Safeguarding

Safeguarding Team

Mrs Curtis - Headteacher

Mr Browne - Deputy Headteacher

Mr Brown - Safeguarding Lead/ Pupil Engagement Welfare Officer

Mrs McDonald - Pastoral Care Worker

Mr Harrison - Safeguarding Governor

Mr Saunders - Assistant Head teacher

To contact our Safeguarding team please email: contact.safeguarding@talbot.poole.sch.uk

Useful Safeguarding and Family Websites

Mental Health support for young people and families

If parents/ carers require additional mental health support, the following charities are available to support:

Mind
Information and support as well as helplines for people experiencing mental health problems and their friends and families.
Rethink Mental Illness
Advice as well as services and support for people affected by mental illness and their friends and families.
Samaritans
Round-the-clock confidential support for people going through a tough time.
SANE
Emotional support to people affected by mental health problems and their families and friends.

Are you concerned about online safety?

The internet is a fantastic resource of information and entertainment. However there are many examples of ways children can be exposed to danger and risk online without proper supervision and guidance. As a parent, the balance between giving your child the freedom to explore and learn, and keeping them safe can be difficult. Your child may not feel they need a parents support however it is vital you support them whilst they learn to use technology safely.

Is it just online safety that I need to think about?

No. Mobile phones, tablets, games consoles and any electronic device that can share information, pictures or video need to be considered.

What are the potential issues with online safety and technology?

Childnet lists many topics that give information about potential problems of going online and using technology. These include, cyberbullying, grooming and in-app purchases. For more information visit their website here.

In addition, the Government has produced advice for parents and carers about cyberbullying here.

How do I know if a game, film or book is suitable for my child?

This can be a difficult question to answer because all children mature at different rates. Parental intuition is always important, but if you want to get advice and reviews from other parents, Common Sense Media provides a comprehensive search facility with information about age appropriateness.

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

How can I protect my child?

It’s important you spend time reading and researching matters related to online safety and discuss this with your child at home. Whilst open and frank conversations with a child can be difficult, it is vital you do this to keep them safe. In addition, you can ‘take control’ of how they use the internet and technology. Please visit the NSPCC guide here.

Where else can I get help and support?

If you have concerns please speak with the school.

In addition, the following websites contain useful information:

https://www.internetmatters.org/

https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/ai-voice-clone-scams

https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/parents-and-carers

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/

Net Aware update from the NSPCC – UK Safer Internet Centre

www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/

www.childnet.com/

https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/our-work/digital/

Fortnite Guide for Parents

TikTok Guide for Parents

SSCT on Dorset Police

Latest concerns and trends- October 2025

Salt Challenge:

Salt & Ice Challenge – Risks to Children and Young People September 2025 Background The “Salt and Ice Challenge” is an online trend where young people place salt on their skin and press ice on top for as long as possible. This creates a chemical reaction, rapidly lowering the temperature and causing cryogenic (cold) burns, similar to frostbite. Children and young people may underestimate the harm as the cold numbs the skin, masking pain until significant damage has occurred. Risks • Secondor third-degree burns, potential need for skin grafts, lasting scarring, nerve damage, and impact on wellbeing.

What’s Ap Concerns

The 'Add Everyone' WhatsApp group is recirculating amongst children. This group has been highlighted as a significant safeguarding concern due to the potential to expose children and young people to explicit, abusive and harmful content.

The group's purpose is to invite children to join a chat that contains inappropriate content and encourage them to add inappropriate comments and add other children but not their parents or safe adults. Children as young as 9 have been reported as being on this group.

Changes to Early Help for parents- commenced from April 2025

Self referral Early Help parenting support– Please use if you need support. Early Help As part of the new Early Help BCP strategy parents are encouraged to use the Early Help advise point for support with challenging behaviour, family support or parenting advise (information on left of page). Please visit: Family hubs, early help and outreach centres.

Family hubs, early help and outreach centres

Our Safeguarding Curriculum

Safeguarding Newsletters

Autumn 1 2025-26 Safeguarding Newsletter

May 2025 Safeguarding Newsletter

February 2025 Safeguarding Newsletter

November 2024 Safeguarding Newsletter

February 2024 Safeguarding Newsletter

November 2023 Safeguarding Newsletter

Parents and Carers guide to Safeguarding

Parents Guide to Keeping Children Safe in Education in Different Languages

Report a Safeguarding Incident

Child Exploitation and Online Protection

BCP Children’s services
First Response
T. 01202 123334 Monday to Thursday: 8.30am to 5.15pm, Friday: 8.30am to 4.45pm or email
Out of hours
T. 01202 738256 or email