Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• Mobile phones and other transmitting devices

  Tue 23 May 2023 Mr Seargent

  Mobile phones and other transmitting/recording devices

   

  We are very fortunate that access to mobile devices is not a regular problem at Ashgate Primary School.  Most parents are aware of and adhere to previously shared directives and understand school safeguarding protocols put in place to keep children safe and happy.  

   

  It may however be an appropriate time to provide a gentle reminder regarding these expectations.

   

  Simply put, mobile phones or any other devices that transmit, receive or store information are not allowed at school*

   

  Any pupil found to have such a device will have it confiscated immediately and it will only be returned to the nominated parent or carer. 

   

  Whilst I recognise that some may find security in the knowledge that their child has a phone with them, such devices cause a safeguarding risk if accessed at school, act as a distraction and create complex challenges when lost or damaged. 

   

  There is no need for pupils to contact others on school site and if it is necessary to contact you, this will be done via the school office.  All Internet and information needs are met through the school’s resources and as such are monitored and filtered.

   

  *Extenuating circumstances

  There may be rare occasions when a child’s parent may want their child to access a phone before or after school. For example:

  
  
  • visiting friends or other family members for the evening
  • attending a non school sports club directly after school
  • an older pupil walking to school and home alone 

   

  the device must be turned off once on school site and handed into the class teacher during registration.  The staff member will then store this for collection at the end of the school day.

   

  VERY IMPORTANT: 

  The school does not accept responsibility for loss or damage, under any circumstances, for mobile phones or similar that are brought into school – this includes devices stored by staff during the school day.

  I thank you in advance for your cooperation.

   

  Mr Seargent

• Risks and prevalence of self harm in young children in the UK

  Fri 19 May 2023 Mr Seargent

  The prevalence of self harm in young pupils in the UK is on the rise.

  There is increased evidence to suggest that greater numbers of children in the UK are inflicting what is called 'self - harm'.  Whilst this is often framed as a 'young adult/teenage' risk and action, there are increasing numbers of cases where pupils in their primary years are carrying out self - harm acts.

   

  The reasons for the increase are unclear, however, wider access to unfiltered/unsupervised access to social media platforms which can depict methods and strategies for self-harm, mental health conditions arising from Covid isolation and detachments are possible and likely factors.

   

  Why do teenagers and children self-harm?

  The reasons children and teenagers can self-harm are often complicated and will be different for every child or young person. Sometimes a child or teenager may not know the reasons they self-harm. 

   

  For many young people, self-harm can feel like a way to cope with difficult feelings or to release tension. The physical pain of hurting themselves can feel like a distraction from the emotional pain they're struggling with.

  Some difficult experiences or emotions can make self-harm more likely in children:

  • • experiencing depression,  anxiety or eating problems
    • having low self-esteem or feeling like they’re not good enough
    • being bullied or feeling alone
    • experiencing emotional, physical or sexual abuse, or neglect
    • grieving or having problems with family relationships
    • feeling angry, numb or like they don't have control over their lives.

   

  Signs of self-harm in children and teenagers

  It can be hard to recognise the signs of self-harm in children and teenagers, but as a parent it’s important to trust your instincts if you’re worried something’s wrong.

  Signs to look out for can include:  

  • • covering up, for example by wearing long sleeves a lot of the time, especially in summer
    • unexplained bruises, cuts, burns or bite-marks on their body
    • blood stains on clothing, or finding tissues with blood in their room
    • becoming withdrawn and spending a lot of time alone in their room
    • avoiding friends and family and being at home
    • feeling down, low self-esteem or blaming themselves for things
    • outbursts of anger, or risky behaviour like drinking or taking drugs.

   

  If you are aware of or suspect a child is inflicting self - harm, has been researching or watching images/clips online, you should see to support them.

   

  Below is a link to the NHS guidance provided for families who are aware of self harm.  Support is available.

   

  Click below:

   

  NHS Self harm support

   

  or call 111 / Childline: 0800 11 11

• Spectator Code: School Events

  Wed 17 May 2023

  Sporting Events - Spectator Code

   

  Dear parents /carers

   

  Ashgate Primary School provides opportunities for children of all ages, experience and capabilities to take part in a wide range of sporting activities both in and beyond the curriculum remit.

   

  We do open some events to support from parents and we welcome encouragement and celebration on such occasions.  It can be a moment of immense pride for children to have families and friends attend an event and recognise their participation.

   

  Sadly, some parents and visitors find the balance between support and critique challenging; likewise there are a minority of parents who fail to understand that the volunteers and staff running such events should be respected.

   

  These events are not the Olympics or professional sporting events, they are designed to encourage engagement, model good sporting conduct and instil pride and achievement in those taking part.  The event is for children, it is not for you.

   

  Any parent failing to successfully meet our Spectator Code, will be removed from the event and possibly banned from future participation.

   

  Spectator Code

  • Social sport is played for the enjoyment of the sport and that of those participating.  You are the spectator, not the focus of the activity.
  • Any physical or verbal (including use of foul language) altercation will not be tolerated. You will be immediately removed from the game and banned from attending our social sport competitions.
  • Never argue with an official. Accept the decisions of all referees as being fair and called to the best of their ability.  If you are more proficient or capable in the management of sporting events, you are free to run your own.
  • Respect your team’s opponents, officials and spectators to obey the rules and to accept the decisions of officials.
  • Be a spectator, not a coach. Applaud all good plays whether they are made by your team or the opposition.
  • Assume the opposition is not trying to gain an unfair competitive edge.
  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants. Everyone deserves to feel comfortable and welcome.
  • Be actively inclusive of participation. Sport is for everyone and no one should be stopped from participating.

   

  All forms of discrimination are unacceptable. No one should be discriminated against due to their gender, sexuality, ability, cultural background or religion.

   

• Domestic Abuse Support and Guidance

  Wed 17 May 2023 DSL

  What is domestic abuse?

   

  Domestic abuse as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer. It is very common. In the vast majority of cases it is experienced by women and is perpetrated by men, but the inverse does occur.

   

  Help is available!  Do not suffer alone.

  Refuge – including the national free 24 hour domestic abuse helpline 0808 2000 247 or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk to access live chat. Has BSL interpreter service.

   

  VISIT OUR SAFEGUARDING PAGES FOR SUPPORT ADVICE FROM SCHOOL

  Safegurading pages

   

  Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
  • Psychological and/or emotional abuse [2].
  • Physical or sexual abuse.
  • Financial or economic abuse (controlling your access to money)
  • Harassment and stalking.
  • Online or digital abuse

   

   

  SDAT (Stopping Domestic Abuse Together)

  SDAT is an initiative led by Derbyshire Police in conjunction with Social Services, Health Services, schools and other agencies, who work together to safeguard children and adults.

  Domestic Abuse can encompass but is not limited to the following types of abuse:

  • Psychological
  • Physical
  • Sexual
  • Financial
  • Emotional

   

  Children and young people witnessing domestic abuse

  Witnessing domestic abuse is really distressing and scary and it causes serious harm to children. 

  Children who witness domestic abuse can experience a wide range effects. They may:

  • Become anxious and depressed
  • Have difficulty sleeping or have nightmares
  • Be easily startled, flinch or react disproportionately to loud noises
  • Complain of physical symptoms such as tummy ache
  • Start wetting the bed
  • Have temper tantrums and display challenging behaviour at school
  • Behave younger than they are
  • Not want to go to school 
  • Become aggressive towards others
  • Have poor self-worth
  • Self-harm
  • Have difficulty forming positive relationships

   

  They may feel:

  • Guilty - because they think they have done something wrong
  • Powerless - because they can't stop the violence
  • Confused - because it doesn't make sense
  • Angry - because it shouldn't be happening
  • Sad - because it's a loss
  • Afraid - because they may be hurt, they may lose someone they love, others may find out
  • Alone - because they think it is only happening to them

   

  What is SDAT?

  SDAT is an early notification system to schools to quickly notify them of any incidents of domestic abuse where the Police have attended a household where children live.

  This enables schools to understand changes in a child's behaviour, attitude or general presentation and to support children if needed.

   

  Useful links (Click on the links below)

   

   • Refuge – including the national free 24 hour domestic abuse helpline 0808 2000 247 or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk to access live chat. Has BSL interpreter service

   • Men’s Advice Line - confidential help and support for men Helpline 0808 801 0327

   • Safe Lives - UK wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse

   • Domestic Abuse Act: Factsheet

   • NSPCC – protecting children from domestic abuse

   • Galop – LGBT+ anti-violence charity. Includes National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans+ Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 999 5428

   • Gov.uk – how to get help for domestic abuse