Safeguarding.
SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS
SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS.
While at BSA:
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Tell a trusted adult. This could be your tutor, BSA office staff or the head of Diplomas.
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Ask to speak to a member of the BSA Safeguarding Team
While at home or in the community:
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Call and speak to BSA staff on 0117 472 1644
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Phone Childline for free on 0800 1111 any time, day or night. They are happy to speak to you about any worries.
If you feel you or another child is in immediate danger, please call 999.
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If you are concerned about a child, you can do one of these things:
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Report it to the Academy’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (Lisa Wellsford) by phoning the school on 0117 472 1644 or emailing safeguarding@bristolschoolofacting.com
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Contact Bristol’s First Response team by calling 0117 903 6444 9am til 5pm Mon – Friday.
Please call 01454 615165 for out of hours/weekend referrals. Please see the website here for more information:
In an emergency, please ring 999.-
If you have any safeguarding concerns related to a member of staff, please contact the Head of School, Stuart Wood.
Safeguarding Policy.
You can find our Child protection and Safeguarding policy on our policies page or click the button below.
Safeguarding team.
You can meet the safeguarding team at the link below.
We aim to empower all our students with the confidence, understanding and critical thinking to engage positively and safely in the digital world, by helping them recognise online risks, make informed choices, and build respectful, responsible digital habits.
Below are some resources for young people and parents/carers:
Childnet – Online safety guides for teens & parents – https://www.childnet.com
UK Government Online Safety Support Hub – https://kidsonlinesafety.campaign.gov.uk
Ofcom Parents’ Guide to Online Safety – https://www.ofcom.org.uk/parents
At BSA, every student has the right to learn and develop in an environment free from intimidation, harassment or discrimination. We recognise that bullying,including online abuse, can have a significant impact on a young person’s wellbeing, confidence, academic progress and future opportunities.
As a post-16 community, we are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and aspirational environment where students are treated as young adults and are supported to flourish both personally and academically. Bullying in any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
We encourage all students to speak up if they experience or witness inappropriate behaviour. Reports will always be taken seriously and addressed promptly and effectively. Students, parents and carers can be confident that concerns will be handled with care, professionalism and a clear commitment to safeguarding every member of our community.
At BSA, we recognise that abuse can occur between students and will always be taken seriously. Child on child/ Peer-on-peer abuse may include, but is not limited to:
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Bullying, including cyberbullying, discriminatory or prejudice-based behaviour
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Abuse within intimate or personal relationships (sometimes referred to as teenage relationship abuse)
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Physical abuse
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Sexual violence
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Sexual harassment
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The consensual or non-consensual sharing of nude or semi-nude images and/or videos
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“Upskirting” or the taking of intimate images without consent
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Initiation or hazing behaviours involving humiliation, coercion or harm as a condition of joining a group
Such behaviour is never acceptable. As a post-16 community, we expect all students to act with maturity, respect and integrity. Any concerns will be addressed promptly, sensitively and in line with our safeguarding procedures.
If you have a concern, please contact the Safeguarding Team via safeguarding@bristolschoolofacting.com
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At BSA, safeguarding extends beyond physical safety. The Prevent Duty is part of the UK Government’s wider counter-terrorism strategy. Prevent focuses on safeguarding individuals and communities from the risk of extremism and radicalisation by stopping people from being drawn into terrorism.
Incidents of extremism and radicalisation are rare. However, as with all safeguarding matters, it is important that we remain vigilant, informed and proactive, without causing unnecessary alarm.
What do we mean by extremism and radicalisation?
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Extremism is the vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. It also includes calls for violence against members of the armed forces.
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Radicalisation refers to the process by which a person comes to support extremist ideologies or terrorist activity.
We are proud to be part of a diverse and inclusive community. Post-16 education is a time when young adults naturally explore political, religious and social ideas. Open debate, critical thinking and respectful discussion are encouraged at BSA. Exploring different perspectives in a thoughtful and peaceful way is a positive part of personal development and should not be confused with extremism. The most effective way to prevent radicalisation is through education, open dialogue and mutual understanding.
Guidance for Parents and Carers
As the parent or carer of a young adult, you remain an important source of support and guidance. Open, respectful conversations create space for your young person to explore new ideas safely and thoughtfully.
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Keep communication open and regular, encouraging discussion about current affairs and world events.
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Take an interest in online activity and digital platforms. Social media and video-sharing sites can sometimes be used to promote one-sided or harmful viewpoints.
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Encourage critical thinking by exploring different perspectives together and modelling respectful debate.
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Support your young person to engage positively in their wider community, through sport, employment, volunteering or social groups to help them build connections and a strong sense of belonging.
BSA’s Commitment
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All staff receive Prevent training and regular safeguarding updates.
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Our safeguarding procedures reflect our statutory responsibilities under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015.
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Students are encouraged to discuss and critically explore complex issues through tutorial programmes, enrichment activities and Health & Wellbeing sessions.
If you have concerns that a young person may be vulnerable to radicalisation, we encourage you to contact the BSA Safeguarding Team in the first instance.
For non-urgent concerns, you can contact the police on 101.
If the concern is urgent or there is immediate danger, please dial 999 or contact the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.
Below are some resources for young people and parent/carers:
Act Early – https://actearly.uk
Bristol City Council – https://www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/crime-and-emergencies/prevent-and-channel-programme-
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) refers to procedures that intentionally alter or remove parts of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is sometimes referred to as female circumcision, “cutting” or “sunna”.
FGM is a serious form of abuse and a violation of human rights. It can cause severe physical harm, long-term health complications and significant emotional and psychological trauma. In some cases, it can be life-threatening.
The Law in the UK
FGM is illegal in the United Kingdom under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003.
It is a criminal offence to:
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Carry out FGM in the UK
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Arrange or assist for FGM to be carried out abroad on a UK national or resident
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Fail to protect a girl under 16 from risk of FGM
Anyone found guilty of committing or assisting FGM can face up to 14 years in prison, a fine, or both. Failing to protect someone from risk can result in up to 7 years in prison.
Support and Advice
At BSA, your safety and wellbeing are our priority. If you are worried about yourself or someone else, whether you feel at risk now or in the future, please speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team at BSA. You will be listened to sensitively and supported appropriately.
You can also seek help outside of college:
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Police – Call 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-urgent concerns.
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NSPCC FGM Helpline – confidential and anonymous support
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Telephone: 0800 028 3550
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Email: fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – If someone has been taken abroad already and you are concerned about their safety.
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Telephone: 020 7008 1500
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If you are unsure whether something is a safeguarding concern, it is always better to speak to someone.
Here is a document issued by the Home Office on FGM:
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Our school is part of Operation Encompass.
Operation Encompass is a national police and education early intervention safeguarding partnership which supports children and young people who experience Domestic Violence and Abuse and which is in place in every police force in England and Wales. Children were recognised as victims of domestic abuse in their own right in the 2021 Domestic Abuse Act.Operation Encompass means that the police will share information with our school about all police attended Domestic Abuse incidents which involve any of our children PRIOR to the start of the next school day.
Once a Key Adult (DSL) and their deputy/ies (DDSLs) have attended either an Operation Encompass briefing or completed the online Operation Encompass Key Adult training they will cascade the principles of Operation Encompass to all other school staff and Governors.
SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS
CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION (CSE).
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a form of sexual abuse that affects young people under the age of 18, including 16 and 17 year olds. Even where a young person is legally able to consent to sexual activity, it can still be exploitation if there is pressure, manipulation or an imbalance of power.
CSE can:
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Affect any young person, regardless of gender or background
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Involve physical contact (including penetrative and non-penetrative acts) or non-contact activities
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Take place in person, online, or through a combination of both
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Involve manipulation, coercion, threats, gifts, status, affection or substances such as drugs or alcohol
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Happen without a young person fully realising what is happening (for example, images shared privately being copied or distributed without consent)
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Be carried out by individuals or groups, including peers or adults
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Occur as a one-off incident or as part of an ongoing pattern of abuse
A key feature of exploitation is power imbalance. This may relate to age, gender, status, physical strength, confidence, financial control, emotional influence, or access to resources. Exploitation often involves someone taking advantage of a young person’s vulnerability for their own benefit.
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While each situation is different, warning signs may include:
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Going missing or being absent for periods of time from home/ coming home late
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Sudden changes in attendance, punctuality or engagement with learning
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Receiving unexplained gifts, money or possessions
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Changes in mood, confidence or behaviour
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Use of drugs or alcohol
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Being secretive about relationships or online activity
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Sharing sexual images or being pressured to do so
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Unexplained injuries or physical harm
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These signs do not automatically mean exploitation is taking place, but they may indicate that a young person needs support.
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At BSA, the safety and wellbeing of our students is paramount. If you are worried about yourself, a friend or your child, please speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team. You will be listened to respectfully and supported appropriately.
If there is immediate danger, contact the police on 999. For non-urgent concerns, you can call 101.
If you are unsure whether something is a safeguarding concern, it is always better to speak to someone. We are here to help.
Here is a link to Avon and Somerset police’s page on CSE with more information and how to report directly to the police:
CHILD CRIMINAL EXPLOITATION (CCE).
Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) occurs when an individual or group takes advantage of a young person under 18 by using power, control, manipulation or intimidation to involve them in criminal activity.
This exploitation may happen:
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In exchange for something the young person wants or needs (such as money, status, protection, accommodation or substances)
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For the financial or personal gain of the perpetrator
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Through threats, coercion or violence
A young person may still be a victim of exploitation even if the activity appears consensual. CCE does not always involve face-to-face contact. It can also take place online through social media, messaging platforms or gaming networks.
Young people can be vulnerable to exploitation in different ways, including through peer groups, older individuals, organised crime networks or online contact.-
Criminal exploitation can involve young people being pressured or forced to:
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Transport or sell drugs or money across areas (often referred to as “county lines”)
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Work in illegal activities such as cannabis production
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Shoplift or commit theft
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Carry weapons
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Threaten or intimidate others
There are also signs that may indicate someone is being exploited. These can include:
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Going missing from college or home, or being found outside their usual area
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Unexplained money, new clothing or mobile phones
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A sudden increase in phone calls or messages, or secrecy around online activity
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Relationships with older or controlling individuals or groups
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Unexplained injuries or signs of physical assault
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A noticeable decline in attendance, engagement or academic performance
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Withdrawal from friends or usual social networks
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Significant changes in emotional wellbeing or self-harm
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These signs do not automatically mean exploitation is taking place, but they may suggest that a young person needs support.Please speak to a member of the BSA safeguarding team for more information or if you have any concerns.
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LOCAL SERVICES.
NSPCC Helpline (24 hours a day)
Call 0800 800 5000 (free from UK landlines)
NSPCC Text Service
Text 88858 for free, confidential and anonymous supportContact 111 if you need urgent medical advice or are unsure what to do about a health concern
Call 101 for non-emergency matters
Call 999 if there is immediate danger or an emergencyYoung Minds national charity offers confidential online and telephone information and support for anyone worried about the emotional, behaviour, or mental health of a child/young person up to 25 years of age, including ADHD, Autism and Aspergers.
Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544
They also offer a free mental health crisis hotline for young people.
Young Minds Crisis Messenger Service – Text YM to 85258
LOCAL SERVICES.
Local SEN and disability information service (SENDIAS) Information and support around Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, for children, young people and families.
Tel: 0117 9897725 Mon-Fri 9.30 – 4.30 (answerphone at other times),
NSPCC FGM Helpline 0800 028 3550 – Email: fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk
SEXUAL ABUSE AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE.
A support service for people who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their life.
Women and girls, call 0808 801 0456
Office hours: Monday and Friday, 11am to 2pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 6pm-8.30pm
Men and boys, call 0808 801 0464
Office hours: Monday, 11am to 2pm, Tuesday, 6pm-8.30pm
Run a helpline for victims of sexual abuse in school 0800 136 663