Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy 2025
Bowhill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
www.devonscp.org.uk/
The designated safeguarding lead at Bowhill is Anna Lopez, the head teacher, and the Safeguarding governor is Jennifer Hamilton. Our policies reflect current legislation, accept best practice and comply with the government guidance.
Our safeguarding leads as of September 2024
See also the document below Keeping Children Safe in Education
PACE: Parents Against Child Sexual Exploitation: Pace helps parents across the UK understand what is happening to their child and how parents are the prime agents in helping their child exit exploitative relationships.
Click the here to visit the webpage for parents.
Please remember that Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. If you are concerned about a child or young person in Devon and want to speak to someone you can contact the Safeguarding lead at school, or contact the Children’s Front Door on 0345 155 1071 email https://devoncountycouncil.outsystemsenterprise.com/MASH/homepage and give as much information as you can.
Other useful links for advice and support
Talk PANTS and stay safe
Learn Pantosaurus’ 5 easy rules for staying safe
NSPCC – The UK’s leading children’s charity, preventing abuse and helping those affected to recover.
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/
Childline – Get help and advice about a wide range of issues.
https://www.childline.org.uk/
REACH – A specialist service in Devon which supports young people up to 17 years old, who either run away or who may be at risk of, or experiencing child sexual exploitation (CSE). Click on the link below for more information.
Reducing exploitation and absence from care or home
Online Safety
Computers, tablets, smart phones and gaming consoles open a world of opportunity and learning for children and young people when using the Web.
The Web enables an astonishing opportunity for learning, exploration, entertainment and communication. These opportunities are embraced by children and young people and lead to considerable enrichment, although as in life there are always associated risks and the Web is no different. There are potential threats such as bullying or unwanted contact, many of which are regularly reported in the media. However understanding the risks and how to minimise them can be confusing and perhaps overwhelming.
The Child Exploitation & Online Protection Centre – internet safety – CEOP is the UK law enforcement agency dedicated to help protect children when online, and are looking to inform parents about some of these online risks and encouraging them to register for free monthly updates. The monthly updates will inform parents on how new technologies are being used by children, what signs to look out for and even some of the behavioural changes that are typical in children who are under threat.
For further information and to subscribe to updates, please visit
http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/
Another informative website is the UK Safer Internet Centre, where you can find online safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe on the internet.
Click here Safer Internet Centre
Access CEOP by clicking on the link https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/