Safeguarding

At Maritime Academy, we have a team of experienced staff who are safeguarding trained. We also ensure all staff are kept up to date with relevant information so that student safety is at the forefront of everything we do. 

Not only do we prioritise the safety of all students at the academy, but we also recognise that our role is to educate students and parents about how to keep themselves safe, whether this is online or recognising signs of abuse. 

We have in place a range of policies and procedures to support our safeguarding commitment. All concerns are passed through the members of staff who are trained as ‘Designated Safeguarding Leads / Deputies in school in compliance with the ‘sharing of information’ guidance.  You can find a link to our Safeguarding policy above. If there is any additional information you require, please contact a member of the safeguarding team. 

All students, staff and parents are encouraged to report any concerns about any aspect of safeguarding or child protection to the safeguarding team. Students will be taken seriously if they seek help from a member of staff and where appropriate we will signpost students and families to receive additional support from outside agencies if this is necessary. 

Useful Safeguarding Links

	Medway Safeguarding Children Partnership This collective resource provides information, advice and guidance for children and young people, as well as parents and carers, practitioners, and volunteers. Medway Safeguarding Children Partnership (medwayscp.org.uk)
	Samaritans Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. https://www.samaritans.org/
	Kids Health Helpful links for parents, kids, teens and educators that cover a range of topics from body to mind. Nemours KidsHealth - the Web's most visited site about children's health
	Childline Childline is here to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice
	Educate Against Hate Practical advice for parents, carers, and staff on protecting young people from extremism and radicalism. https://educateagainsthate.com/
	NSPCC Advice, guidance and support. https://www.nspcc.org.uk/
	Family Lives Building better family lives together. https://www.familylives.org.uk/

	Internet Safety
	Thinkuknow Thinkuknow is the education programme from NCA-CEOP, a UK organisation which protects children both online and offline. https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
	My Safety Net Safety Net is a charity which helps children and young people feel safe and confident. https://mysafetynet.org.uk/
	CEOP Internet Safety Are you worried about online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating with you online? Make a report to one of CEOP’s Child Protection Advisors. https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
	Get Safe Online Advice and help about online safety. https://www.getsafeonline.org/

	Substance Use
	Talk to Frank Honest information about drugs. https://www.talktofrank.com/
	Turning Point Resources and support lines that offer a range of health and wellbeing services, including drug and alcohol support for young people. https://www.turning-point.co.uk/

	Self-Harm
	National Self Harm Network The forum provides crisis support, information and resources, advice, discussions and distractions. https://www.nshn.co.uk/
	NHS Self harm guide For people who deliberately harm themselves and are unhappy about it. It is also for family and friends who may have difficulty understanding this behaviour. http://www.selfhelpguides.ntw.nhs.uk/bsmhft/leaflets/selfhelp/Self%20Harm.pdf

	Mental Health
	Winston’s Wish Winston’s Wish is a national helpline that supports children and young people after the death of a parent or sibling. https://www.winstonswish.org/
	NHS Information and guidance around mental health. https://www.nhs.uk/
	Kooth Mental Wellbeing. https://www.kooth.com/

	Bereavement
	Winston’s Wish Winston’s Wish is a national helpline that supports children and young people after the death of a parent or sibling. https://www.winstonswish.org/
	Cruse Bereavement Care Cruse Bereavement Care are here to support you after the death of someone close. https://www.cruse.org.uk/