Safeguarding
The Academy is committed to the vital contribution all Governors and staff can make to safeguarding children. We will strive to make sure that every student in the Academy feels secure, well cared for, and able to reach their full potential.
We will ensure all our own staff, other professionals, parents/carers and students work together to understand the processes required to keep children safe. They will understand the importance of following procedures and listening to each other, especially when there are concerns about safety.
“Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families has a role to play. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, we make sure our approach is child-centred. We consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child.”
On-Site Support
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Qualified Counsellors: Our school has two qualified counsellors available two days a week from Croydon Drop in (CDI) to provide confidential support and guidance to students.
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Wellbeing Practitioners: Three practitioners from the Croydon Mental Health Support Team (MHST) work with our students, offering interventions and advice on managing mental health challenges.
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Wellbeing Practitioner for Post 16: A practitioner experienced in delivering advice on managing mental health challenges for 16 + from Reflect
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Harris Federation Mental Health Practitioner: A practitioner working two days a week from the centralised Mental Health support team works with our students, offering interventions and advice on managing mental health challenges.
- Reaching Higher Mentoring: We partner with Reaching Higher to provide additional mentoring, helping students build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
Wellbeing Hub
The Wellbeing Card empowers students to access support discreetly and ensures that they have a structured, consistent way to seek help when needed from the safeguarding team situated in the Well-being hub. This initiative reinforces our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
Mental Health Referrals
Our single referral system ensures that students receive timely, appropriate mental health support. Managed by our Senior Mental Health Lead (MHL), we work closely with:
- External Partners: Croydon Drop-in (CDI), Ment4, Change, Grow, Live (CGL), Reaching Higher, Reflect, Harris Federation, Off the Record, Rugby Works, Kinetic.
- Specialist Services: Referrals for CAMHS and Early Intervention support for more complex needs.
- School-Based Interventions: Including ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistance) and MHST programs.
Promoting Wellbeing
- Assemblies and Workshops: Regular sessions to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma.
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Rewards for Positive Behaviour: Examples include certificates and recognition in assemblies to reinforce our Academy and British Values.
- Annual Mental Health Audit: Conducted by the MHL to evaluate and enhance our provision.
A Culture of Wellbeing
Our commitment to wellbeing extends to staff through a well-advertised programme, ensuring that everyone in our community has access to resources and support. By nurturing a culture of kindness and understanding, we empower students and staff alike to prioritise mental health and achieve their best.
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Community Hub Happiness: Everyone deserves happiness, and we aim to enhance the well-being of all who visit. Whether it's a friendly face, a safe space, a warm seat, or something to eat, HASN Community and Wellbeing Hub is here for you. |
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Reaching higher: Support and champion young people across three critical areas of their lives – school, community and home – and to recognise the value of strong and consistent partnerships between schools, community-based organisations and families. |
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MENT4: Ment4 provides one-to-one specialist mentoring for 11- to 18-year-olds with emotional and behavioural difficulties based in and around Croydon. We help those vulnerable to crime, non-attending or excluded from schools, those judged as particularly vulnerable by Children's Social Care, and direct referrals from families. 07443 917058 |
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SHOUT Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope. 85258 |
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Papyrus
We provide confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person, through our helpline, HOPELINE247. Telephone: 01925 572 444 |
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Good Thinking Good Thinking looks at the factors that contribute to unhealthy body image and provides tips on how to love your body. |
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Young Minds We provide young people with the tools to look after their mental health. We empower adults to be the best support they can be to the young people in their lives. Phone: 020 7089 5050 |
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Samaritans Our talks can be about emotional health, the value of listening, coping strategies or about Samaritans and the importance of accessing support and where it can be found. Call 116 123 |
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Child Bereavement UK Child Bereavement UK helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. Call our Helpline 0800 0288 840 |
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Woodside Bereavement Woodside Bereavement Support (WBS) is a professional community-focused counselling service covering all Croydon. Telephone 020 3256 2009 |
