Safeguarding
At Highfields Academy and Nursery, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are fully committed to ensuring that all children, staff, parents, carers, governors and visitors feel safe, valued, and respected at all times. We believe that children thrive -academically, socially and emotionally- only when they feel secure and listened to.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and our whole‑school culture promotes vigilance, transparency and early help in line with the statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 (KCSIE) and the principles of Working Together to Safeguard Children.
If you have any concerns regarding a child’s safety or wellbeing, however small they may seem, please speak to one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs).
Designated Safeguarding Lead | Mrs Vicki Hughes | |
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead | Miss Charlotte Williams | |
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead | Mrs Kate Richards | |
If you have an immediate concern that a child or young person under 18 is at risk or being abused or neglected, telephone Cheshire East Consultation Service (ChECS ) on 0300 123 5012 (option 3), this is the ‘Front Door’ for access to services, support and advice.
(For out of office hours, call the Emergency Duty Team on 0300 123 5022).
Online Safety
The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre have developed a website called Think U Know? which has sections on internet safety aimed at:
Children aged 5-7
Children aged 8-10
Young people aged 11-16
Parents
Children and Young People's Mental Health Services (CYPMHS)
CYPMHS supports children and young people aged 0–18 who are experiencing emotional or mental health difficulties. They work with families, schools and professionals to provide assessment, guidance and therapeutic support.
Referrals can be made by anyone with the family’s consent, and local teams are based across Cheshire, including Crewe, Winsford, Macclesfield and Chester.
For urgent concerns, families can call the 24/7 Mental Health Helpline: 0800 145 6485.
More information and helpful resources are available by clicking here.