Safeguarding

The Chiltern School is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for pupils and staff. 

Safeguarding is everyone’s business and we strive to work together with pupils, staff, parents and other agencies to ensure Safeguarding is a priority.

If you have concerns about a pupil / family please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead,  Jemma Kirby (Director of Safeguarding and Mental Health) or Deputy DSL, Alton Johnson (Family Support Worker). Please call the school reception who will put you through.

If you are worried about someone who does not attend our school you can contact the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)  for the appropriate local authority to share your concerns. 

• Central Bedfordshire MASH 0300 300 300 8585 (out of hours 0300 300 8123)
• Bedford Borough MASH 01234 718700 (out of hours 0300 300 8123)
• Luton County Council MASH 01582 547653  (out of hours 0300 300 8123)

You can also call the police on 999 in an emergency. If you are unable to speak during the call please press 55 on your handset which will alert the call handler and prompt action.

The Chiltern School is part of a project that runs jointly between schools, Bedford Borough Council and Bedfordshire Police

Operation Encompass is the reporting to schools, prior to the start of the next school day, when a child or young person has experienced or been exposed to any domestic abuse.

Operation Encompass will ensure that a member of the school staff, known as a Key Adult, is trained to allow them to liaise with the police and to use the information that has been shared, in confidence, while ensuring that the school is able to make provision for possible difficulties experienced by children, or their families, who have been experienced a domestic abuse incident.

We are keen to offer the best support possible to all our pupils and we believe this will be extremely beneficial for all those involved. For further information about Operation Encompass https://www.operationencompass.org/

You can find our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy here 

There is a range of support available, please have a look at the Community section on our website for links to services. Below are some links to organisations which may be able to offer support in times of need.

For concerns about a child / if you are a child who needs support

• NSPCC
• Childline

For debt advice

• Citizens Advice
• National Debtline
• Step Change

Food banks / crisis support

•  The Trussel Trust
• The Salvation Army  – Emergency Assistance

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse

• Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership
• The Hideout (for children and young people)
• Refuge
• GALOP for LGBTQ+
• Respect – Men’s advice line
• NCDV for emergency injunctions and legal support

For emotional / wellbeing  mental health support

• Bedfordshire Wellbeing
• Mind
• Path 2 Recovery – for drug and alcohol support
• Young Minds

We are proud to be registered with Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership as a Safe Space which means we:

• Offer a safe space for somebody to go to who needs to access support if they are experiencing Domestic Abuse
• Offer a safe space for someone to contact a support service to help them safely