Whether you are worried about something that has happened to you or someone you know, your mental health, or anything else in your life, it can really help to talk to someone you trust.

We know that you will achieve your very best at Windermere School if you are happy and enjoy coming to school. We have an excellent reputation as a caring school and for working with parents and young people to resolve any issues.

We are here for you, whatever is on your mind. We can support you, guide you and help you make decisions that are right for you. If you need to talk you can email  safeguarding@windermerescchool.co.uk.

Who is available in School for you?

The Headmaster, Head of Elleray, Heads of Section, Tutors, Class Teachers, House Staff and Matrons are always available, but you can speak with any member of staff at Windermere School – either on your own or with a friend.

Alternatively you may choose to speak to a member of our Safeguarding team:

Confidentiality

Staff will always respect your confidentiality but if there are concerns for your, or anyone else’s, safety and wellbeing then this information will need to be shared with a member of the Designated Safeguarding Team. Staff will always tell you when information is going to be shared. Information will only ever be shared with the appropriate people.

Statement regarding Peer-on-Peer Abuse

Windermere School does not tolerate sexual violence or sexual harassment. We do not consider it an inevitable part of growing up and take disclosures of this nature very seriously. Such disclosures will not be dismissed. Windermere School recognises that tolerating such behaviours, normalises them. The Windermere School Safeguarding and Child Protection policy reflects these views.

Useful Links

Childline: Tel: 08001111 and https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/your-feelings/anxiety-stress-panic/worries-about-the-world/coronavirus/

Mindline Cumbria: http://www.mindlinecumbria.org/ Mental health information, guidance, and support.

Internet Matters: #staysafestayhome hub. The hub has information about setting devices up safely, age-appropriate conversations to have, and resources to support families’ wellbeing.

DfE update on statutory RSHE expectations

‘We are aware of the unique pressures that schools are facing this academic year, and the difficulties that they may have in teaching some RSHE content remotely. We know that many schools have been providing excellent RSHE teaching during this academic year and that, where this has been possible, it will have had benefits for pupils and supported their mental health during this challenging period. We also appreciate that some schools may struggle to offer a comprehensive RSHE curriculum this year, which covers everything in the Department’s statutory guidance, and we would like to reassure schools that it is for them to decide what can reasonably be achieved within the confines of their statutory duties.

The law requires schools to provide some relationships, sex and health education to all secondary age pupils in the academic year 2020/21, and to provide some relationships and health education to all primary age pupils. Schools are also required to publish a Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) policy and to consult parents on this. In all teaching, we expect schools to comply with relevant legislation. We are aware however that for many schools, development of a fully comprehensive relationships education/RSE policy and RSHE curriculum will be an iterative process, which will need to continue into next year. Detailed curriculum planning will be required to consider how the RSHE subjects relate to and are supported by other subjects within the curriculum, including science and citizenship, and it is important that schools take the time to get this right.

Engagement with parents on the school’s RSE policy could be delivered online and does not necessarily need to be in person, and we are aware that many schools have been able to do this effectively. Some schools may choose to focus this year’s RSHE teaching on the immediate needs of their pupils, introducing a more comprehensive RSHE programme in September 2021. Teaching in the 2021/22 academic year should seek to address any gaps in pupils’ RSHE education this year.

Teachers and school leaders know their pupils best, and with the additional pressures of Covid-19 and home learning, we encourage schools to prioritise RSHE content based on the needs of their pupils, with particular attention to the importance of positive relationships, as well as mental and physical health.