Safeguarding
At Heathcote School we have a strong safeguarding team who work across the school. They work together, ensuring all staff are vigilant for signs of concern in all children.
Designated Safeguarding Team
- Mrs Stephanie Rowett, Designated Safeguarding Lead (Headteacher)
- Mrs Kim Abernethy, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leader (Deputy Headteacher)
- Mrs Jenny Verhofstad, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leader (Assistant Headteacher, SENDCO)
- Mrs Ann Ribbands, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leader (Family Support Worker)
- Miss Anna Cowcher, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leader (Assistant Headteacher
- Mr Nick Harwood, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leader (Senior Leader)
Warwickshire's Family and Information Services
Click here to be directed to Warwickshire's Family and Information Services. This is a fantastic website that can signpost you to lots of useful resources and services available to Warwickshire families. Their aim to promote a Child Friendly Warwickshire celebrates all the positive things happening which make this county the best it can be for children and young people to grow up and learn.Early Help
Sometimes our young people need a little more targeted support, including support outside of the school environment. On these occasions we work with families and sometimes make the joint decision to initiate an Early Help Assessment, which allows us to work closely with families to carefully assess need; an Early Help Assessment helps us to more easily access appropriate early support which is in addition to what the school is providing in-house. This might mean securing a Family Support Worker who can provide off site support for the family concerned and ensures the school is doing everything in our power to meet any out of school need. Further information on Early Help can be found here.
The Decision to Refer to Social Care
Sometimes it is necessary to refer a case to Children’s Social Care, if we feel that a student is at risk of serious harm. On these rare occasions, we follow the relevant Local Authority’s guidelines on how to make a referral. This process is outlined in more detail in our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy. Throughout the entire process we work closely with the pupil concerned, their family and Children’s Social Care to help resolve the issues of concern.
Our hope is that through excellent communication and by working together we will always be able to rapidly resolve any potential safeguarding issue that may arise, in order that every pupil can feel safe and happy, better enabling them to focus on enjoying life and achieving.
If you have a concern about a child, please contact Stephanie Rowett (Headteacher) as the Lead DSL at head2056@welearn365.com or the school office on 01926 290330.
In the case of an emergency where a child is at immediate risk of harm, contact the Police on 999 or Children’s Social Care on 01926 414144 for immediate support.
