Rossington All Saints Academy is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. Every member of staff and all volunteers share this responsibility, and we work together to maintain a safe, supportive environment for our students and their families.

Safeguarding concerns are managed by trained Designated Safeguarding Officers (DSOs). The lead Child Protection Designated Safeguarding Officer is a member of the Academy’s Core Leadership Team and is supported by a wider team of trained staff. Our DSOs work closely with external safeguarding agencies to ensure effective support for students.

Designated Safeguarding Officers:

All visitors must sign in at the visitors’ office and wear an issued visitor badge. Anyone not wearing a staff, governor, visitor or contractor badge will be challenged by staff to ensure student safety.

Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is regularly updated and approved by the Academy Advisory Board. The policy applies to all staff, advisory board members, and volunteers, and is embedded within the academy’s ethos. The Academy’s Anti‑Bullying Policy is also approved by the Advisory Board.

Staff record any safeguarding concerns immediately using the CPOMS system, which alerts the DSOs. Concerns are shared with parents at the earliest opportunity, as there are often reasonable explanations that can be resolved quickly.

If you have serious concerns about your child or another student, please contact the Designated Safeguarding Officer. They will ensure the matter is handled confidentially and appropriately.

Students are taught about safeguarding and know who the safeguarding team members are. They understand how to report concerns about themselves or others.

Supporting students to use the internet safely and responsibly is a key part of our safeguarding commitment. We help students build the knowledge and confidence they need to stay safe online, both in school and at home. All students receive guidance from trained staff and through assemblies, ensuring they understand the importance of e‑safety and how to protect themselves online.

A downloadable Facebook safety checklist is available to help students and parents understand privacy settings and safe use of the platform.

Students and parents may find the following websites helpful for advice, guidance, and up‑to‑date information on staying safe online:

Young people are spending more time online than ever—whether completing schoolwork, gaming, or socialising. Technology offers huge benefits for learning and communication, but it’s important to understand how to help keep children safe in digital spaces.

Online games often include social features such as live chat, voice chat, and multiplayer interaction. These can be enjoyable and positive experiences, but they also come with risks. To learn more about the benefits of gaming, the potential risks of in‑game communication, and practical steps you can take to support your child, you can watch a short guidance video. Online Gaming – BBC Teach

Supporting children as they explore the online world is an important part of keeping them safe. Clear guidance, open communication, and practical tools can make a significant difference. The steps below outline how parents and carers can help young people build safe and healthy online habits.

Parental controls help you manage what your child can access online. They can limit content, manage screen time, and restrict certain features. Some controls are free, while others are paid, but none are a complete substitute for supervision and conversation. For clear instructions on setting up controls across devices, broadband providers, and apps, visit Internet Matters’ Parental Controls & Privacy Settings Guides.

Talking regularly about your child’s online life helps them feel supported and confident. Ask about the apps, games, and websites they enjoy, what they find fun, and anything that worries them. Discuss when it’s appropriate to unfollow, block, or report someone. If you’re unsure how to begin, Thinkuknow offers guidance on starting these conversations.

Children need to know they can come to you without fear of blame. Reassure them that you will always respond calmly and supportively, no matter what has happened online.

Make sure your child knows they can speak to you or another trusted adult if something online makes them feel uncomfortable or upset. For help understanding reporting tools on different platforms, visit Supporting your child with reporting unwanted content online.

Young people can report concerns about grooming or online sexual abuse directly to NCA CEOP and receive support from specialist Child Protection Advisors. The reporting service is available at:
https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/

Encourage your child to consider how their online actions affect people around them. Before posting or sharing, they should think about how someone else might feel. If they want to share a photo or video of another person, they should always ask permission first.

Thinkuknow provides honest, age‑appropriate advice for young people on friendships, relationships, consent, and staying safe online.

It’s normal for young people to explore relationships and sexuality online. Supportive, open conversations help them make safer choices. Trusted organisations offering age‑appropriate information include:

Thinkuknow is part of the National Crime Agency’s Child Protection Command (NCA‑CEOP), working to protect children from online sexual abuse. Their parents’ website offers advice, guidance, and downloadable home activity worksheets to help families learn about online safety together.

If you’d like this rewritten in a shorter version for a parent leaflet or adapted for a school newsletter, I can shape it to fit that format.

Homepage – UK Safer Internet Centre

Information, Advice and Support to Keep Children Safe Online (internetmatters.org)

Critical thinking online

Artificial intelligence safety tips for parents | NSPCC