Barnsley Academy recognises that safeguarding encompasses the duties of child protection and promoting the rights and welfare of children. As such, it is:

• Everyone’s responsibility to safeguard children
• Everyone who comes into contact with children and families has a role to play; and
• Everyone working with children maintains an attitude of ‘it could happen here’.

This includes all staff, governors and volunteers working in the school.

It also applies to contractors and visitors during any interactions they may have with children, United Learning central office staff and to Trustees, working in or on behalf of the school.

All staff at the Academies are Level 2 Safeguarding trained. This training is at the start of the Academic year and then provided once per term so any new staff or those returning from leave receive it. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSLs are Level 3 trained.

If the child is in danger

999 or (01142) 202020.

If the child is not at risk of immediate harm

If you're concerned about a child, but they're not in immediate danger, it's still important to share the information with us as soon as possible.

If your call is not urgent contact the Assessment Service on (01226) 772423. Our offices are open between Monday and Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Out of hours emergencies

If you want to report your concern urgently and our offices are closed you can contact our Emergency Duty Team on (01226) 787789. They work on weekends and bank holidays and deal with issues that can't wait until usual office opening hours. 

Keeping children and young people safe is everyone's business

If you have even the slightest concerns about a child or young person's welfare, don't ignore it - do something about it.

You can find out more about what child abuse and neglect is, and how to spot the signs on the NSPCC website.

If you're working with children and young people, the government publication What to do if you're worried a child is being abused contains information and advice regarding the most appropriate course of action to take if you are worried about the safety of a child or young person. It also explains how agencies should respond to your concerns.

How we investigate allegations of abuse

If you contact us because you suspect a child is at risk we'll look into the concerns you've reported. We won't be able to share any information about the child or their family with you, or tell you what action we've taken. 

You can read more about child protection investigations and what's involved here.