John O'Rourke, Beaconsfield High School Child Protection Governor

In accordance with our responsibilities under section 175/157 of the Education Act 2002 and “Keeping Children Safe in Education“ Sept 2023, we have a Designated Safeguarding Lead for Child Protection (Mr Tom Griffiths) who is a member of the Leadership Team, and has received appropriate training for this role. It is his responsibility to ensure that all staff in contact with children receive Child Protection awareness training on a regular basis.

Occasions do arise when our concern about a child means we must consult other agencies. Whilst we would always aim to work in partnership with parents, there may be exceptions to this when concerns are raised for the protection of a child. On very rare occasions, Social Care, whilst undertaking an investigation under s47 of the Children Act 1989, may want to speak to a child without a parent’s knowledge. This would be a decision made in collaboration with partner agencies and would only be done in situations where a child might be at immediate risk. To gain consent at this point may increase the level of risk to the child or cause evidence of a crime to be lost.

The procedures that we follow have been laid down by the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board, and the school has adopted a Child Protection Policy in line with this for the safety of all. The policy can be found below, along with links to our other key safeguarding policies and useful resources that may help you in supporting the health, safety and wellbeing of your child.

Beaconsfield High School Safeguarding Statement

Beaconsfield High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of all students and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adhere to consistent, effective safeguarding procedures to support parents/carers, students and staff.  Safeguarding legislation and government guidance says that safeguarding means:

• Protecting children from maltreatment
• Preventing impairment of children’s health or development
• Ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care
• Taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcome

Safeguarding includes child protection, health care plans, health and safety, site security, safety on school trips, anti-bullying work and much more.

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mr Griffiths, Deputy Headteacher.  He is supported by four Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads, Miss Pritchard, Mrs Cooke, Ms Bond and Ms Ganachaud, with further additional members of staff trained in higher level safeguarding. 

If you are worried that your safety or the safety of any other student is at risk please talk this through with any adult of your choice at BHS. Our dedicated safeguarding team is specially trained to deal with any serious situations and may be called upon to help you and/or your peers. To contact the BHS Safeguarding Team please email:  safeguarding@beaconsfieldhigh.school

Safeguarding Policies

Our policies can be viewed here. If you wish to know more about our procedures, please email Mr Griffiths, our Designated Safeguarding Lead or email the Headteacher.

Sites for Advice and Guidance