences and also provide emotional support and allow you to support others

DO’s

• if possible, take time each day to have time with your family such as at dinner time.
• Arrange a day out with friends
• Switch off the TV/ Playstation or XBOX. Call or facetime a friend.
• Have lunch with a friend you haven’t talked to in a while.

DON’T

• Rely on technology or social media alone to build relationships. It’s easy to get into the habit of only ever texting, messaging or emailing people.

2. Be physically active

Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. Evidence also shows it can also improve your mental wellbeing by raising your self-esteem, helping you to set goals or challenges and achieve them. It also causes chemical changes in your brain which can help to positively change your mood

DO’s

• Find activities you enjoy that help you keep fit.
• Set yourself a goal of completing the couch to 5K challenge
• Go for a walk with friends.
• Dance to your favourite music

DON’T

• feel that you have to spend hours in a gym. It’s best to find activities you enjoy and make them a part of your life

3. Learn new skills

Research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by boosting self-confidence and raising your self esteem. It can also help you to build a sense of purpose, and help you to connect with others.

DO’s

• try learning to cook something new.
• try taking on a new responsibility at school, such as organising or helping in a club
• work on a DIY project, or try gardening
• try new hobbies that challenge you, such as writing a blog, taking up a new sport or learning to paint

DON’T

• feel you have to learn new qualifications or sit exams if this does not interest you. It’s best to find activities you enjoy and make them a part of your life

4. Give to others

Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by creating positive feelings and a sense of reward, giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth and helps you connect with other people.

DO’s

• Small acts of kindness towards other people. Or larger ones if you feel like challenging yourself like volunteering in your local community.
• Ask friends or family how they are and really listening to their answer
• Spend time with friends or relatives who need support or company
• Offer to help someone you know with DIY or a school project

DON’T

• Worry if you cant do big things, saying thank you to someone for something they have done for you can mean a lot to that person.

5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

DO

• Pay more attention to the present moment.
• Listen to your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.

Support for families and young people

Samaritans
https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/donate-christmas/…

Foodbank
https://middlewichdistrict.foodbank.org.uk/

School Nurses – Cheshire East

https://www.facebook.com/schoolnursesCE

Calm Connections

https://calmconnections.org/