Hello,
As many of you know, I have recently taken on the role of Deputy Principal Pastoral and Designated Safeguarding Lead here at Buckswood. It is a privilege to be part of such a vibrant community, and I am looking forward to working alongside staff, parents, and pupils to make sure that every child feels safe, supported, and able to thrive.
One of the key messages in the updated Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE 2025) guidance is simple but powerful:
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
That means it’s not just the job of the safeguarding team or the Principals — it’s something we all contribute to every day. Whether it’s a teacher noticing a child’s change in mood, a house parent picking up on homesickness in boarding, or a parent spotting a shift in behaviour at home — every observation matters.
At Buckswood we are putting this into practice through:
Boarding Wellbeing Wheels — regular check-ins so pupils can share how they’re feeling in key areas like Friends, relationships with staff and other aspects of school life.
Weekly Progress & Wellbeing Meetings — where staff share updates so we can provide early help before problems grow.
Low-Level Concerns reporting — making sure even the smallest concerns about adult behaviour are recorded, so patterns don’t go unnoticed.
Safeguarding isn’t only about protecting children from harm. It’s about building a culture where pupils know they can talk, staff feel confident to act, and parents feel included and supported.
Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing regular blog updates to highlight the work we’re doing in school, provide practical tips, and keep you connected with the pastoral life of Buckswood.
Below are some trusted organisations that offer confidential advice and support:
Key Helplines & Websites
Childline
For any child or young person who needs someone to listen
0800 1111 (24 hours, free)
https://www.childline.org.uk
NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)
Advice for parents, carers and anyone worried about a child
0808 800 5000 (24 hours, free)
help@nspcc.org.uk
https://www.nspcc.org.uk
YoungMinds
Support for children and young people’s mental health
Parents’ Helpline: 0808 802 5544 (Mon–Fri, 9.30–4.00)
https://www.youngminds.org.uk
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)
Report online abuse or exploitation
https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Safeguarding is not a one-off conversation; it’s an ongoing partnership between students, parents, staff and our wider community.
By sharing these resources and keeping the conversation open, we can ensure every child knows that help is always available.
Together, by noticing the small things and acting early, we can achieve something very important: a safe and supportive environment where every child can flourish.
Kind regards
Mr Steven Pittman