Safeguarding

Introduction

Learning can only be achieved if students feel that they can study in a safe environment. At Ormiston Meridian Academy we strive to support students throughout their academic life with us. We do this by offering a range of support to students and parents examples of this are; pastoral managers, Learning Support Center designed to support some of our most vulnerable students, dedicated staff training and specialist support from external partners such as the NHS.

Governance

The academy adheres to a strict Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy that is reviewed and updated annually. In addition to this we adhere to all government guidance, information about this can be seen in the links below. We ensure that Safer Recruitment practices are always followed and this is also detailed in our policy. Our safeguarding provision is annually reviewed by Ormiston Academies Trust.

Links

• Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
• Local Safeguarding board and LADO
• Prevent

DFE Documents

• Keeping children safe in education
• Working together to safeguard children

At OMERA we have dedicated staff whose job it is to make sure that students are safe.  If you have any concerns about someone else or an issue yourself please speak to one of the following staff members:

Online Safety (e-Safety)

At Ormiston Meridian Academy, we are committed to the safe and effective use of computer technologies and recognise the internet as a valuable learning tool for students of all ages. As online platforms continue to shape the educational landscape across the UK, we aim to ensure that our students can benefit from these opportunities within a safe and secure digital environment.

We fully acknowledge that computers and the internet have the potential to be misused or expose students to inappropriate or harmful content. As part of our duty of care, we take stringent measures to protect our learners and promote responsible online behaviour.

All students access computer facilities, including the internet, as an essential component of the curriculum and wider learning across the academy. While it is not possible to guarantee that students will never encounter unsuitable material, Ormiston Meridian Academy—working in partnership with Smoothwall — takes all reasonable steps to minimise such risks. These measures include:

• Use of Smoothwall Monitoring, a safeguarding system that alerts the safeguarding team to concerning online behaviour or search activity.
• Use of Smoothwall Filtering, real-time web filtering to prevent access to unsuitable websites, this enables timely interventions and supports the wellbeing and safety of students.
• Supervised internet access, ensuring that whenever possible, students are supported and monitored by a member of staff in lessons where computers are used.

Ormiston Meridian Academy also has dedicated staff responsible for online safety. Mr G Craddock oversees the delivery of online safety education through computing & the PSHE curriculum whilst Mr A Martin oversees monitoring & filtering alerts and internet safeguarding.

Please see links below to useful websites;

• Child exploitation and Online Protection
• UK Safer Internet Center
• CEOP The Internet, relationships & you

Ormiston Meridian Academy is a member of National Online Safety 

Emotional Health and Well Being

Ormiston Meridian Academy takes the mental wellbeing of its students extremely seriously.  Mental wellbeing is delivered as part of the PSHE programme and during form time sessions. In addition to this the academy has a dedicated councilor, who offers 1-1 support to students that require addition help. The academy also works closely with CAMHS.

• CAHMS
• NHS
• Young Minds
• Heads Together

Preventing Radicalisation

The Government’s 2010 Prevent Strategy highlights the need to safeguard children, young people and families from violent extremism. There have been several occasions locally, nationally and internationally when extremist groups have attempted to radicalise young people.

Ormiston Meridian Academy values freedom of speech and expression of beliefs. We also recognise that this is not an unqualified privilege and British Values underpin this. We ensure that staff and pupils promote these values and that our curriculum protects young people against the messages of extremism.

We work with relevant agencies as part of our commitment to appropriately support and risk assess young people. Staff are trained in this and the DSLs will make referrals to the Channel Programme when appropriate.

For more information see: https://educateagainsthate.com/parents/

Please find below some helpful resources should you need them;