At St. Bede’s Catholic School and Byron Sixth Form, safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility. The welfare and wellbeing of pupils is paramount. We expect all staff, governors and volunteers to share this commitment to safeguarding our pupils and we do our utmost to ensure consistent safeguarding procedures are in place to support the families, pupils and staff of our school. We work with a range of outside agencies to ensure the best support for our pupils.
Our safeguarding policies can be found here. Paper copies are available on request via reception.
Our PSHE curriculum can be found here.
If you have any safeguarding concerns please speak to your child’s Head of House. They will liaise directly with our Designated Safeguarding Leads. Alternatively, please email enquiries@st-bedes.org with the subject ‘safeguarding’ and the concern will be directed to the appropriate member of staff. We are committed to responding swiftly and effectively to any safeguarding concerns.
St. Bede’s Catholic School and Byron Sixth Form follows a rigorous safer recruitment process in line with current government guidance. All staff and volunteers undergo the full range of statutory pre‑employment checks, including Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks, to ensure the highest standards of pupil safety.
Within school, pupils are supported to understand risks and learn how to keep themselves safe through our comprehensive personal development curriculum. This includes education on online safety, respectful and healthy relationships, and the Protected Characteristics and British Values.
Our relationships and RSE provision is delivered using the Ten:Ten Life to the Full programme, a Catholic curriculum that teaches pupils how to build positive relationships, develop resilience, and understand their dignity and the dignity of others. The programme combines age‑appropriate teaching, multimedia resources, and a strong values‑based approach rooted in Catholic teaching.
Safeguarding learning is delivered through lessons, assemblies, and sessions led by carefully selected external visitors, ensuring pupils receive accurate, relevant and engaging guidance.
Designated Safeguarding Leads
Our Designated safeguarding leads are:
Mr A. Logan
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mrs F. Cessford
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mr N. Watts
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Miss K. McDonagh
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Safeguarding Link Governor
Our safeguarding link governor is:
Mr A. McCourt
Chair of Governors
Kooth
https://kooth.com/
[Online mental‑health support platform offering self‑help resources and self‑referral counselling for young people]
Childline
https://www.childline.org.uk/
[Online resources, webchat support, and a free 24/7 helpline for children and young people: 0800 1111]
On My Mind – Anna Freud Centre
https://www.annafreud.org/on-my-mind/
[Resources designed to help young people make informed choices about their mental health and wellbeing]
Clear Fear App
https://www.clearfear.co.uk/
[A free app for teenagers using cognitive‑behavioural strategies to help manage anxiety; includes an explanatory video on the website]
Support with Sexuality and Gender – Way Through
https://www.waythrough.org.uk/
[Support, information and guidance for young people exploring sexuality or gender identity]
YoungMinds
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
[Advice, information and mental‑health support resources for children, young people and families]
Childline – LGBTQ+ Support Section
https://www.childline.org.uk/
[Information and support for young people with questions about sexuality, gender or relationships]
Sibs – Support for Siblings of Disabled Children
https://www.sibs.org.uk/
[Information and support for children who have a brother or sister with a disability]
Children Heard and Seen
https://childrenheardandseen.co.uk/
[Support for children and young people who have a parent in prison]
Online Safety – UK Government Guidance
https://kidsonlinesafety.campaign.gov.uk/
[Practical information to help parents and carers protect children online and build confidence in managing digital safety]
Early Help for Children, Young People and Families
Family Hub (Durham) – Peterlee Family Hub
https://www.durham.gov.uk/PeterleeFamilyHub 03000 261 112
[Early Help support for families, offering advice, parenting support, health services and practical guidance]
Further information can be accessed here:
Together for Children – Sunderland
https://www.togetherforchildren.org.uk/
[Information, guidance and Early Help support for families in Sunderland]
Safeguarding Support
If you are worried that a child is in immediate danger or at risk of harm:
Durham – First Contact
03000 267 979
[Report urgent safeguarding concerns about a child in County Durham]
Sunderland – Together for Children
0191 520 5560
[Safeguarding and welfare concerns for children in Sunderland]
If a crime has been committed, please contact the police.
Support with Drugs and Substance Misuse
Talk to Frank
https://www.talktofrank.com/
[Information for parents and young people about drugs, risks and support services, including a helpline, text service and webchat]
Support with Concerning Behaviour
Stop It Now!
https://www.stopitnow.org.uk/
[Confidential advice and information for anyone worried about someone’s behaviour, including children showing concerning or harmful sexual behaviour]
Managing Anger in Young People
NSPCC – Advice on Anger
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/
[Guidance and resources to help children and young people understand and manage anger]
Local Support Services
Durham Directory of Support Services
http://www.countydurhamfamilies.info/kb5/durham/fsd/home.page
[Searchable directory of support networks, services and advice for families across County Durham]
Family Life Advice and Support
Family Lives
https://www.familylives.org.uk
[Support for parents and carers on behaviour, relationships, mental health and family challenges]
NTW NHS Self‑Help Library
https://web.ntw.nhs.uk/selfhelp/
[Downloadable NHS‑approved self‑help leaflets covering a wide range of emotional and mental‑health topics]
Lucy Faithfull Foundation
https://www.lucyfaithfull.org.uk/
[Support and advice relating to the prevention of child sexual abuse, including resources for families]
Support for Neuro‑Diverse Children and Families
North East Autism Society – Family Development
https://www.ne-as.org.uk/family-development
[Support, training, workshops and guidance for families of neuro‑diverse children and young people]
NSPCC – Advice on Nude Image Sharing
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/
[Guidance to help parents understand the risks of children sending nude images or videos (sometimes called ‘youth‑produced sexual imagery’ or ‘sexting’), and advice on how to support and protect their child]
Thinkuknow – NCA‑CEOP
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
[Support for parents and carers if a child has shared nude images, including how to talk to your child, steps to take, and where to seek further help]
CAMHS and Mental Health Support
CAMHS – County Durham & Darlington
Email: tewv.camhscountydurhamdarlington@nhs.net
Single Point of Access (SPA): 0300 123 9296
[Referral point and advice line for Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services in County Durham and Darlington]
CAMHS Website – TEWV
https://www.tewv.nhs.uk/services/camhs/
[Information about CAMHS, including how the service works, what support is available, and guidance on talking to your child about mental health]
Crisis Team – Durham
0800 0516 171
[24/7 crisis support for young people experiencing severe mental‑health difficulties; staffed by qualified mental‑health nurses]
CAMHS – Sunderland
0191 566 5500
[Specialist mental‑health support for children and young people in Sunderland]
Sunderland Crisis Team
0303 123 1145
[Urgent mental‑health support for young people in crisis in Sunderland]
Bereavement Support
Cruse Bereavement Support
https://www.cruse.org.uk/
0808 808 1677
[Support for children, young people and adults following the death of someone close]
Parent and Carer Mental‑Health Guidance
YoungMinds – Parent Help
https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/
[Advice and information for parents concerned about a child or young person’s mental health]
Happy Maps
https://www.happymaps.co.uk/
[Trusted resources for parents worried about children’s mental health, emotions or behaviour]
Rollercoaster Parent Support Group
https://www.rollercoasterfamilysupport.co.uk/
[Support group for parents and carers of children with emotional or mental‑health needs]
Nip in the Bud
https://www.nipinthebud.org/
[Short films and resources for parents explaining children’s mental‑health conditions]
YoungMinds (General Site)
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
[National charity offering mental‑health information and support for children, young people and families]
Childline Toolbox
https://www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/
[Interactive tools, videos and activities to help young people manage feelings and wellbeing]
Counselling and Local Services
Durham Healthy Minds – Durham City Youth Project
https://www.durhamcityyouthproject.co.uk/#:~:text=Durham%20Healthy%20Minds,health%20and%20well%2Dbeing%20difficulties.
[Free counselling and mental‑health support for 13–19‑year‑olds in County Durham]
Hub of Hope
https://hubofhope.co.uk/
[National directory of mental‑health services for children, young people and adults]
Support Around Suicide
If U Care Share Foundation
[Charity focused on emotional wellbeing for young people and support for families affected by suicide]
https://www.ifucareshare.co.uk/
Papyrus – HOPELINE247
[Confidential support and advice for young people experiencing suicidal thoughts, and for anyone concerned about a young person]
https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
Support Around Sexual Harassment and Violence in Education
NSPCC – Report Abuse in Education Helpline
0800 136 663
Email: help@nspcc.org.uk
[Helpline for concerns about sexual harassment, sexual violence or abuse in educational settings]
Online Safety Support and Guidance
Thinkuknow – NCA
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
[Advice from the National Crime Agency (NCA) to help children, young people and families stay safe online]
Thinkuknow – Home Activity Packs
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/Support-tools/home-activity-worksheets/
[Fun, age‑appropriate activities using Thinkuknow cartoons, films, games and advice to help children learn about online safety]
Parent Info
https://parentinfo.org/
[A collaboration between Parent Zone and the NCA offering expert guidance for parents on digital life, wellbeing and online risks]
Childnet – Parent and Carer Toolkit
https://www.childnet.com/
[Resources to help start conversations about online life, set boundaries for technology use, and find further support]
Internet Matters
https://www.internetmatters.org/
[Age‑specific online‑safety checklists, parental‑control guides for devices and practical advice to help children navigate the digital world safely]
LGfL – Online Safety Advice
https://www.lgfl.net/
[Guidance for parents and carers on keeping children safe online, including six key online‑safety tips for younger users]
Net Aware – NSPCC
https://www.net-aware.org.uk/
[A guide for parents to social networks, apps and games, produced by the NSPCC]
Let’s Talk About It
https://www.ltai.info/
[Advice for parents and carers on protecting children from online radicalisation]
UK Safer Internet Centre
https://saferinternet.org.uk/
[Tips, guides and resources to keep children safe online, including parental controls offered by internet providers and safety tools on social platforms]
NSPCC – Online Safety
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
[Guidance for parents and carers to help keep children safe when using the internet, apps and digital devices]
Privacy Settings and Parental Controls
Internet Matters – Parental Controls Guides
https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/
[Step‑by‑step guides to set parental controls and manage what content children can access online]
UK Safer Internet Centre – Family‑Friendly Filters
https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/parental-controls
[Guidance on switching on filters to block age‑inappropriate content on home devices]
Apps and Tools for Online Safety
BBC Own It – Website and App
https://www.bbc.com/ownit
[Website with advice for children about online life, plus a free smartphone app with a supportive keyboard offering real‑time help]
SafeTo Net
https://safetonet.com/[An app for parents that helps protect children from online risks such as cyberbullying and sexting, while respecting privacy]
Support and Guidance for Parents on Knife Crime
Ben Kinsella Trust
https://benkinsella.org.uk/resources-for-parents/
[Resources and guidance for parents and carers on understanding knife crime, recognising warning signs and supporting young people to stay safe]
The Connor Brown Trust
https://www.connorbrowntrust.co.uk/
[A Sunderland‑based charity providing education, workshops and community programmes aimed at preventing knife crime and youth violence, and supporting young people to make positive, safe choices]
Radicalising Content Online
Radicalisation is the process by which someone comes to support terrorism or extremist ideas.
If you are concerned that a family member, friend or loved one is being radicalised, you can contact the police on 101 for advice or make a Prevent referral.
[Prevent offers voluntary and confidential safeguarding support tailored to the individual, similar to other safeguarding processes protecting people from exploitation, gangs or abuse]
You can also contact your local authority safeguarding team for further help.
Support for Parents on Extremism and Radicalisation
Educate Against Hate – Parents’ Hub
https://educateagainsthate.com/parents/
[Government‑backed resources and advice to help parents keep children safe from extremism, including online]
Let’s Talk About It
https://www.ltai.info/
[Support and guidance for parents and carers to help keep children safe from online radicalisation]
Report Terrorist Content Online – GOV.UK Tool
https://www.gov.uk/report-terrorism
[Public reporting tool for extremist or terrorist content found online, with information on what to report and what happens next]
Other Useful Links
Cerebra – Sleep Advice Service
https://cerebra.org.uk/get-advice-support/sleep-advice-service/
[Charity supporting children with brain conditions; includes practical sleep‑support resources for parents]
Kinship
https://kinship.org.uk/support-and-advice/training-and-events/
[Support and guidance for family members and friends who step in to raise a child]