Safeguarding

There are three main objectives to safeguarding at our academy:

1. To keep all students and staff safe, both in and out of school.

2. To make sure that students feel safe in school and can be the best version of themselves.

3. To encourage students to talk openly about any problems so staff can help.

This is achieved in the following ways:

1. Every person at Dixons Middleton Academy (staff, student or visitor) is responsible for keeping themselves and others safe.

2. Students should understand how to keep themselves and others safe inside and outside of school, including when online.

3. There is a dedicated safeguarding and pastoral team in school to help all students and staff keep safe.

4. Everyone at our academy takes responsibility for reporting any concerns to family members and staff at school.

Key contacts

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Laura McNie

• Tel: 0161 643 5116

• Email: lmcnie@dixonsmd.com

Online safety

Access information on the below websites to help keep your child safe online. You can also find parent guides in the downloads section below.

• Parents and carers | CEOP Education

• Internet matters

• Keep Children Safe Online: Information, advice, support - Internet Matters

• Comprehensive child safety guide | NSPCC

• Online and internet safety for kids

• Parent Zone | At the heart of digital family life

• Parents & carers | Childnet

• Advice - Lucy Faithfull Foundation

• Enrol

• Tech Tips Live: TikTok

• Childnet

Radicalisation and extremism

Radicalisation is the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies. If you are worried someone close to you is becoming radicalised act early and seek help. The sooner you reach out, the quicker the person you care about can be protected from being groomed and exploited by extremists.

Police forces across the country have specially trained Prevent officers who work with professionals in health, education, local authorities and charities, as well as faith and community groups to help vulnerable people move away from extremism. They are here to listen and offer help and advice. Receiving support is voluntary.

Friends and family are best placed to spot the signs, so trust your instincts and share your concerns in confidence.

They can help if you act early. You won’t be wasting police time and you won’t ruin lives, but you might save them. Find out more about how to help someone close to you.