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Safeguarding Overview & Key Information

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Safeguarding at Highfield

At Highfield, we are committed to ensuring every child feels safe, supported and able to thrive. We follow national safeguarding legislation as well as local guidance from the Bolton Safeguarding Children Partnership (BSCP).
Relevant documentation for this section:
[Safeguarding]
[Safeguarding Information]

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility — staff, parents, carers and the wider community all play a part in keeping children safe.

Our Commitment

Highfield strives to ensure that all pupils remain safe from harm and that concerns are acted on quickly and appropriately.

We:

  • Follow school, local authority and government safeguarding policies
  • Work closely with multi‑agency partners
  • Respond to concerns using Bolton’s Framework for Action
  • Ensure all staff know their safeguarding duties

When concerns arise, Highfield uses the local model to understand the level of need and decide what support or agency involvement may be required.

Reporting Concerns

If a child shares a concern or if a member of staff becomes worried, the school follows the appropriate procedures.

This includes:

  • Listening to the child
  • Reporting immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
  • Working with external agencies if required
  • Taking action in line with the Framework for Action

If necessary, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) process is followed for concerns involving adults working with children.

Key Safeguarding Areas We Address

Highfield recognises several areas where children may be at risk and ensures staff are trained to understand and respond to them. These areas were previously listed across multiple pages, but are now combined here:

  • Child Exploitation
  • Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
  • Forced Marriage
  • Prevent Duty (extremism and radicalisation)

These topics are addressed through training, awareness‑raising and working closely with parents, carers and relevant authorities.

(These now link to your new “Specific Risks” consolidated page.)

Online Safety

We help children understand how to stay safe when using the internet, digital devices and social platforms, in line with national and local guidance.

Resources include:

  • Online Safety in School
  • Online Safety at Home
  • Thinkuknow (CEOP Education)
  • NSPCC Online Safety Guidance

Operation Encompass

Highfield takes part in Operation Encompass, an initiative where the police inform the school’s DSL before the next school day if a child has been present at an incident at home.

This enables the school to provide timely and appropriate support.

Government and Local Policies We Follow

Highfield ensures staff follow:

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Our full policy is available on the website and is reviewed annually in line with national and local updates.

How to Get Help or Advice

If you have any concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child at Highfield, please contact one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs).

School Telephone : 01204 571749
Email : office@highfield.bolton.sch.uk

Highfield will always:

  • Listen
  • Act appropriately
  • Follow safeguarding procedures
  • Work with families where appropriate

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

Operation Encompass – Updated & Consolidated Version

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What is Operation Encompass?

Operation Encompass is a partnership between schools and the police that helps support children who may have been involved in, or have witnessed, incidents at home.
When the police attend an incident and a child has been present or affected, they notify the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) before the next school day.
[Safeguarding]

This early information sharing allows the school to offer the right support at the right time.

Why is Operation Encompass important?

Children can be deeply affected by difficult events at home.
Knowing that something has happened means the school can:

  • Offer immediate emotional support
  • Understand any changes in behaviour or mood
  • Provide a safe and calm environment
  • Work closely with families if needed
  • Ensure the child has someone to talk to

This helps the child feel understood, supported and safe when they arrive at school.

How does it work?

  1. Police attend an incident where a child has been present or affected.
  2. Police inform the School’s DSL before the next school day.
  3. The DSL handles the information confidentially and sensitively.
  4. Highfield offers appropriate support, which may include:
    • A quiet space
    • Emotional check‑ins
    • Pastoral support
    • Adjustments for learning
    • Contact with parents or carers (when appropriate)

Only staff who need to know are informed.

What does Highfield do with the information?

Highfield follows strict safeguarding and confidentiality procedures.
Information from Operation Encompass:

  • Is used only to help support the child
  • Is kept confidential
  • Is never shared outside safeguarding procedures
  • Is stored securely following school and local safeguarding policies

What families should know

Operation Encompass exists to help children feel safe and supported.

  • You do not need to do anything to be part of the scheme
  • It does not replace any police actions or safeguarding processes
  • The aim is simply to make sure your child has the right support in school the next day

If you ever have concerns or want to talk, please contact one of the Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs).

Further Information

Operation Encompass is part of our wider safeguarding commitment and is recommended for all schools across the UK.
Highfield takes part because we believe children should feel safe, listened to and supported at all times.

Government & Local Safeguarding Guidance

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At Highfield, we follow both national and local safeguarding guidance to make sure children receive the right help at the right time. This section brings together the key documents we use so parents, carers, staff, and professionals can easily find reliable, up‑to‑date information.

National Guidance

Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)

This is the main national guidance for everyone who works with children. It explains how agencies must work together to keep children safe, the principles of early support, and the standards expected in child protection practice.
[gov.uk]

What it covers:

  • Multi‑agency working
  • Expectations for all professionals working with children
  • The importance of child‑centred, family‑focused practice
  • National child protection standards

Highfield follows this guidance as part of its statutory safeguarding duties.

Statutory Framework for Safeguarding

This framework outlines the laws and legislation connected to safeguarding children, including duties under the Children Acts and Education Acts.
[Statutory Framework]

It includes:

  • Children Act 1989 & Children Act 2004
  • Education legislation relevant to safeguarding
  • Local authority responsibilities
  • Emergency protection powers
  • Legal duties to safeguard and promote welfare

This framework supports school policies and informs how safeguarding procedures are applied.

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)

Schools are legally required to follow KCSIE, which sets out what staff must do to safeguard pupils. Highfield provides this guidance to all staff and ensures it is read annually.

Information Sharing Guidance

This national guidance helps professionals understand when and how to share information to keep children safe, ensuring they can act quickly when concerns arise.

Local Guidance (Bolton Safeguarding Children Partnership)

Bolton Framework for Action (Thresholds)

The Bolton Framework for Action sets out how local practitioners identify, assess, and respond to children’s needs across the continuum of support — from early help through to statutory intervention.
[Bolton Statutory Framework]

It explains:

  • When early help should be offered
  • Thresholds for higher levels of support
  • When children may require protection
  • What practitioners should do at each level
  • How agencies work together in Bolton

Bolton Start Well / Multi‑Agency Guidance

Additional Bolton safeguarding information includes:

  • Local training
  • Early Help processes
  • Practitioner tools
  • Local safeguarding procedures
    [Bolton Start Well]

Highfield staff use this guidance to ensure practice aligns with local expectations and multi‑agency processes.

How Highfield Uses These Documents

Highfield’s safeguarding practice is shaped by:

✔ National statutory guidance

(e.g., KCSIE, Working Together)

✔ Local multi‑agency guidance

(e.g., Framework for Action, Bolton thresholds)

✔ Internal school policies

(Reviewed annually and aligned with national & local requirements)

These documents ensure that:

  • Staff understand how to recognise concerns
  • Children receive support early
  • Decisions are consistent and evidence‑based
  • We work closely with Bolton agencies
  • Information is shared appropriately and safely

Where to Access These Documents

We make key documents available so families and professionals can read them directly:

National

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) – via GOV.UK [gov.uk]
  • Statutory Safeguarding Framework – legislation overview [Statutory Framework]
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) – PDF on our site [Safeguarding]

Local (Bolton)

Protecting Children from Exploitation, Harm & Extremism

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At Highfield, we want every child to feel safe, supported and able to seek help when needed. Some risks involve people trying to influence, pressure or take advantage of children in harmful ways. This page brings together key information for parents and carers about four important areas:

  • Child Exploitation (CSE)
  • Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
  • Forced Marriage
  • Prevent Duty / Extremism & Radicalisation

Child Exploitation (CSE)

Child Exploitation involves someone taking advantage of a young person for their own benefit. This may include pressuring, manipulating or encouraging a child into unsafe or inappropriate situations, often using attention, gifts, threats, or online communication to build trust.

Possible signs a child may be at risk:

  • Becoming withdrawn or secretive
  • Changes in mood or friendships
  • Receiving unexplained gifts or money
  • Spending time with older individuals
  • Talking online with people they don’t know in real life
  • Feeling pressured to share personal information, images or videos

What Highfield does:

  • Raises awareness through age‑appropriate guidance
  • Monitors concerns and follows local safeguarding procedures
  • Works with parents, carers and external agencies when needed

If you are ever worried about a child, please speak to a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

School Telephone : 01204 571749
Email : office@highfield.bolton.sch.uk

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

FGM refers to procedures that intentionally alter or injure female genital areas for non‑medical reasons. It is illegal in the UK and considered a form of significant harm.
Schools have a duty to safeguard pupils who may be at risk.

Indicators or concerns may include:

  • Conversations about “special ceremonies” or “preparation for womanhood”
  • Extended holidays to certain countries
  • Child expressing worry about travel or upcoming events
  • Difficulty sitting, walking or attending PE after travel

If staff believe a child may be at risk, concerns are reported immediately following national and local safeguarding policies.

Forced Marriage

A forced marriage happens when someone faces pressure, threats or harm to make them marry against their will. This is illegal in the UK and children cannot consent to marriage under any circumstances.

Possible warning signs include:

  • A child speaking about family pressure regarding relationships or marriage
  • Sudden plans for long trips abroad
  • Restrictions on friendships or activities
  • Expressions of fear about future expectations

Forced marriage is treated as a safeguarding concern, and school staff must act if they believe a pupil may be at risk.

Prevent Duty (Protecting Children from Extremism & Radicalisation)

Schools have a responsibility under the Prevent Duty to help stop children being drawn into extremist ideas, groups or behaviour.
This does not involve surveillance — it is about early support, open conversations and building resilience.

Highfield aims to:

  • Promote respect, tolerance and critical thinking
  • Equip pupils to recognise unsafe influences
  • Provide support if a child expresses concerning views or is being influenced by others
  • Work with trusted local agencies when needed

Possible signs a child may need support:

  • Fixation with extremist content or groups
  • Sudden strong opinions that appear influenced by others
  • Use of language or ideas that cause concern
  • Wanting to isolate from peers or family

Again, these are signs to look for — not automatic indicators.

What to do if you’re worried about any of the above

If you have ANY concern about a child — even if you are unsure — please speak to one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads as soon as possible.

Highfield will always:

  • Listen without judgement
  • Act in line with local safeguarding procedures
  • Work with parents unless doing so puts a child at further risk
  • Contact external services when required

School Telephone : 01204 571749
Email : office@highfield.bolton.sch.uk

If a child is in immediate danger, always call 999.

Online Safety Hub

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At Highfield, we are committed to helping children stay safe when using the internet and digital technology. Online safety is a shared responsibility between school and home, and this page brings together everything parents, carers, pupils and staff need in one place.

We use guidance from CEOP Education, CEOP Educational Recourse, NSPCC and national safeguarding partners to help families understand risks and keep children safe online.

Online Safety in School

We teach pupils how to stay safe online through age‑appropriate lessons, discussions, and practical activities. This includes:

  • Understanding what safe and unsafe behaviour online looks like
  • Knowing when and how to speak to a trusted adult
  • Being aware of peer pressure and online trends
    (These risks are highlighted in Highfield’s Online Safety guide.) [Safeguarding Policy]
  • Learning how to use school systems safely and responsibly
  • Knowing what to do if something online feels wrong or concerning

Filters and monitoring systems are in place to reduce access to inappropriate or harmful material.

Online Safety at Home (Guidance for Parents & Carers)

Children increasingly access the internet independently at home. These simple steps help keep them safe:

✔ Use parental controls and device restrictions

Guidance on setting up restrictions is available on the Highfield Online Safety resource.
[Safeguarding Policy]

✔ Talk regularly with your child

NSPCC and CEOP both emphasise the importance of open communication to help children feel confident sharing concerns.
[Safeguarding Information]

✔ Be aware of trends and viral challenges

Highfield’s guide highlights the risk of harmful online challenges and peer pressure.
[Safeguarding Policy]

✔ Check apps, games, and websites first

Look at age ratings and review content before children access it. [Safeguarding Policy]

✔ Know where to get help

Information on CEOP, NSPCC and IWF reporting routes is provided in the support section below.
[Safeguarding Information]

CEOP Education

CEOP’s education platform provides excellent age‑group resources designed for children, parents and professionals.
[Bolton Safeguarding]

Recommended links:

  • Ages 4–7: Jessie & Friends activities
  • Ages 8–10: Band Runner and scenario‑based lessons
  • Ages 11–13: Online choices, relationships and safe decision‑making
  • Ages 14+: Managing online risks and independence
  • Parents & Carers: Clear guidance and conversation starters

Visit: [CEOP Education]

Reporting Online Concerns

If you’re worried about something a child has seen or experienced online, here’s who can help:

✔ CEOP Safety Centre

For concerns involving grooming, inappropriate communication, or a child feeling pressured or unsafe online.
CEOP Advisors support children and families directly.

[CEOP Safety Centre]

✔ NSPCC Online Safety Helpline

For general guidance, advice and support about a child’s online experiences.
[Keeping children safe online | NSPCC]
NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000
Under 18? call 0800 1111

✔ Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)

For reporting harmful or illegal online content.
[Eliminating Child Sexual Abuse Online | Internet Watch Foundation IWF]

✔ In an emergency

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

Staff Guidance: Working Online With Children

Staff follow best‑practice guidance when working online with pupils, including:

  • Using school‑approved platforms
  • Maintaining professional boundaries
  • Not contacting pupils via personal accounts
  • Following safeguarding protocols for remote communication

These align with safer working practices referenced in Highfield’s safeguarding documentation.
[Safeguarding]

Staff should speak to the DSL if they are unsure about any aspect of online communication or behaviour.

Who to Contact at School

If you have any concerns about your child’s online safety, please contact one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads.

School Telephone : 01204 571749
Email : office@highfield.bolton.sch.uk

We are here to help and can guide you on whether to speak to CEOP, NSPCC, or other agencies.

Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP)

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What is CEOP?

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) is part of the National Crime Agency. CEOP helps protect children and young people from online grooming, exploitation, and inappropriate or unsafe communication from adults or older peers.

If you are worried about the way someone is communicating with a child online — whether it’s your child or someone else’s — you can make a report directly to CEOP.

When Should You Make a Report to CEOP?

You should make a report if:

  • A child is being groomed online
  • Someone is sending inappropriate messages, images, or requests
  • A child feels pressured, uncomfortable, or unsafe because of someone online
  • You believe a child is being targeted or exploited through online communication

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 right away.

Make a Report to CEOP

CEOP has a dedicated online reporting service where trained Child Protection Advisors will respond and offer support.

[Click here to visit the CEOP Safety Centre and make a report]

Before You Report

If you’re unsure whether CEOP is the right place to report your concern, you can also speak to one of our school’s Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs).
We can help you understand what the concern might relate to and what the next steps should be.

CEOP Educational Resources (Formerly Thinkuknow)

CEOP Education provides age‑appropriate guidance that helps children and parents understand how to stay safe online and what to do if something feels wrong.

Helpful CEOP Education resources include:

  • Ages 4–7: Jessie & Friends
  • Ages 8–10: Band Runner & safety lessons
  • Ages 11–13: Online relationships, trust, staying safe
  • Ages 14+: More mature online safety scenarios
  • Guidance for parents and carers

Visit: [CEOP Education]

If You’re Not Sure Whether It’s a CEOP Issue

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Contact CEOP for:

  • Grooming concerns
  • Inappropriate or unsafe online messages
  • Being pressured to share information or images
  • Any behaviour that feels exploitative or manipulative

Contact the School DSL for:

  • Cyberbullying
  • Friendship issues online
  • General online safety worries

School Telephone : 01204 571749
Email : office@highfield.bolton.sch.uk

Contact the police (999) for:

  • Any situation of immediate risk
  • Threats or danger happening right now

Contact NSPCC (non‑emergency support) for:

  • General advice on online behaviours, concerns, and safety.

Additional Online Safety Support

Other useful services include:

  • NSPCC Online Safety Hub – guidance and advice for families
  • Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) – report worrying or harmful online content

Safeguarding Information

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