Students are taught to keep themselves safe in a range of situations through the personal development programme, information and communication technology lessons, assemblies and tutor periods.
Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, teaching and non-teaching, governors and volunteers to share this commitment.
Designated Safeguarding Officers:
Mr A Franks
Mrs R Boys
Mr M Grantham
What parents should do if they have safeguarding concerns
If a parent has concerns about any child’s safety or well-being they should contact the school’s Safeguarding Officers immediately. All incidents will be investigated and if necessary outside agencies may be informed. You can email the safeguarding team at DSO@highdown.reading.sch.uk or phone the school on 0118 901 5800.
If, at any point, there is a risk of immediate serious harm to a child, and the school is closed, you can call the Children's Single Point of Access [CSPA] on 0118 9373641 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday). Outside these hours, contact the Emergency Duty Team on 01344 786543.
What students should do if they have safeguarding concerns
If a student is feeling unsafe or if they have concerns about the safety of another student they should talk to the designated safeguarding officers. If they feel more comfortable talking to another member of staff they should talk to their Form Tutor or Head of Achievement who will pass the information on.
Those who feel unable to talk to an adult can email safeguarding@highdown.reading.sch.ukfrom their school O365 email account (or dso@highdown.reading.sch.uk from another email account) and their concerns will be followed up by our safeguarding team.
School closure - safeguarding
During a period of school closure, e.g. due to Covid-19, we continue to be open for provision for vulnerable pupils and children of key workers. The safeguarding of all our children remains our top priority. At this time, our school will continue as normal in supporting our vulnerable children and if anyone has any questions regarding this they are asked to make contact with the safeguarding team using the contact details above.