We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and will strive to ensure:

• That the academy provides a safe environment for children and young people to learn
• That the required systems and procedures are in place to identify children and young people who are suffering or likely to suffer significant harm,
• Will take appropriate action with the aim of making sure they are kept safe both at home and at school.

•  Respond to any safeguarding concerns
•  Liaise with social care and other agencies
•  Talk to parents about concerns raised where appropriate
•  Update safeguarding records
•  Lead and coordinate whole school training and updates
• Meet regularly with the safeguarding team and teachers to communicate relevant information
• Meet the safeguarding Governor and report to Governors
•  Update the school safeguarding policy in line with Trust central team direction
•  Attend local DSL networks and training

The academy uses encompass notification system which has been established to support children who are resident in households where there are incidents of domestic violence and abuse. We know that children can be significantly physically or emotionally hurt by being either present in the house or directly witnessing an incident of domestic abuse.

Encompass ensure that a member of the Academy staff is trained to allow them to use the information that has been shared, in confidence, and ensure that the Academy is able to make provision for possible difficulties experienced by children, or their families, who have been involved in or witnessed a domestic violence or abuse incident.

Research shows that 1 in 5 young people aged 5-16 is likely to have a mental health problem. This means that in a class of 30, 6 young people might be struggling with their mental health. This has increased by 50% over the last 3 years. Research also shows that 75% of young people aren’t getting the help and support that they need.

At Castle Hall Academy, we believe that everyone has mental health, and it is important that we teach students to be aware of their own mental health as well as the mental health of others.

There are lots of things that we do within school to support the mental health of our students. Our personal development curriculum teaches about mental health explicitly, as well as looking at wider topics such as preparing for the future, careers, and physical, sexual, and emotional health.

Where students might require further support with their mental health, Castle Hall Academy employs an emotional wellbeing support worker, who sees a number of students on a weekly basis. This is based on need, and referrals are made by heads of year and the inclusion team.

If the school feels that there is a greater need for support, referrals can be made, with your consent, to external agencies that support young people with their mental health.

Thriving Kirklees is where you can access any support services that your child might need for their mental health and wellbeing.