Safeguarding

Bridgwater College Academy recognises that high self-esteem, confidence, supportive friends and clear lines of communication with a trusted adult helps all children, and especially those at risk of, or suffering from, abuse. Therefore at Bridgwater College Academy we have:

An ethos where children feel secure and encouraged to talk, and are listened to. This is evidenced everyday through our agreed Academy values.
Established that students know there are adults in the Academy who they can approach if they are worried or are in difficulty.
Included in the curriculum activities and opportunities for Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural education which equip students with the skills they need to stay safe from abuse and which will help them develop realistic attitudes to the responsibilities of adult life in Modern Britain.
Ensured that wherever possible every effort will be made to establish effective working relationships with parents and colleagues from other agencies.

The Safeguarding Team at BCA

BCA takes its safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously. Our current policy, CP & Safeguarding Policy outlines our processes and procedures.

All staff and volunteers at the Academy receive annual child protection and safeguarding training and are aware of the procedures for passing on concerns about children.

If any members of the Academy or local community have concerns about the welfare of a child, they can pass it onto the Safeguarding Team at BCA. The team consists of key staff who work with the children and families. They are clearly identified at the Academy by their pink lanyards.

Elly Challand Miss Nicola Spicer Miss Marie Marchant Designated Safeguarding Lead Deputy DSL Deputy DSL

Mrs Katie Wilson Mrs Kirsty Cairns Mrs Laura Moore

Safeguarding Officer Safeguarding Officer Safeguarding Administrator

If you have any concerns or would like to talk to a member of the Safeguarding Team, please call the Academy on (01278) 727327 and ask to be connected to safeguarding or alternatively e-mail the team at safeguarding@bridgwatercollegeacademy.org

Below are a number of apps for iOS and android devices that can support your emotional wellbeing and mental health:

Home - Calm Harm App is a free app with password protection that provides a range of techniques to relive emotional distress. It’s particularly helpful if you often use self-harm to cope.

Clear Fear is a free app to help with managing anxiety.

App - Smiling Mind provides free mindfulness meditations aimed at reducing stress, anxiety and concentration levels.

Tellmi helps teenagers talk about difficult things.

The following information is about services/ websites you can contact directly to ask for free advice and help or they may have forums about a range of topics you might want to learn/ understand more about:

ChildLine offer a 24-hour counselling service for children and young people. Telephone: 0800 1111.

Young Minds website also has a range of videos, blogs and advice on a range of topics.

Kooth is an online counselling service for anyone aged 10-25 in Somerset. You can access a chat/ messenger service, discussion boards, goal setting tools and a journal and a magazine containing a number of articles and some specifically about coronavirus and the impact on children and young people. The website is moderated by trained professionals. You need to register but it is anonymous.

NHS Somerset School Nurse Service Parent advice and support- Text 07480 635 515

Young people aged 11-19. Concerns about emotional health, relationships, drugs, alcohol etc. Text for confidential advice 07480 635 516

Shout is the UK’s first free 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help. If you are experiencing a personal crisis, are unable to cope and need support, text Shout to 85258.

If you are concerned about online safety or bullying visit CEOP to learn about internet safety and report online abuse at www.ceop.police.uk

The Mix are there to help anyone under 25 take on any challenge you’re facing – from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. The website has lots of helpful resources. Their confidential helpline (0808 808 4994) and online chat service are open from 11am to 11pm, 7 days a week, and are both free to contact. They also have a Crisis Messenger service that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you can email them.

Mind in Somerset

General Safeguarding Information