Safeguarding
Every child and young person has the right to feel safe, be listened to and receive help when they need it. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility at Cedars.
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We work with families and other professionals to protect pupils from harm and support their wellbeing. We recognise that some pupils may need additional help to communicate a concern, and we take changes in behaviour, communication or wellbeing seriously.
If you are worried about a child
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
If you are worried about a pupil at Cedars, telephone either school office and ask to speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or a deputy:
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Low Fell: 0191 487 4595
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High Heworth: 0191 691 3581
Please telephone for urgent safeguarding concerns rather than relying on email or a message through the school app.
You can also contact Gateshead Council’s Children’s Services directly:
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During office hours: 0191 433 2653, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm
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Outside office hours: 0191 477 0844, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays
You do not need to wait to speak to school before contacting Children’s Services. If school is closed or you cannot reach us, use the council numbers above.
Report a concern about a child in Gateshead.
Our safeguarding team
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Keith Vincent, Co-headteacher and Director of Inclusion.
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Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads
Low Fell: Michelle O’Reilly, Hannah Hadley and Helen Jarvis.
High Heworth: Julie Vincent, James Jarvis, Claire Richardson and Phillippa Chaplin
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Trustee with responsibility for safeguarding
Elizabeth Neale
Listening to our pupils
Pupils communicate in different ways. We support them to express their feelings, make choices and tell a trusted adult when something is wrong, using their preferred ways of communicating.
We work with families and professionals who know each pupil well to understand concerns and agree appropriate support.
Our safeguarding and child protection policy
Our policy explains how we prevent harm, recognise concerns and respond when a child or young person may be at risk. It also explains how to raise a concern about an adult working at the academy.
Read our safeguarding and child protection policy.
You can request a free paper copy from either school office.
Our safeguarding arrangements are informed by the government’s Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance and the procedures of the Gateshead Safeguarding Children Partnership.
Preventing radicalisation
Prevent is part of safeguarding. It aims to stop people becoming involved in terrorism or supporting terrorism.
If you are concerned that a child or young person may be at risk of radicalisation, speak to our Designated Safeguarding Lead or a deputy.
Find out more about Prevent in Gateshead.