Please find a letter for the Year 10 Beyond Words sessions here
Whilst we all worked very hard every day to ensure our school, and all schools, are as safe as they can be for children we are faced recently with compelling evidence that for many school is not a safe space.
Today, 1st April, a dedciated NSPCC helpline 0800 136 663 for victims of sexual violence and harassment in schools has been opened.
We are unequivocal in our message that sexual harassment, abuse or any mistreatment of any member of our community is wrong and will not be tolerated at Heartlands High School. When victims of such treatment bravely come forward we envelop them in support and care. We have onsite counselors, support workers and trained staff to assist them in telling their story and we always report all allegations to the police immediately and where necessary social services or professional bodies. You can read more about our local safeguarding arrangements and other policies HERE.
We have a well trained, experienced and highly effective safeguarding team, their work is reviewed externally every year. This team is led by the Headteacher and Ms Attreed, our designated safeguarding lead. We support students daily in making sure that they are welcomed into a calm and safe place of education.
The education we provide includes strong and regular messages around abuse and mistreatment: what it is, how to spot it and what to do if it is happening to you or someone you know. Our SEARCH days provide the landscape for this and include touch points throughout the year, along with assemblies and form time sessions to ensure that this a regular message not a once a year reminder. Our PHSE and SRE curriculum are reviewed every year and keep in line with advice from leading charities and advisory bodies
We will be undertaking some additional work around abuse in schools when we return from Easter break.
We hope that no member of the Heartlands family have ever endured abuse from any of their peers or staff members. We hope that no member of the Heartlands family will ever endure abuse from any of their peers or staff members. However we also know that to be blind to the possibility is to be blind to the problem.
We are reaching out to all our existing and previous students to ensure they know who they can talk to and how both now and in the future should they wish to share their story of abuse and be helped to take action. In the Summer term we will also be undertaking ‘The Big HHS Ask’ a survey asking students anonymously about their school experiences and their feelings toward how the school manage issues such as peer on peer abuse. This will frame any development work we may undertake in the coming months and years and hopefully give us a clear and honest picture of the landscape at HHS.
Together we can and will stop abuse in schools.
Other services which may help
- Childline (24 hours)- 0800 11 11
- Crime Victims – Victim Support 0808 16 89 111
- Crimestoppers – Crime Prevention 0800 555 111
- NSPCC – Child Protection Helpline (24 hours) 0808 800 5000
- Samaritans (24 hours) -116 123
- The dedicated NSPCC helpline 0800 136 663 for victims of sexual violence and harassment in schools.
Please find a letter regarding Year 11 Virtual Parents’ Evening on Thursday 25th February 2021 here
It is with great sadness that it is being reported in the national media and on social media that a former Heartlands student, a 17 year old young man, was stabbed on the 19th January 2021 on West Green Rd. It is reported that he died in the early hours of the 20th January 2021 in hospital. Our thoughts are with his family who have been devastated by these events. This is a tragic loss of a life at such a young age.
Police are yet to officially name the victim. We will not confirm his name in communication until this point; out of respect for his family. The death of any child is both shocking and incredibly upsetting. We are aware the sudden, violent and senseless nature of his death will make it even more difficult for us all to process.
I have written to parents, I will write to students tomorrow and I will continue to communicate throughout the coming weeks. As adults it is often very difficult to answer the questions children have in situations such as this. These links might help you in how you can help children process this;
If children need immediate help they can visit kooth.com. If you would like to reach out to ask for help over the coming days for your child, or any family member, please do email me.
Best wishes
Mrs Roberts
Police statement: click HERE and printed below
Police were called at 21:10hrs on Tuesday, 19 January to West Green Road, junction with Willow Walk N15, following reports of a stabbing.
Officers attended with LAS and found a male, aged 17-years-old, suffering from a stab injury.
CPR was administered at the scene before the victim was taken to hospital. Sadly he was pronounced dead at 04:25hrs.
His next of kin are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.
At this early stage there have been no arrests.
Homicide Detectives are investigating led by Detective Chief Inspector Jane Topping.
Acting North Area Commander Superintendent Simon Crick, said: “This is a dreadfully sad loss of life and I understand how shocked the community will be. I want them to know that they can expect to see more officers in the area and to approach them if they want to discuss any concerns or share any information.”
Enquiries are ongoing and a crime scene remains in place.
Any witnesses, or those with information, should call police on 101 ref CAD 6899/19 Jan.
With everything going on, reading, whether it’s comics, audiobooks, or an old favourite – is one of the best things children can do for their brain, their emotional wellbeing and their grades.
Whilst we are Heartlands at Home, we are encouraging all students to read for 20–30 minutes a day.
We have put together a 1 page guide on where you can get eBooks, audiobooks, interesting podcasts, Youtube stories – all for free and without getting off the sofa! Remote Reading The second page has some top tips for keeping up reading at home. Please make sure you check my notes for age appropriateness.
How can I help?
-
Support them to complete the 20–30 minutes reading by reminding them as you would with remote learning
-
Ask your child to show you what they are reading and ask them questions about it
-
Listen to your child read. It is not essential that you sit with them (though this is nice) it could be whilst you doing things around the house
-
Watch a film based on your favourite book with your child and discuss how it is different
-
Encourage students to quiz on Beyond Words once they have finished a book and to tell their tutor about it during their zoom session.
Please check the Heartlands @ Home tab for all the latest on the second lockdown and how we will supporting remote learning for most.
Take care
Mrs Roberts
We know many of you are worried about this time of year and student’s propensity to have greater access to fireworks. It is important we are all aware of this
Please click here: fireworks 2020 and read through with your children; it is a resources from the MET Police on fireworks and keeping safe
