Safeguarding
Safeguarding at Red Balloon Norwich
At Red Balloon Norwich safeguarding is not just a priority — it is the foundation of everything we do. We are fully committed to creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where every child feels secure, valued, and respected.
We believe that children learn best when they feel safe. That’s why we strive to build a school culture where students are encouraged to speak openly, know they will be listened to, and trust that any concerns will be taken seriously and acted upon swiftly.
All members of our school community – from staff and trustees to volunteers – adopt an ‘it could happen here’ approach to safeguarding. This means we remain alert, vigilant, and proactive in identifying signs of harm or neglect, no matter how small they may seem.
We work to protect children from:
- Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- Neglect or exploitation
- Exposure to domestic abuse
- Harm from radicalisation or online threats
Through robust policies, continuous staff training, and a child-centred ethos, we work together to ensure that every child in our care has the right to feel safe, to be heard, and to thrive.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in a school is the person responsible for making sure children are safe and protected from harm.
Here’s what that means for you as a parent:
First Point of Contact: If you or your child have any concerns about safety, bullying, abuse, or well-being, the DSL is the person to talk to.
Support for Students: The DSL makes sure students who are at risk or struggling get the help they need, whether through the school or by involving outside support services.
Staff Guidance: They train and guide staff on how to spot and respond to safeguarding concerns.
Liaising with Other Agencies: The DSL works with social workers, healthcare professionals, and the police when needed to protect children.
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is:
Mark Anderson
Phone: 01603 622288
A Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSL) and Alternative Designated Safeguarding Leads (ADSLs) are also available to ensure safeguarding concerns are always addressed promptly.
Our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) is:
Abbey King
Phone: 01603 622288
Red Balloon Norwich in total has 8 dedicated safeguard leads who can be contacted, should the lead DSL and Deputy DSL be unavailable.
Operation Encompass
Red Balloon Norwich participates in Operation Encompass, a national initiative that supports children who have experienced domestic abuse. Through this scheme, our safeguarding team is notified by the police before the start of the next school day or as soon as possible if a student has been involved in or exposed to a domestic incident.
This early notification allows us to provide immediate, tailored support and care to the student, ensuring their emotional wellbeing and ability to engage in learning are prioritised.
Support for Students and Families
We understand that some challenges go beyond the school environment. Below are some local and national support services we work with or signpost to for mental health, social care, and wellbeing support.
Mental Health Support Services
Point 1 (Ormiston Families)
Support for children and young people with mental health or emotional difficulties.
Website: www.ormiston.org/what-we-do/point-1
Phone: 0800 977 4077
Kooth
Free, safe, and anonymous online mental health support for ages 11-25.
Website: www.kooth.com
Just One Norfolk – Emotional Health
Advice and support for mental health concerns, sleep, anxiety, and self-care.
Website: www.justonenorfolk.nhs.uk
YoungMinds
National mental health charity offering help for young people and parents.
Website: www.youngminds.org.uk
Social Care and Family Support
Norfolk Children’s Advice and Duty Service (CADS)
For concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing.
Phone: 0344 800 8020 (24/7)
Early Help – Norfolk County Council
Offering targeted family support and advice.
Website: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/children-and-families
Crisis and Emergency Help
NSPCC Helpline
Support for anyone concerned about a child.
Phone: 0808 800 5000
Website: https://www.nspcc.org.uk
Childline
For young people to talk confidentially with a trained counsellor.
Phone: 0800 1111
Website: https://www.childline.org.uk
Access Our Safeguarding Policies
You can view or download our full safeguarding and child protection policy below:
Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy (PDF)
For more information or to raise a concern, please contact our safeguarding team directly
Ormiston Families | Brighter Futures | East of England Charity : Ormiston Families
Working across the East of England, Ormiston Families support children, young people and their families to see a brighter future.
Mental Health Support Services
Point 1 (Ormiston Families)
Support for children and young people with mental health or emotional difficulties.
MyVoice
MyVoice is a safe and confidential online platform that allows students, parents and other stakeholders to share their thoughts, worries, or concerns directly with trusted staff at school.
It’s designed to help young people speak up – whether it’s about bullying, feeling unsafe, struggles at home, or simply needing someone to talk to. MyVoice can be accessed from school devices or at home, making it easy for students to reach out at any time.
Key Features:
Confidential– Messages go straight to the school’s safeguarding team.
Student-led– Pupils choose what they want to say and when.
Supportive- Helps ensure every voice is heard and acted on with care.
If you or your child have any safeguarding concerns or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Safeguarding Team. We’re here to listen, act, and support every step of the way.