Safeguarding

Barnsley Academy recognises that safeguarding includes both protecting children from harm and promoting their rights, safety, and wellbeing. We are committed to ensuring that every student feels safe, supported, and able to thrive in a secure learning environment.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. As such, it is:

• Everyone’s responsibility to safeguard children.
• Everyone who comes into contact with children or families has a role to play.
• Everyone working with children maintains the attitude of “it could happen here”.

This applies to all staff, governors, and volunteers, as well as contractors, visitors, United Learning central office staff, and Trustees who interact with or work on behalf of the Academy.

Staff Training and Responsibilities

We ensure that safeguarding practice is strong, consistent, and fully up to date:

• All staff are Level 2 Safeguarding trained.
  This is delivered at the start of each academic year and repeated every term to ensure new staff or those returning from leave receive the same level of training.

• The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSLs are Level 3 trained, enabling them to manage complex safeguarding concerns and lead on statutory duties.

• Safeguarding expectations and protocols apply to all adults on site, including temporary staff, supply teachers, visitors, and contractors.

Our safeguarding team is always available for advice, support, and guidance to ensure concerns are identified and acted upon without delay.

A Rights Respecting Approach

As a UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting School, our safeguarding work is guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Key rights relating to safeguarding include:

• Article 3 – Best interests of the child
  Every decision we make is centred around what is safest and best for the child.

• Article 4 – Implementation of rights
  We take all appropriate measures to ensure children’s rights are realised in school.

• Article 19 – Protection from all forms of violence
  We act swiftly to protect children from physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

• Article 36 – Protection from all forms of exploitation
  We take proactive steps to keep children safe from harmful or unsafe situations.

These rights underpin our policies, our curriculum, and our culture, helping us create a school environment where every student feels respected, valued, and safe.

Our Commitment

We are committed to:

• Creating a culture of openness, trust, and transparency
• Ensuring students know who they can talk to
• Responding quickly and effectively to concerns
• Working closely with external agencies
• Supporting families in keeping children safe
• Providing clear guidance and education through PSHE, assemblies, and pastoral support

Safeguarding is not just a statutory duty—it is a core part of our Academy values and our responsibility to every child.