Current News
Anonymous reporting for students
One of the biggest challenges that schools face is getting students to report information about bullying. We are currently trialing a new anonymous reporting system with students. By logging onto the school website and going to the contact page, students can scan a QR code which will take them to a page where they can report any concerns. This should give students an outlet to report without fear of any recriminations. The QR code link can be found using the link below:
Contact Us – Saint Benedict, A Catholic Voluntary Academy (srscmat.co.uk)
Vaping
As you may have read in the news recently, there has been a significant increase in young people using vapes or e-cigarettes. As a school in Derby, we have also seen this increase and are concerned about the health implications of vaping at this age.
Vaping Poster | Vaping Poster 2
Vaping Parent and Carers Leaflet
Vaping Awareness Assembly
Andrew Tate – Misogynistic Behaviour
Hopefully you were able to see the article that I recently sent out to parents. If not, here is another website and recording that explains why Andrew Tate is causing so much controversy. We have heard this name mentioned amongst a minority of students in school who have been spoken to but as this man has such a big online presence, this is going to be around for some time.
Andrew Tate: The social media influencer teachers are being warned about | UK News | Sky News
As parents and carers, please can I urge you to check what sites and information your child is accessing on the internet and to talk to them about these issues in a calm non-judgemental way.
Winter Coat Appeal
Thanks to your generosity last winter, we were able to give winter coats to students that otherwise may not have had one. We are running this appeal again so if you have any warm winter coats that would be suitable for a teenager that you no longer need, then please send them to your year office and we will distribute them. Thank you in advance.
Resources for Parents
Students sending nude selfies
Please take a moment to watch these really helpful videos from Think U know, which talk about the way that students are using their mobile phones and social media, more and more as they get older. They also offer helpful suggestions for parents and carers, to tackle the issues at home.
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/articles/Nude-selfies-a-parents-guide/
Child Exploitation
PACE – PACE Parents against child exploitation
The Home Office provides free online training for parents about dealing with CSE
Registration – Enable (vc-enable.co.uk)
Online Support and Information for Parents
Help your child stay safe online
Mental Health
Support and tips to help you keep children safe. From advice on children’s mental health to staying safe online, support for parents and what to do if you’re worried about a child.
Keeping children safe | NSPCC
Parents and Careers | Advice and Guidance | Anna Freud Centre
Support for Young People
Build Sound Minds Overview | Action for Children – The Service is a comprehensive early intervention service for children and young people aged 0-17 who are experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties
Home – Kooth – free safe and anonymous support
pat@papyrus-uk.org – Online support for mental health issues
Contact Us | Samaritans – online support for mental health issues
Help over the holidays
There is a safeguarding mobile contact number which will be switched on during school hours (9am-3pm Mon-Fri) during the holidays. These two numbers are 01332 554270 or 01332 554261
If you have any immediate concerns about the safety of a child during these times and are unable to contact the school please contact;
safeguarding@ben.srscmat.co.uk
Derby Children’s safeguarding board urgent referrals- 01332 641172 (9am until 5pm Monday to Friday)
Careline out of hours- 01332 786968
Police- 101
Angela King
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Safeguarding Newsletter – Lent 1
W/B September 27th 2021
This week we have held a series of assemblies across the whole school to help raise awareness of the recent Ofsted review and government guidance on Peer-on-Peer sexual abuse within schools. Mr Kelly and Miss Cwynar have delivered the assemblies to help children understand the risks associated with Peer-on-Peer abuse which can often be of a sexual nature between children.
The Assembly slides will be sent home for all parents and carers to support their children to remain safe and aware of the types of behaviours reported to be happening in schools across the U.K.
Should parents wish to find out more, please contact the safeguarding team and we will get in touch with you.
1st March 2021 – Advice in maintaining safety of pupils from sexual abuse online.
The Marie Collins Foundation has joined forces with the NWG Network to produce two new help guides aimed at reducing online harm.
The Online Sexual Harm Reduction Guide is aimed at professionals; How Can I Help My Child? Is aimed at parents and carers.
26th February 2021 – Return to School FAQ’a from ParentZone
ParentZone has out together some very useful guidance regarding the return to school on 8th March 2021 for all pupils in England. This article outlines many of the concerns or questions parents may have in navigating this complicated situation.
19th January 2021 – Joined Up Care Derbyshire
Kooth and Qwell councelling serivices are working together to provide support for young people and adults.
With friendly counsellors available to speak to via a text messaging service from 12 noon-10pm Monday to Friday and 6pm-10pm on weekends, Kooth and Qwell provide great online counselling service options.
October 6th – Hello Yellow School project
To support World Mental Health day on 9th October 2020 the pupils of Saint Benedict will come together to create a piece of artwork to promote mental well being and celebrate acts of kindness. Children will all take part in creating a “Bee” kind message by colouring and adding words to small Bee’s that will be transformed into a dress to display in the reception area of the school. This will act as a constant reminder to “Bee Kind” to others and help children to recognise the positive power of kindness in supporting mental health and well being within our community.
October 1st 2020 October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic violence is prevalent in every community, and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. Physical violence is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behaviour as part of a much larger, systematic pattern of dominance and control. Domestic violence can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and even death. The devastating consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime. Here are three simple information sheets that can be useful if you or a person within your community is experiencing domestic violence.
