At Orchard Mead Academy we are absolutely committed to creating a happy and safe environment for all members of our academy community. We work closely with students, their parents and carers in order to ensure that our young people are safe both inside and outside of school.

Students are taught how to keep themselves safe through PSHE lessons, tutorials and other wider experiences such as taking part in workshops and watching performances. At Orchard Mead Academy we aim to ensure that all students learn how to keep themselves safe both on and off-line, how to have safe and healthy relationships and how to avoid exploitation.

The academy has a statutory responsibility to share any concerns it might have about a child in need of protection with other agencies and in particular with the police, Children’s Services and Health. Schools are not able to investigate concerns but have a legal duty to refer any concerns that they do have on to the most relevant agent. In most instances, the academy will be able to inform the parents/carer of its need to make a referral and will ensure that the parent/carer is fully informed of the action that the school has taken. However, on occasion the academy may be advised by Children’s Social Care or by the police that the parent/carer cannot be informed whilst they investigate the matter. We understand the anxiety parents/carers understandably feel when they are not told about any concerns from the outset. The school follows legislation that aims to act in the best interests of the child.

To ensure that all members of our academy are safe and well we liaise closely with the following agencies:

• Local Safeguarding and Children Board
• Children and Young People’s Services
• Child Protection Unit
• School Health
• CAHMS
• Educational Psychology
• Open Door Leicester
• Looked After Children Service

2021-01 – Wellbeing Newsletter

Safeguarding Team

If you have a concern about a student at Orchard Mead Academy please contact a DSL by using the contact form below or by contacting the Academy Office. All emails sent using the contact form below are received by all DSL’s at the Academy (Designated Safeguarding Lead) who will be able to support you.

Ms Katie Lowe
Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead-Assistant Principal (Safeguarding)

Ms Vicki Hill
Safeguarding Officer

Should you need to report a safeguarding concern of an urgent nature outside of our reception opening hours (8am to 5pm Mon – Fri), please contact the police on 999 or Duty and Assessment on 0116 4541004.