At Forge Valley School we take our safeguarding responsibilities very seriously
We all have a statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people in our care. We have safeguarding policies and systems in place to help their safety and ensure a consistent approach in practices throughout the school, followed by all staff.
We are committed to working closely with parents and carers for the benefit of our pupils. We also work a range of professionals to support our pupils and their families to get the right help at the right time.
Report Concerns
If you are worried about a pupil, you can report it using one of our dedicated forms, each designed for a specific type of concern: safeguarding and welfare, bullying, racism or hate crime, discrimination, or online safety.
Please select the form that matches your concern. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. For urgent matters outside school hours, contact the Sheffield Safeguarding Hub (24-hour service) on 0114 273 4855.
Children and young people can also seek support from Childline, a free, confidential service available by phone or online chat.
Key Contacts
If you are worried about the health, wellbeing or safety of a pupil you must talk to one of the Safeguarding Team. If you are unable to contact them you can ask the school office staff to find them and ask them to speak to you straight away about a confidential and urgent matter.
Young Carers Support
The Young Carers Leads at Forge Valley are Laura Russell, Kirsty Grant and Chloe Lyon.
Out Of Hours
Please be aware that during weekends and school holidays you will not be able to contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead or the Designated Safeguarding Deputies. If you have any concerns about the welfare of a child or young person during these times, please contact the Sheffield Safeguarding Hub on 0114 273 4855 (24-hour service)
If you think a child or a young person is in immediate danger, please call the Police on 999 at any time.
If you are a child or young person and are worried or feel unsafe then you can get help from Childline a free, private and confidential service. You can chat online or on the phone, 0800 1111, any time.
Key Documents
Our school safeguarding policies are available on the policies page
Useful Links
Two key pieces of guidance form the framework under which we promote the welfare of children in school as follows:
In these documents, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as:
- providing help and support to meet the needs of children as soon as problems emerge
- protecting children from maltreatment, whether that is within or outside the home, including online
- preventing the impairment of children’s mental and physical health or development
- ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care
- taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.
‘Children’ includes everyone under the age of 18.
Sheffield Children Safeguarding Partnership Sheffield Safeguarding Children Partnership (SCSP) operates in line with the requirements of the statutory guidance ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children' and covers the geographical area of Sheffield.
Sheffield Directory Get information and advice, and discover local groups, activities and services in your area.
What is the Prevent Duty?
The Prevent duty is a legal responsibility placed on schools, local authorities and other public services to help stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.
It forms part of the government’s wider counter‑terrorism strategy and focuses on early intervention—identifying concerns before a situation becomes harmful.
Prevent also includes Channel, a programme that offers confidential support to individuals who may be vulnerable to radicalisation.
Understanding Extremism and Radicalisation
- Radicalisation is the process by which someone comes to support extremist ideas or terrorism.
- Extremism refers to vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values such as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance.
Children and young people can be exposed to extremist materials or influences—often online—that may put them at risk. These risks are now considered when deciding whether a child needs early help, targeted support or protection.
What to Do if You’re Worried
If you are concerned that a child or young person may be at risk of extremism or radicalisation, contact the Sheffield Safeguarding Hub:
0114 273 4855
Warning Signs to Look Out For
There is no single indicator, but signs could include:
- Withdrawing from friends or family
- Using words or phrases that sound scripted or rehearsed
- Being unwilling or unable to explain their views
- Showing sudden disrespect towards others
- Increased anger or irritability
- Greater secrecy, especially around internet activity
Young people may be particularly vulnerable if they have low self‑esteem or have experienced bullying or discrimination. Extremist groups may try to exploit these feelings by offering a sense of belonging or purpose, encouraging them to distance themselves from those around them.
Further Information
For practical advice and guidance on preventing extremism and radicalisation, visit: Educate Against Hate
Operation Encompass an initiative which enhances communication between the police and schools where a child or young person is at risk from domestic abuse.
Community wellbeing links for families.
Online Safety Hub - inova multi acadaemy trust
CEOP – Online Safety
If children or young people, or parents or carers are worried about the way someone has been communicating with a child or young person online, you can visit Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command online to make a report and seek support using the link below: