Safeguarding
If you are concerned about a child or young person outside of school hours, please contact Central Bedfordshire Council on 0300 300 8585 immediately.
At Etonbury the safety and welfare of our students is at the centre of all of what we do. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families and carers has a role to play in safeguarding children. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all professionals should make sure their approach is child-centred. Our team of safeguarding officers are available to support and answer any questions. As the school grows, so will our safeguarding team.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
The safeguarding team
Ms T McErlean (Designated Safeguarding Lead) tmcerlean@bestacademies.org.uk
Mr M Craddock (Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead) mcraddock@bestacademies.org.uk
Mrs C Dowden cdowden@bestacademies.org.uk
Mrs J Young jyoung@bestacademies.org.uk
Mr B Sale bsale@bestacademies.org.uk
Mr J Christopher (Safeguarding Governor) jchristopher@bestacademies.org.uk
Parental/Student Support
Please find a list of websites and agencies in the local area who do provide support.
If you need any further help please contact your child’s Form Tutor.
Parent Info is a free service for schools. Here you'll find a collection of articles, tips, expert advice and resources designed to help parents keep up with what their children are doing online.
Bullying Advice
Bullying
Website: www.bullying.co.uk
Anti-bullying Alliance (ABA)
Brings together more than 65 organisations with the aim of reducing bullying and creating safer environments in which children and young people can live, grow, play and learn.
Website: www.anti-bullying.org
Beatbullying
Beatbullying is the leading bullying prevention charity in the UK and provides anti- bullying resources, information, advice and support for young people, parents and professionals affected by bullying.
Website: www.beatbullying.org.uk
Bullies Out
Provides a safe place to talk about and get advice on any kind of bulling - online or in person
help and advice
Alumina
Alumina is a free, online 7 week course for young people struggling with self-harm
Website: https://www.selfharm.co.uk/
Bright Paths
Online support and mentoring for teenagers
Website: https://brightpaths.org.uk/services/yes-mental-health-mentoring/
Childline
Website: www.childline.org.uk
Changing faces
A leadin gUK charity that supports and represents people who have disfigurements to the face, hand or body from any cause
03000120275
Website: www.changingfaces.org.uk
Dad talk
An online community where you can share ideas, find out information and talk about the issues of being a dad.
Website: www.dadtalk.co.uk
Families United Network/Family Voice
Offers support to Bedfordshire families who have a child with a disability, special need or additional needs.
Website: www.familiesunitednetwork.co.uk
Family Lives
Online advice and information on all aspects of family life with support groups/workshops.
Free 24-hour confidential helpline: (08088) 002222
Website: www.familylives.org.uk
Gurls Out Loud
Offers help for what to do if you're approached for nudes online. Boys are welcome too!
Kooth
Free, safe and anonymous online support for young people.
Website: www.kooth.com
Marie Collins
The Marie Collins Foundation is the UK charity enabling children who suffer sexual abuse and exploitation via internet and mobile technologies to recover and live safe, fulfilling lives.
Website: www.mariecollinsfoundation.org.uk
Netmums
A social networking site connecting parents with each other with help from experts on specific issues through private on-line messages or conversations.
Website: www.netmums.com
NSPCC
Website: www.nspcc.org.uk
Adult helpline: 0808 800 5000
Young person's helpline (Childline): 0800 1111
Relate for parents and families
Useful information and advice for parents, or anymore in a family to help with the most important relationships – the ones you have with your family.
Website: www.relateforparents.org.uk
School Nursing Service
The School Nurses are still here to support you with any health questions or worries you have. ChatHealth is their confidential text messaging service, text 07507 331450. Click here for more information.
The 5-19 School Nursing Service works in partnership with children, young people and their families in Bedfordshire to ensure that children’s health and wellbeing needs are supported within their school and their community. They lead on the delivery of the 5-19 Healthy Child Programme and play a key role in addressing public health issues such as emotional health and wellbeing, sexual health, obesity and other health related issues.
Website: www.sept.nhs.uk/our-services/bedfordshire-and-luton/bedfordshire-community-health-services/childrens/school-nursing-service/
Shelf Help Reading Well
The Reading Well books have been chosen by young people and health experts to help you with difficult feelings and experiences that can affect your wellbeing. The books have information and advice as well as personal stories about dealing with anxiety, depression or stress and experiences such as bullying. Shelf Help list
TeenIssues
It's hard to be a teen.We knew this when we established TeenIssues and recruited experts on all matters teen-related to contribute to the site.It is our hope that TeenIssues can address all of the perils and pitfalls that come with being a teen, and become the premier resource offering teens interesting features, practical advice, and basic answers to all of their own questions.
Website: www.teenissues.co.uk
The Hideout
An online space to help children and young people understand domestic abuse, and how to take positive action if they are experiencing it.
Website: thehideout.org.uk
UP - Unlock Potential
Supports 16-18 year olds to find their confidence and meet new people. Click here for more information.
Victim Support
Helps children and young people cope with the impact and effects of crime including online sextortion/blackmail
apps
Click on the below links to find lists of useful mental health apps.
https://luminova.app/ - digital therapy for childhood anxiety
Autism advice
Autism Bedfordshire
Website: www.autismbeds.org
Home Start ASD 10 week course for parents
Please click here for details
Really Flexible Care
Website: www.reallyflexiblecare.co.uk
The National Autistic Society
Website: www.nas.org.uk
Young Carers (Central Bedfordshire Council)
Website: www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Counselling services
Bedford Open Door
Website: www.bedfordopendoor.org.uk
CHUMS Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Service
Tel: 01525 863924
Website: www.chums.uk.com
Click here for forthcoming workshops offered by CHUMs.
Groundwork East online Youth Clubs
Click here for contact with local youth clubs
Hear2Listen
Website: www.hear2listen.org.uk
Relate Bedfordshire and Luton
Website: www.relatebedsandluton.org.uk
Sorted Counselling Services
Tel: 01582 891435 appointments (Mon-Thur)
Email: admin.sorted@talktalk.net
Tilehouse Counselling - Hitchin
https://www.tilehouse.org/ - click here for more information.
Winstons Wish
A charity that supports bereaved children, young people and their families.
0800 802021
Email: ask@winstonswish.org
Website: www.winstonswish.org
Cyber safety
CEOP
Website: www.ceop.police.uk
Childnet
Offers great advice and guidance on how to staff safe online as well as information on exploitation, coercion and threats
Website: www.childnet.com/
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP)
Website: www.ceop.police.uk
Internet Watch Foundation
Website: www.iwf.org.uk
Safe4Me
Child Centered Policy. An initiative from colleagues in West Mercia who have produced a range of materials aimed to promote self-help and signpost support for families and young people around cyberbullying.
Child Centered Policy
Thinkuknow
Website: www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Thorn - Stop Sextortion
Provides tips for what to do if you ir a fruebd are the victim of sextortion. Counselling only available in America.
Click here for information on Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat and TikTok
drugs and alcohol services
ADFAM
Website: www.adfam.org.uk
ASC (Alcohol services for the Community)
Website: www.alcohol-services.co.uk
Aquarius
Website: aquarius.org.uk
CAN (PLAN B)
Website: www.can.org.uk
National Drugs Helpline (FRANK)
Tel: 0800 776 600 (24 hrs free advice)
Website: www.talktofrank.com
NHS choices
Website: www.nhs.uk
lgbtQ+
Family Friends of Lesbian and Gays (FFLAG)
Website: www.fflag.org.uk
Stonewall
The lesbian, gay and bisexual charity.
Website: www.stonewall.org.uk
Educational Action Challenging Homophobia (EACH)
Educational Action Challenging Homophobia (EACH) is a charity and training agency helping people and organisations affected by homophobia. The website gives guidance, contact details and a freephone helpline.
Website: www.eachaction.org.uk
Mermaids Gender identity - Helping gender-diverse kids, young people and their families.
https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/ Tel: 08088010400 Monday to Friday from 9am to 9pm.
Mental health
The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
CAMHS provides outpatient assessments, support and treatment for children and young people up to the age of 18 experiencing moderate to severe mental health problems. The service works to provide them with a greater knowledge of their condition and improve coping techniques.
CAMHS North Bedfordshire https://www.elft.nhs.uk/services/north-bedfordshire-camhs Telephone: 01234 310800 (available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
CAMHS South Bedfordshire/Luton CAMHS https://www.elft.nhs.uk/camhs/where-we-work/south-bedfordshireluton-camhs Telephone: 01234 893300 / 01234 893301 (available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
Chathealth
School Nurse text support service - Text 07507 331450 to speak with a school nurse for any emotional support or health advice (Mon - Fri 9.00am - 4.30pm, except bank holidays).
For young people aged 11-19.
Childline (children's telephone counselling or online)
Tel: 0800 1111
Website: www.childline.org.uk
CHUMS
Website: www.chums.uk.com
Every Mind Matters has now released expert advice and top tips on how to look after your mental wellbeing if you need to stay at home during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. It also includes guidance if you’re feeling worried or anxious about the outbreak.
Please visit: www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
Kooth
Free online counselling service for children and young people
Website: www.kooth.com
Mencap
Mencap is a learning disability charity that provides information and support to children and adults with a learning disability, and to their families and carers.
Website: www.bedfordmencap.org.uk or www.mencap.org.uk
MentalHealth Dedicated to finding and addressing the sources of mental health problems www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Mind BLMK Mental Health and Wellbeing support https://www.mind-blmk.org.uk/
Parentline A secure and confidential text service for parents and carers of those aged 0-19, offering advice and support on a range of issues. Text 07507 331456 with your question to start the conversation – available from 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays)
Papyrus
Prevention of Young Suicide
Website: www.papyrus-uk.org
Reflect/shout
Free 24/7 mental health text support in the UK. Shout 85258 is free, confidential, 24/7 text support service. A place to go if you're struggling to cope and need mental health support.
Rethink
Rethink Mental Illness helps millions of people affected by mental illness by challenging attitudes and changing lives.
Tel: 0845 456 0455
Website: www.rethink.org
Samaritans
24 hour confidential listening and support for anyone who needs it. (Parents/carers included).
Tel: 116 123 (24 hours)
Email - jo@samaritans.org
Single Point of Access
The 0-19 service is operating an essential service Mon - Fri 9.00am - 4.30pm, except bank holidays.
Tel: 0300 555 0606
THE MIX provides 'Essential support for under 25’s', Get information and support via online chat, phone or their crisis messenger service
24/7 crisis support across the UK. You can text THEMIX to 85258
Young Minds
Young Minds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. If you are a young person experiencing a mental health crisis, you can text the Young Minds Crisis Messenger for free, 24/7 support.
Text YM to 85258
Young person’s helpline: 020 7336 8445
Parent helpline: 0808 8025 544
Website: www.youngminds.org.uk
Is Everything ok?
Everything OK is curated by Central Bedfordshire Council, with the input and collaboration of young people. Support is available anytime you may need help with how you are feeling and with your mental health. https://www.everything-ok.co.uk/mental-health-and-feelings
Sexual health advice
Brook Advisory Centres
Website: www.brook.org.uk
The Grove Pregnancy Crisis and Post Abortion Centre
(Care Confidential for pregnancy and post abortion support).
Website: www.careconfidential.com
Family Planning Association (FPA)
Website: www.fpa.org.uk
Single parents
Gingerbread
Website: www.gingerbread.org.uk
Parents Support Link Leaflet
special educational needs
Autism Bedfordshire
Website: www.autismbeds.org
Bedford and District Cerebral Palsy Society
Website: www.bdcps.org.uk
Bedford Garden Carers
Website: www.bedsgardencarers.org.uk
British Institute of Learning Disabilities
Website: www.bild.org.uk
CEREBRA
Website: www.cerebra.org.uk
Change
Website: www.changepeople.co.uk
Disabled Living Foundation
Website: www.dlf.org.uk
Dunstable and District Disabled Sports (DADDS)
Website: www.dadds.moonfruit.com
Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities
Website: www.learningdisabilities.org.uk
Learning Disability
Website: www.learningdisability.co.uk
Mencap
Mencap is a learning disability charity that provides information and support to children and adults with a learning disability, and to their families and carers.
Website: www.bedfordmencap.org.uk or www.mencap.org.uk
National People First
Website: www.peoplefirstltd.com
On Track Education Services Ltd
Website: www.ontrackeducationservices.co.uk
Really Flexible Care
Website: www.reallyflexiblecare.co.uk
Remploy (employment opportunities)
Website: www.remploy.co.uk
SEND Support Group
Please click here
SENDIASS
SENDIASS is a free, impartial and confidential service offering young people with SEND and their families information or support around all aspects of SEND.
Website: https://cbsendiass.org SENDIASS workshops
12 The Disability Resource Centre
Website: www.drcbeds.co.uk
The National Autistic Society
Website: www.nas.org.uk
Youth Inspired
Website: www.youthinspired.org.uk
Young Carers
Experienced charities supporting unpaid carers, of all ages:
Carers in Bedfordshire https://carersinbeds.org.uk/
Carers in Hertfordshire https://www.carersinherts.org.uk/