Safeguarding
We take our Safeguarding and child protection responsibilities very seriously. Our safeguarding policy ensures that our school has effective measures in place to safeguard your children from the potential risk of harm and that the safety and wellbeing of the children are of the highest priority in all aspects of our school's work. Having the policy in place ensures that all members of our school community:Are aware of their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and child protection.
Know the procedures that should be followed if they have a cause for concern.
Know where to go to find additional information regarding safeguarding.
Are aware of the key indicators relating to child abuse.
Fully support the school's commitment to safeguarding and child protection.
Our designated lead for Safeguarding and Child Protection is our Head Teacher Caroline Middleton, who can be contacted directly by email at mailto:head@bridgemerece.cheshire.sch.uk
or by calling the school office.
Our designated deputy leads for Safeguarding and Child Protection are Mrs Sarah Willington and Miss Alison Latham.
Helping to be Bully-Free Cheshire East
Stop bullying
Is it bullying or just a fall out
There are three agreed defining features of bullying:
the victim is targeted by an individual or group on a regular basis
there is intention to harm or humiliate
there is a power imbalance, the victim is fearful of those targeting him or her
When all of the above are happening, it is highly likely that this is a bullying situation.
Bullying can take different forms. It could include:
physical bullying: hitting, slapping or pushing someone
verbal bullying: name calling, gossiping or threatening someone
non-verbal abuse: hand signs or text messages
emotional abuse: threatening, intimidating or humiliating someone
exclusion: ignoring or isolating someone
undermining, constant criticism or spreading rumours
controlling or manipulating someone
making silent, hoax or abusive calls
The following types of bullying are also hate crime:
racial, sexual, transphobic or homophobic bullying
bullying someone because they have a disability
If the situation is a fallout between friends, but you remain concerned, please discuss with an adult working with your child and ask them to monitor things.