We have a dedicated safeguarding team at Meadowhead School that includes Geoff Dearman (Assistant Headteacher & Designated Safeguarding Lead), Ruth Humphreys and Abi Grocutt (Safeguarding Managers), George Simpson (Assistant Safeguarding Officer).  Every Year Team also has a Designated Safeguarding Deputy.

For further details on how we safeguard students at Meadowhead School and who our Designated Safeguarding Deputies are, please view our poster 'How our Setting Safeguards Students'

If you want to speak to someone about any concerns you have for yourself or a child you know, then please email our safeguarding team at: SafeguardingTeam@Meadowhead.Sheffield.sch.uk

Alternatively, please contact our school reception and they will find you the right person to talk to.

If you do not want to speak to someone face to face, there are organisations you can call, which are listed at the bottom of this page in the ‘Helpful organisations’ section. You can speak to them in confidence about any problem you or a friend has. You don’t have to give your name if you don’t want to.

Remember: there is always someone you can talk to; everyone has a right to be safe.

If you have urgent worries or concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person, please contact the Sheffield Safeguarding Hub:

• Call: 0114 273 4855 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• If a child is in immediate danger, always call 999.

Non-Urgent Enquiries
You can email the Meadowhead Safeguarding Team at SafeguardingTeam@Meadowhead.Sheffield.sch.uk Please note that this inbox is not monitored 24/7 during school holidays and replies will be delayed.

To report a non-emergency crime or accident call 101 or go online https://www.reportingcrime.uk/

Under the Children Act 1989, all school staff have a responsibility to share any concerns they may have if they believe a child could be at risk of significant harm, including harm that may result from abuse.

To help keep children safe, the school maintains essential information about pupils, including details of who holds parental responsibility. This information may be shared with relevant agencies when legally required or requested.

We work closely with a range of professionals and services, including the School Health Service, Children's Social Care and the Police. These agencies may become involved if concerns about a child's welfare or safety are raised.

If an investigation into possible child abuse is required, the school has a duty to work fully with the agencies involved to help ensure the best possible outcomes for the child.

We are committed to working in partnership with parents and carers wherever possible and will always aim to keep families informed and involved in decisions affecting their child. However, in situations where there is a conflict of interest, the child's welfare and safety must always remain our highest priority.

If you would like to discuss child protection, your child's safety and wellbeing, or any other matter relating to your child, please do not hesitate to contact the school. We are always happy to help and support you.

As children grow up and gain independence, it is natural for them to explore the online world. The teenage years are all about trying new things, testing boundaries, and taking risks—it is a vital part of growing up. Today’s digital landscape offers young people incredible opportunities to express their creativity, explore new ideas, and connect with others in entirely new ways.

However, because your child is growing up in a world shaped by rapid digital changes, their everyday reality might feel confusing or even alarming to you. Whether you are tech-savvy or struggle with gadgets, keeping up with your teen's online habits can feel overwhelming.

You might wonder whether what they are doing is safe, and you might also be thinking 'how can I be as good a parent online as I am offline?'

Below are some telephone numbers, organisations and websites that can provide useful safeguarding support and signposting.

Useful telephone numbers:

• South Yorkshire Police: 101
• Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
• Childline: 0800 1111
• NSPCC Helpline: 0800 800 500
• Children's Social Care, Sheffield: 0114 273 4855

Useful internet sites

• Childnet: a website explaining the potential internet dangers for children and young people.
• Internet Watch Foundation: The UK website for reporting illegal internet content.
• NSPCC: Here you can find information for parents and children/young people on the dangers of surfing the net.

• Childline for advice and support to children and young people. Alternatively phone 0800 1111.
   
• Kidscape is a children’s charity that gives practical advice to young people about bullying and keeping safe.
   
• Sheffield Safeguarding Children and Adult Partnership’s in collaboration with the national child safeguarding charity NWG has  launched the Safe to Play, providing advice to parents and carers before they let their children attend any sports or other physical activity clubs. 
   
• The Samaritans confidential helpline for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Alternatively phone 08457 90 90 90.
   
• Papyrus is a UK charity dedicated to preventing young suicide and promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in children, teenagers, and young adults under 35. They have a confidential helpline to support vulnerable youth and anyone worried about a young person.  Hopeline 24/7 Tel: 0300 1022470 or TEXT HOPE to 88247
   
• NHS Direct – 111 is for non-life-threatening medical concerns.
   
• Youth Access: Phone 020 8772 9900. This organisation will put you in touch with local services that offer information, advice and counselling.
   
• Women's Aid for women and young people affected by domestic abuse.
   
• Sheffield Children's Safeguarding Partnership: information for parents, carers and families.
   
• Sheffield Directory: a parent hub containing information about the services offered for parents in Sheffield.
   
• The Children's Society including access to a toolkit: 'supporting parents and carers of children and young people affected by sexual exploitation' 
  
  For further information, visit the Department for Education's statutory guidance on keeping children safe in education.