Safeguarding at Brooksbank
Our Commitment to Student Safeguarding
At The Brooksbank School, we are unwavering in our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of all our students. We recognise the importance of providing a secure environment where every student can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Our extensive pastoral and safeguarding team is dedicated to ensuring the protection of our students, working diligently to address any concerns and support the needs of our school community.
Our Safeguarding Team
Our Safeguarding Team is comprised of experienced professionals who are trained to handle a variety of safeguarding issues. This team works closely with students, parents, the pastoral team and local authorities to create a cohesive network of support. We believe that safeguarding is a collective responsibility and strive to foster a culture of vigilance and care.
Meet the Team
Whilst all staff have a responsibility to promote safeguarding, emotional health and wellbeing, the following staff have a specific remit:
A dedicated pastoral team works closely with students each day. Each year group is led by a Head of Year and Pastoral Support Worker who closely monitor and support the achievements and personal and social development of each student within their care.
Where specific safeguarding concerns arise, the following staff are specifically trained to support staff, students and parents/carers:
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Darren Atkinson
Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Head of School, SLT Corridor -
Kate Potter
Designated Safeguarding Lead
The Safeguarding Space -
Donna Clarke
Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Assistant Head, Pastoral -
Zandra Puddephatt
Assistant Safeguarding Lead
Deputy Head, SLT Corridor -
Helen Shenton
Assistant Safeguarding Lead (SEND)
SENDCO, Learning Support -
Carly Bassinder
Assistant Safeguarding Lead
Pastoral Office -
Lindsay Richmond
Assistant Safeguarding Lead
Pastoral Office -
Penni Lally-Garg
Assistant Safeguarding Lead (Sixth Form)
Post 16 Progress Tutor, Brooksbank Sixth -
Danny Napper
Assistant Safeguarding Lead
Pastoral Office
Worried about something or someone? Talk to one of our team. We can help
Working Together
We recognise that to succeed, students need a high level of support, and we firmly believe that effective safeguarding is achieved through achieving strong partnerships with our students, parents/carers and relevant external agencies. By working together, we can ensure that our students are protected and supported in all aspects of their lives.
We regularly communicate with parents and carers to keep them informed about our safeguarding practices and to provide information and guidance on any wider issues that may arise. Our goal is to build a trusting relationship with our school community, demonstrating a genuine commitment to a collaborative approach with parents/carers and fostering an environment where students feel safe and valued.
Designated Safeguarding Space
In addition to staff being highly visible around school throughout the day, we have a designated Safeguarding Space that serves as a safe space for students to come forward with any concerns or issues they may face.
This area is staffed by members of our safeguarding team who are always available to listen and provide support. We operate an open-door policy, encouraging students to seek help whenever they need it, knowing that they will be met with understanding, confidentiality and appropriate actions.
Postbox Initiative
To further enhance our safeguarding efforts, we have introduced the Postbox Initiative. This innovative approach allows students to anonymously post any concerns they may have about themselves or their peers. The postboxes are located outside the Pastoral Office and the within the Safeguarding Space; they checked regularly by our safeguarding team who then follow up on the concerns raised with the utmost care and discretion. This initiative provides students, particularly those who may feel nervous or hesitant to start a conversation in person, with an additional avenue to gain support.
At Brooksbank, safeguarding is much more than a policy—it is a core value that underpins everything we do. We are tremendously proud of our safeguarding journey in recent years and have confidence in our practices which are dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing environment where every student can flourish. Thank you for entrusting us with the care and education of your children.
Report a Safeguarding Concern
If you or somebody you know is experiencing an issue or there has been an incident of a safeguarding nature, you can report your concerns through our Stay Safe link, which is sent directly to a member of our safeguarding team.
Please fill out the form with as much information as possible so that we can appropriately action the concern. Although we will do check this inbox frequently, this inbox is not manned at all times. If your concern is urgent, please contact Reception during school hours on 01422 374791.
Further sources of support and information for students and families
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The Brunswick Centre
The yOUTh Service works across all of Calderdale and Kirklees, providing support to LGBTQ+ young people, their parents and carers.
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Report Abuse in Education
The NSPCC’s new helpline for young people and adults who experienced sexual harassment or abuse whilst at school. Call 0800 136 663 or email help@nspcc.org.uk
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Kooth
Kooth offers free, safe, anonymous online counselling with a qualified professional, discussion boards and a magazine.
Age range: 10-25 years
Opening times: Mon-Fri, 12pm-10pm. Sat-Sun 6pm–10pm
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Time Out
Time Out offers the opportunity to ‘find your thing’, get some simple guidance around emotional wellbeing, managing worries and looking after yourself.
Age range: 10-19 years
Contact details: 07418 311736 (text for a call back)
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Open Minds (CAMHS)
Open Minds (CAMHS - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) offers specialist help and support around mental health.
Age range: 5-18 years
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Open Minds Website
Open Minds’ website provides advice, information and support on local and national services that help children and young people.
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Positive Identities Service
Barnardo’s Positive Identities Service offers specialist advice and support to those who identify or are questioning their sexual and/or gender identity.
Age range: 8-25 years
Contact details: 01422 371993
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C&K Careers
C&K Careers offers specialist advice, support and guidance on future career options.
Age range: 13-24 years
Contact details: Make an appointment with our in school careers advisors.
Or call 01484 213856 or chat@ckcareers.org.uk
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ChatHealth
ChatHealth offers a confidential and secure text messaging service to discuss physical health and emotional wellbeing.
Contact details: text 07480 635297
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Calderdale Young Carers Service
Calderdale Young Carers Service for advice and support on being a young carer.
Age range: 8-18 years
Contact details: 01422 261208
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Healthy Futures Calderdale
Healthy Futures Calderdale offers advice and support from public health clinicians on any concerns you have relating to COVID-19, including worries about the return to school.
Contact details: 0303 330 9974
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Branching Out
Branching Out offers specialist advice and support around drugs and alcohol.
Age range: 10-21 years
Contact details: 01422 415550
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Sexual Health
Sexual Health offers specialist advice and support around sexual health.
Contact details: 01422 261370
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Childline
Childline is a free helpline for children and young people. You can contact a trained counsellor at Childline by phone or online chat about anything. No problem is too big or too small.
Age range: Under 19
Call: 0800 11111
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The Mix
The Mix is a UK based charity that provides free, confidential support for young people under 25 via online, social and mobile.
Age range: Under 25s
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Young Minds
Young Minds is a charity fighting for children and young people's mental health. Their website has a wealth of advice and resources.
Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday 9.30am – 4pm, free for mobiles and landlines)
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FRANK
FRANK is a website and national telephone helpline offering advice, information and support to anyone concerned about drugs and solvent/volatile substance misuse, including drug misusers, their families, friends and carers.
Call: 0300 123 6600
Text: 82111
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Beat
Beat is the UK’s eating disorder charity. They offer telephone, online and peer support, and lots of information and resources.
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Unique Ways
Unique Ways is a local parent-carer led charity offering support for families with SEND children, including a great range of free training courses on parenting for wellbeing.
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The Proud Trust
Manchester based charity offering information and support to LGBT+ young people and their families.
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Mermaids UK
Mermaids UK support gender-diverse children, teens and their families.
Helpline: 0808 801 0400 Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm