What do we do?
Alchemy School’s safeguarding and pastoral teams are responsible for direct liaisons with student’s families. Where support needs are identified, our safeguarding team will discuss this with families and develop a plan of support. This may include potential referrals to external agencies. Alchemy’s DSL is familiar with the local thresholds of support, making relevant referrals efficiently. They work with multiple agencies to holistically support the students within our setting. This includes frequent contact, attendance at meetings, information sharing, and ensuring any identified actions for the school are carried out efficiently.
Through safeguarding records, identified ‘themes’ often help to inform the direct work completed with students. Safeguarding topics are embedded across the curriculum, often through PSHE but other subjects too, where possible. The sites will often take part in ‘themed’ work, such as Anti-Bullying week, and Mental Health week.
Where Emotional Health and Wellbeing (EHWB) needs are identified, the Safeguarding and Pastoral Teams will explore the level of support necessary and make relevant referrals. This may include the support of Alchemy’s EHWB team. These 1:1 interventions help to further support students to develop their understanding in specific areas of difficulties, developing resilience. It may also be necessary to make referrals to external mental health agencies. Where appropriate to do so, consent will be obtained from both students and parents prior to the implementation of support. Students are supported to develop positive rapports with staff members, building on their sense of belonging and security, and increasing the likelihood that they would disclose any safeguarding worries.
The DSL enlists the support of several agencies to further support more positive outcomes for the students.
Alchemy Schools works closely with the Child-Centred Policing Team who support identified students on an individual basis, but also within groups. Alchemy Schools now has access to the Pol-Ed Resources to implement within lessons.
The DSL also supports families to access financial support/items, through services such as Children In Need Emergency Essentials, Family Fund, and the Food Bank.
Alchemy’s DSL, Head of School, and Deputy Head, are all Safer Recruitment trained to ensure that any prospective new staff members are compliant in line with KCSIE guidelines. Any Alternative Provisions also provide the relevant documentation and sign Safeguarding Declarations around Safer Recruitment.
Every new referral to Alchemy via Local Authorities, prompt an initial home visit where we meet with families and students, gather their views which then helps to inform the ongoing education plan for each student.- not sure if this goes on another page rather than safeguarding.
