Wellbeing and Safeguarding
At Orchard School we take the safeguarding and wellbeing of every student very seriously. Every member of staff is responsible for and trained in wellbeing and safeguarding. We also invest in a highly-experienced team of inclusion professionals including senior staff, year teams and social, emotional and mental health practitioners and counsellors, who lead in this area.
Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL)
The DSL is Deputy Headteacher, Mr Dorian Coxon, dcoxon@orchard.tila.school- Headteacher, Mrs Julia Hinchliffe
- Pastoral Manager for Year 7, Ms Nkoyo Antigha, nantigha@orchard.tila.school
- Pastoral Manager for Year 8, Ms Deborah Murphy-Piper, dpiper@orchard.tila.school
- Pastoral Manager for Year 9, Ms Emily Bhakherd, ebhakerd@orchard.tila.school
- Pastoral Manager for Year 10, Ms Tracey Pointing, tpointing@orchard.tila.school
- Pastoral Manager for Year 11, Mr Gary Scott-Mullen, gscottmullen@orchard.tila.school
All our DSLs can be reached on the main school number: 0117 377 2000
You can also let the Safeguarding Leads know about a situation anonymously through our Whisper Button on our Quick Links on the front page of the website.
Anti-Bullying
We have been awarded the Gold Anti Bullying Award consecutively now - in 2018 and in 2021 - for the work we do against bullying in school. We encourage all students to talk to someone if they notice bullying behaviour, and parents/carers are encouraged to contact their Pastoral Manager if they are aware of bullying behaviour. The Whisper App is available here or on the Quick Links of our website and is available for anonymous reporting of any behaviour, should it occur.
Prayer
We respect the need for students to pray at agreed times through the school day. Prayer Mats are available.
Young Carers
A Young Carer is a child under 18 who regularly helps to look after a family member or friend who is disabled, ill, has a mental health condition or addiction problem. We are aware that some of our students are young carers and that they may need additional support to maximise their potential. Therefore, we currently provide the following services for young carers:
- Young Carers support group
- Trips with other young carers from the drop-in group
- Access to homework club at lunch time and after school
- Ability to use the school phone at break and lunch if needed
- Ensuring that staff are aware of how they can support young carers appropriately
Our Young Carers Leads are Mrs Dee Lawrence and Mrs Addrienne Newton, from our social, emotional and mental health team.
You might also find the following websites useful:
- www.carerssupportcentre.org.uk/young-carers/
- www.carers.org
- https://www.bristol.gov.uk/social-care-health/support-for-young-carers
School Nurse and Brook
Your child can book in to see our school nurse by contacting Reception on 0117 377 2000.
We also work with Brook Advisory Service for sexual health and wellbeing Brook – Healthy lives for young people
Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Support
Our specialist SEMH team in school includes:
- Mrs Addi Newton - SEMH Manager
- Mrs Dee Lawrence - SEMH Practitioner
- Mrs Natalia Lyes - SEMH Learning Support Assistant, focusing on Year 7
- Mr James Melvin - Counsellor
- Ms Nazeia Rani - Counsellor
We have listed a number of support helplines and websites alongside some resources which may be of help to your families and you during the Covid -19 lockdown. Please take a look as they are very helpful.
Off the Record's January 2021 Newsletter
Click here for OTR's latest newsletter.
We all have mental health - video
Let’s talk mental health - video
CV-19 science video - this is to gain a better and clearer understanding of Covid -19
Other self-help guidance
Strategies to help with overload
Anxiety management
Apple app - click here
Anxiety social story to support understanding Covid 19 and self-help - click image
Who you can talk to:
Anxiety UK: 08444 775 774
MIND (Mental Health):0300 123 3393
Kidscape (keep safe and bullying): 020 7730 3300
Bereavement support
Child bereavement UK: 0800 028 8840
General advice on mental health
We all have mental health, yet it's often something we find difficult to talk about when we're struggling. With one in 10 children and young people in the UK - that's three in every classroom! - suffering from a diagnosable mental health problem, we think it's important that you know who to turn to for help. Besides speaking to an OSB member of staff, or a trusted adult, here is a list of useful contacts offering advice and support:
Bristol services
NHS Bristol
The Emotional Health Directory of Services for Children and Young People aims to be the single 'go to' place for information about children and young people’s emotional health in Bristol, including services commissioned by Bristol Clinical Commissioning Group.
Kooth
Kooth is a free online service offering emotional and mental health support for children and young people, aged 11-25. Users can have a drop-in chat with a counsellor, therapist or book a one-to-one session. They have a monitored online forum and users can also record a journal. www.kooth.com
Off the Record
Off the Record provides free and confidential mental health support, information and workshops for young people aged 11-25 in Bristol. www.otrbristol.org.uk / 0808 808 9120
TESS
TESS is a text and email support service that is run by Self Injury Support, which offers help to girls and young women up to 24 in the UK who are affected by self-harm. 0780 047 2908 (Open Sunday - Friday, 7-9pm). Visit www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk to access their email service.
National Services
Anorexia & Bulimia Care (ABC)
ABC offers personal, ongoing, emotional support and practical guidance for recovery for people struggling with Anorexia Nervose, Bulimia Nervosa and binge eating, in addition to related self-harm. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk / 03000 11 12 13
Anti-Bullying Alliance
Detailed information for anyone being bullied, along with advice for parents and schools. Signposts to various helplines and websites for further support. http://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/
BEAT
BEAT is the UK's leading charity supporting anyone affected by eating disorders or difficulties with food, weight and shape. www.b-eat.co.uk / Youthline: 0345 634 7650
Bullying UK
Provides advice on all aspects of bullying. www.bullying.co.uk / 0808 800 2222
Childline
A 24-hour helpline for children and young people to discuss any issues they're concerned about. www.childline.org.uk / 0800 1111
National Self Harm Network
Support for individuals who self harm to reduce emotional distress and improve their quality of life. www.nshn.co.uk
NHS Choices - Young People and Mental Health
An information hub offering young people advice and help on mental health problems including depression, anxiety and stress. www.nhs.uk/livewell/youth-mental-health
NSPCC - Report Abuse in Education
A new helpline from NSPCC, dedicated to reporting abuse in education for children and young adults who have experienced sexual harrassment or abuse at school, or for worried adults and professionals that need support and guidance. help@nspcc.org.uk / 0800 136 663
Papyrus
A national charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide among young people. www.papyrus-uk.org / 0800 068 4141
Rape Crisis
Provide and sign post to a range of services to support people who have experience rape, child abuse or any kind of sexual violence. https://rapecrisis.org.uk/
The Survivors Trust
UK-wide national umbrella agency with resources and support dedicated to survivors of rape, sexual violence and child sex abuse. https://thesurvivorstrust.org/isva/
Talk to Frank
Friendly, confidential advice on drugs. www.talktofrank.com / 0300 123 6600 / live chat, text: 82111
The Mix
Support and information about how to cope with various issues, whether it's mental health, money, relationships, finding a job, or drugs. www.themix.org.uk / 0808 808 4994
Time to Change
Time to Change is a growing movement of people changing how we all think and act about mental health. www.time-to-change.org.uk
Winston's Wish
A leading childhood bereavement charity offering practical support and guidance to bereaved children, their families and professionals. www.winstonswish.org.uk / 08452 03 04 05
Young Minds
Young Minds is the UK's leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. www.youngminds.org.uk / 020 7089 5050
Victim Support
Supporting children and young people who have been affected by crime. Also provides support to parents and professionals who work with children and young people – regardless of whether a crime has been reported or how long ago it was. https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/
Tackling Extremism
Orchard School Bristol is aware of its responsibilities under Section 26 of the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 and the Prevent Strategy to safeguard pupils at risk of radicalisation. We do this by identifying and risk assessing individuals who may be drawn into terrorism, violent or non-violent extremism. We provide a safe environment for our pupils to explore, understand and discuss sensitive topics, including terrorism and extremist ideology. We use the curriculum and pastoral support to educate our pupils and to enable them to challenge these ideas. Staff are aware of the risks posed by other students and adults who may have been radicalised and the impact of radicalisation via social media. All staff have received appropriate training and have the knowledge and confidence to identify pupils at risk of being drawn into terrorism and extremism, and challenge extremist ideals. Our IT filters are regularly reviewed in order to prevent access to terrorist and extremist materials online at school.
A few key signs to look out for if you are concerned that your child is at risk of extremism:
- Out of character changes in dress, behaviour and peer relationships
- Secretive behaviour
- Showing sympathy for extremist causes
- Glorifying violence
- Possessing illegal or extremist literature
- Advocating messages similar to illegal organisations such as Muslims Against Crusades or other non-proscribed extremist groups such as the English Defence League. Tower Hamlets in London has produced some useful guidance for parents concerned about radicalisation. You can find out more here
Safeguarding Team News
