April 2025

End-of-term Safeguarding Newsletter

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we near the end of the spring term, we would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support in safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all our students. Your commitment to working with us plays a crucial role in ensuring that every child is not only safe but also supported in their growth and development within a caring and secure environment.

In this newsletter, we have included important updates, helpful advice for the upcoming break, and resources to assist you in supporting your child’s well-being throughout the holiday. Together, we can continue to provide the very best care and support for our students.

We wish you and your family a peaceful and restful break, and we look forward to continuing our work together in the new term, with the shared goal of prioritising the safety and happiness of our students.

Warm regards,
Ms Dzikunu
Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead

As Headteacher Mrs Roberts oversees this team and holds ultimate responsibility for safeguarding students

Online Bullying and the Risks of Exploitation: A Guide for Parents

 As part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding the well-being of our students, we want to raise awareness about the growing concerns of online bullying and the risks of exploitation, particularly in London. With the increasing use of digital platforms, it’s essential to ensure that children and young people are not only safe but also equipped with the knowledge to protect themselves in the online space.

Understanding Online Bullying:

Online bullying, or cyberbullying, involves the use of digital devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, to harass, intimidate, or harm others. This can take place on social media platforms, messaging apps, gaming networks, or even through the creation of harmful content. Unlike traditional bullying, online bullying can occur at any time of day or night, making it difficult for children to escape from.

Signs of Online Bullying:

It is important to be aware of the signs that may indicate your child is a victim of online bullying. These can include:

  • A noticeable change in behaviour, such as withdrawal, anxiety, or reluctance to go to school
  • A sudden lack of interest in social media or an increase in screen time, especially late at night
  • Being upset, anxious, or agitated after using the internet or social media
  • Receiving inappropriate or threatening messages online
  • Becoming secretive or protective about their online activity

If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to talk to your child in a supportive and non-confrontational way, helping them to feel safe and heard.

Protecting Children from Online Bullying: Here are some steps you can take to protect your child:

  • Set privacy settings: Ensure your child’s social media and online gaming accounts are set to private. This will help control who can view their profiles and interact with them.
  • Monitor online activity: Regularly check what your child is doing online and the types of sites or apps they are using. Keep an open dialogue about the digital platforms they enjoy and help them understand potential risks.
  • Encourage communication: Let your child know they can come to you if they experience bullying or if they are worried about something online. Building trust is key.
  • Report bullying: Encourage your child to report any incidents of bullying they experience or witness. Most platforms allow users to report harmful behaviour directly.

The Risks of Exploitation:

Exploitation, including child sexual exploitation (CSE) and criminal exploitation (CCE), is a growing concern in London and other urban areas. Children and young people, especially those who spend a lot of time online, are vulnerable to being targeted by predators and exploiters.

Exploitation can take many forms, including grooming, where an adult or peer builds a relationship with a young person to manipulate, control, and exploit them for sexual or criminal purposes.

Signs of Exploitation:

There are several warning signs that may indicate a child is at risk of or is being exploited:

  • Sudden changes in behaviour or appearance, such as dressing inappropriately for their age or becoming secretive
  • Having a lot of new money or possessions that can’t be explained
  • Spending excessive time online, particularly with strangers or unknown individuals
  • Associating with older individuals or new friends that you don’t know
  • Sudden or unexplained absences from school or home

How to Protect Your Child from Exploitation:

  • Educate your child: Teach your child about the risks of online interactions with strangers. Encourage them to speak up if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe online.
  • Create open communication: Ensure your child knows they can talk to you about anything that feels wrong, whether it’s something that happens online or in person.
  • Set clear boundaries: Establish clear rules for using social media, playing online games, and interacting with others online. Limit unsupervised internet access, especially during late hours.
  • Know who they are talking to: Be aware of the people your child is communicating with online. Encourage them to never meet anyone they have met online without discussing it with you first.
  • Report suspicious behaviour: If you believe your child may be at risk of exploitation or is being exploited, report it immediately. The police and organisations like the NSPCC can provide support.

Useful Resources:

 

EXAM STRESS – TOP TIPS AND ADVICE 

The exam period is upon us once again, whether it is Yr 11’s, Yr 10 Mock exam and Yr 8 AFA exams the pressure to succeed and not let our loved ones – or ourselves – down can sometimes manifest in ways that are harmful to children’s mental and emotional wellbeing. We want to make sure that you and your children are well prepared for these pressures, below are some useful tips and links to help you support your child through this stressful time.

Navigating exam season resources – Navigating exam season: Supporting your child to beat exam stress

Specifically for our Year 11 students,

As we approach the final stretch of the academic year, we want to ensure you’re fully prepared for your upcoming exams. To support your revision efforts, please make sure to watch the following video on “How to Create a Revision Timetable”:
Watch the video here. This guide will help you structure your revision effectively and manage your time leading up to the exams.

Additionally, we are offering Revision Sessions over the holidays to help you prepare for your exams. For full details of the sessions available, including dates and times, please visit:
Revision Sessions for Year 11

We strongly encourage all Year 11 students to take advantage of these resources and revision opportunities. Remember, consistent preparation is key to doing your best in the exams!

ACCESSING DENTAL CARE FOR CHILDREN

Accessing dental care for children in Haringey involves a combination of NHS services and private dental practices. Here’s an overview to assist you:

NHS Dental Services for Children in Haringey:

  • Specialist Dental Services: For children with complex needs, including severe anxiety, physical or learning disabilities, or medical conditions requiring special care, specialist dental services are available. Access to these services is by referral only, typically initiated by a general dentist or other healthcare professional. ​Haringey Council
  • General Dental Services: The NHS provides general dental services to children, including routine check-ups and treatments. However, availability may vary, and it’s advisable to contact local NHS dental practices directly to inquire about registration and appointment availability.​

Private Dental Practices Offering Children’s Dentistry in Haringey:

If NHS options are limited or you prefer private care, several practices in Haringey offer comprehensive children’s dental services:

  • The Haringey Dentist: Located at 16 Grand Parade, Green Lanes, Harringay, this practice provides age-specific treatments such as fluoride applications, sealants to protect baby teeth, and guidance on proper brushing techniques. ​The Haringey Dentist+1The Haringey Dentist+1
  • House of Smiles: Situated in Haringey, this clinic focuses on preventive care, offering nutritional advice and demonstrations on proper brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use. They provide free examinations for children under six years old and reduced fees for necessary treatments. ​House of Smiles
  • Haringey Dentalcare: Located at 82 Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park, this practice offers services for children, including routine check-ups and treatments. ​Care Quality Commission

Recommendations:

  • Register Early: Given the current challenges in accessing NHS dental care, it’s advisable to register your child with a dental practice as early as possible to ensure availability.​
  • Regular Check-ups: Aim for regular dental check-ups, ideally every six months, to maintain good oral health and address any issues promptly.​
  • Emergency Care: In case of dental emergencies outside regular hours, contact NHS 111 for guidance on urgent dental care.​

For more information on children’s dental health and services in Haringey, visit the Haringey Council’s health services page.​

REPORT A CONCERN

To report a concern, you can:

Please contact Ms Dzikunu on mellissa.dzikunu@heartlands.haringey.sch.uk

Report a concern anonymously on My voice https://heartlands.haringey.sch.uk/students/report-a-concern/

All students can report concerns in school by speaking to a trusted adult

In case of an emergency, contact your local authority or the police directly by dialling 101 or 999.

 

DIRECTORY OF AVAILABLE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT 

Supporting student and staff wellbeing continues to be a priority for us as a school and we will continue to make this a priority when we return after the holidays.  I want to remind you of the support information pack sent out previously which may have some useful information for you to support your child’s mental health and wellbeing, with fantastic links to online support.

It’s okay to not be okay. We all need someone to talk to sometimes. If you feel overwhelmed, at risk of abuse or experiencing financial need, there are people you can call on for support:

FOOD BANK 

Do you need help from the foodbank?

THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP IS TO GET A FOODBANK VOUCHER.

To provide the most appropriate help for your circumstances, Haringey foodbank works with local agencies. If they feel you are struggling to put food on the table, they will issue you with a foodbank voucher. The local agency can also provide long term support if needed to help address some of the issues behind the reasons for your crisis. To Get in Touch click this link – Food banks in Haringey