---
title: "Safeguarding"
url: "https://www.st-bedes.org/key-information/safeguarding"
school: "St. Bede’s Catholic School and Byron Sixth Form"
---
# Safeguarding
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](https://st-bede-s-catholic-school-and-byron-sixth-form.schudio.com/key-information/policies). Paper copies are available on request via reception.
Our PSHE curriculum can be found [here](https://www.st-bedes.org/curriculum-plans/pshe).
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
Support for Children
**Kooth**
\[Online mental‑health support platform offering self‑help resources and self‑referral counselling for young people\]
**Childline**
\[Online resources, webchat support, and a free 24/7 helpline for children and young people: 0800 1111\]
**On My Mind – Anna Freud Centre**
\[Resources designed to help young people make informed choices about their mental health and wellbeing\]
**Clear Fear App**
\[A free app for teenagers using cognitive‑behavioural strategies to help manage anxiety; includes an explanatory video on the website\]
**Support with Sexuality and Gender – Way Through**
\[Support, information and guidance for young people exploring sexuality or gender identity\]
**YoungMinds**
\[Advice, information and mental‑health support resources for children, young people and families\]
**Childline – LGBTQ+ Support Section**
\[Information and support for young people with questions about sexuality, gender or relationships\]
**Sibs – Support for Siblings of Disabled Children**
\[Information and support for children who have a brother or sister with a disability\]
**Children Heard and Seen**
\[Support for children and young people who have a parent in prison\]
**Online Safety – UK Government Guidance**
\[Practical information to help parents and carers protect children online and build confidence in managing digital safety\]
Support for Parents & Carers
### **Early Help for Children, Young People and Families**
**Family Hub (Durham) – Peterlee Family Hub**
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**
\[Information, guidance and Early Help support for families in Sunderland\]
### **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**
\[Information for parents and young people about drugs, risks and support services, including a helpline, text service and webchat\]
### **Support with Concerning Behaviour**
**Stop It Now!**
\[Confidential advice and information for anyone worried about someone’s behaviour, including children showing concerning or harmful sexual behaviour\]
### **Managing Anger in Young People**
**NSPCC – Advice on Anger**
\[Guidance and resources to help children and young people understand and manage anger\]
### **Local Support Services**
**Durham Directory of Support Services**
\[Searchable directory of support networks, services and advice for families across County Durham\]
### **Family Life Advice and Support**
**Family Lives**
\[Support for parents and carers on behaviour, relationships, mental health and family challenges\]
**NTW NHS Self‑Help Library**
\[Downloadable NHS‑approved self‑help leaflets covering a wide range of emotional and mental‑health topics\]
**Lucy Faithfull Foundation**
\[Support and advice relating to the prevention of child sexual abuse, including resources for families\]
### **Support for Neuro‑Diverse Children and Families**
**North East Autism Society – Family Development**
\[Support, training, workshops and guidance for families of neuro‑diverse children and young people\]
Support regarding 'Nudes' (youth produced sexual imagery)
**NSPCC – Advice on Nude Image Sharing**
\[Guidance to help parents understand the risks of children sending nude images or videos (sometimes called ‘youth‑produced sexual imagery’ or ‘sexting’), and advice on how to support and protect their child\]
**Thinkuknow – NCA‑CEOP**
\[Support for parents and carers if a child has shared nude images, including how to talk to your child, steps to take, and where to seek further help\]
Support with Mental Health
### **CAMHS and Mental Health Support**
**CAMHS – County Durham & Darlington**
[Email: tewv.camhscountydurhamdarlington@nhs.net](http://Email:%20tewv.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**
\[Information about CAMHS, including how the service works, what support is available, and guidance on talking to your child about mental health\]
**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**
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**
\[Advice and information for parents concerned about a child or young person’s mental health\]
**Happy Maps**
\[Trusted resources for parents worried about children’s mental health, emotions or behaviour\]
**Rollercoaster Parent Support Group**
\[Support group for parents and carers of children with emotional or mental‑health needs\]
**Nip in the Bud**
\[Short films and resources for parents explaining children’s mental‑health conditions\]
**YoungMinds (General Site)**
\[National charity offering mental‑health information and support for children, young people and families\]
**Childline 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**
\[Free counselling and mental‑health support for 13–19‑year‑olds in County Durham\]
**Hub of Hope**
\[National directory of mental‑health services for children, young people and adults\]
### **Support Around Suicide**
**If U Care Share Foundation**
\[Charity focused on emotional wellbeing for young people and support for families affected by suicide\]
**Papyrus – HOPELINE247**
\[Confidential support and advice for young people experiencing suicidal thoughts, and for anyone concerned about a young person\]
### **Support Around Sexual Harassment and Violence in Education**
**NSPCC – Report Abuse in Education Helpline**
0800 136 663
Email: help@nspcc.org.uk
\[Helpline for concerns about sexual harassment, sexual violence or abuse in educational settings\]
Support with Online Safety
### **Online Safety Support and Guidance**
**Thinkuknow – NCA**
\[Advice from the National Crime Agency (NCA) to help children, young people and families stay safe online\]
**Thinkuknow – Home Activity Packs**
\[Fun, age‑appropriate activities using Thinkuknow cartoons, films, games and advice to help children learn about online safety\]
**Parent Info**
\[A collaboration between Parent Zone and the NCA offering expert guidance for parents on digital life, wellbeing and online risks\]
**Childnet – Parent and Carer Toolkit**
\[Resources to help start conversations about online life, set boundaries for technology use, and find further support\]
**Internet Matters**
\[Age‑specific online‑safety checklists, parental‑control guides for devices and practical advice to help children navigate the digital world safely\]
**LGfL – Online Safety Advice**
\[Guidance for parents and carers on keeping children safe online, including six key online‑safety tips for younger users\]
**Net Aware – NSPCC**
\[A guide for parents to social networks, apps and games, produced by the NSPCC\]
**Let’s Talk About It**
\[Advice for parents and carers on protecting children from online radicalisation\]
**UK Safer Internet Centre**
\[Tips, guides and resources to keep children safe online, including parental controls offered by internet providers and safety tools on social platforms\]
**NSPCC – Online Safety**
\[Guidance for parents and carers to help keep children safe when using the internet, apps and digital devices\]
### **Privacy Settings and Parental Controls**
**Internet Matters – Parental Controls Guides**
\[Step‑by‑step guides to set parental controls and manage what content children can access online\]
**UK Safer Internet Centre – Family‑Friendly Filters**
\[Guidance on switching on filters to block age‑inappropriate content on home devices\]
### **Apps and Tools for Online Safety**
**BBC Own It – Website and App**
\[Website with advice for children about online life, plus a free smartphone app with a supportive keyboard offering real‑time help\]
**SafeTo Net**
\[An app for parents that helps protect children from online risks such as cyberbullying and sexting, while respecting privacy\]
Other Support
### **Support and Guidance for Parents on Knife Crime**
**Ben Kinsella Trust**
\[Resources and guidance for parents and carers on understanding knife crime, recognising warning signs and supporting young people to stay safe\]
**The Connor Brown Trust**
\[A Sunderland‑based charity providing education, workshops and community programmes aimed at preventing knife crime and youth violence, and supporting young people to make positive, safe choices\]
### **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**](https://www.durham.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/t/prevent/prevent/).
\[Prevent offers voluntary and confidential safeguarding support tailored to the individual, similar to other safeguarding processes protecting people from exploitation, gangs or abuse\]
You can also contact your **local authority safeguarding team** for further help.
### **Support for Parents on Extremism and Radicalisation**
**Educate Against Hate – Parents’ Hub**
\[Government‑backed resources and advice to help parents keep children safe from extremism, including online\]
**Let’s Talk About It**
\[Support and guidance for parents and carers to help keep children safe from online radicalisation\]
**Report Terrorist Content Online – GOV.UK Tool**
\[Public reporting tool for extremist or terrorist content found online, with information on what to report and what happens next\]
### **Other Useful Links**
**Cerebra – Sleep Advice Service**
\[Charity supporting children with brain conditions; includes practical sleep‑support resources for parents\]
**Kinship**
\[Support and guidance for family members and friends who step in to raise a child\]
### Key Information
- [11-16 Admissions](https://www.st-bedes.org/key-information/admissions)
- [Equalities](https://www.st-bedes.org/key-information/equalities)
- [Performance](https://www.st-bedes.org/key-information/performance)
- [Policies](https://www.st-bedes.org/key-information/policies)
- [Premium Allocations](https://www.st-bedes.org/key-information/premium-allocations)
- [Safeguarding](https://www.st-bedes.org/key-information/safeguarding)
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### St. Bede’s Catholic School and Byron Sixth Form
Westway
Peterlee
SR8 1DE
0191 587 6220
### Trust Information
- [Website Terms](https://bccet.org.uk/website-terms/)
- [Accessibility Statement](https://bccet.org.uk/accessibility-statement/)
- [Privacy Notice](https://bccet.org.uk/privacy-policy/)
### Social Media
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/StBedesandByron/#)
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