Safeguarding
What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding includes all of the actions we take to promote the welfare of our students and protect them from harm by:
- protecting children from abuse and maltreatment
- preventing harm to children’s health or development
- ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care
- taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcomes.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead at AHS is Mrs Queralt and Designated Teacher for Looked After Children is Mr A Skinner
If students ever have any safeguarding concerns, they can find Mrs Queralt in L1 near the library or contact her at: [email protected]
Or students can fill in our REPORT A CONCERN form
Further information:
Designated Safeguarding Team
Safeguarding Lead
Harriet Queralt (Deputy Head)
Wellbeing & Safeguarding Manager
Sarah McNally
Safeguarding Team
Marieke Forster (Headmistress)
Miranda Crafts (SendCo)
Andrew Skinner (Assistant Head)
E-Safety
Useful guidance on online safety
Advice for Parents
Image Sharing
- So You Got Naked Online - Advice on what to do.
- The new Report Remove tool to help young people whose images have been shared.
Are you worried about how someone has been communicating with you online?
CEOP helps any child or young person under the age of 18 who is being pressured, forced or tricked into taking part in sexual activity of any kind. This can be something that has taken place either online or in ‘the real world’, or both. The CEOP Safety Centre has clear information and advice on what can be reported to CEOP, the reporting process and what will happen if you do decide to make a report. You can visit the CEOP Safety Centre and make a report directly to CEOP.
If you are experiencing online bullying or something else online has worried you please speak to an adult you trust, or you can talk to Childline at any time on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk.
You can also report a concern to school by using our Report A Concern link here.
Safeguarding Governor
Mrs Helen Bush - [email protected]
Key Documents
Child protection and Safeguarding Policy Approved Autumn 2025
Also see our Governance and Policies page for relevant policies such as Behaviour, Bullying and eSafety
Operation Encompass: Supporting Children and Families from Domestic Abuse
At AHS, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all our students. We are proud to be an Operation Encompass school.
What is Operation Encompass?
Operation Encompass is a national police and education early intervention safeguarding partnership. It ensures that our school is notified when the police have attended an incident of domestic abuse where a child from our school has been present, has been exposed to, or has been involved in domestic abuse.
Why is this important?
We know that domestic abuse can be a traumatic experience for children and young people. By receiving these notifications before the start of the next school day, our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and trained staff can provide immediate, quiet, and sensitive support to the student. This "early notification" allows us to understand the child's circumstances and ensure they feel safe and supported in school.
Our Commitment to Support
If we receive an Operation Encompass notification, our primary responsibility is to offer help and support. This may include:
Providing a "soft landing" for the student as they arrive at school.
Offering a quiet space or a trusted adult for them to talk to.
Making adjustments to their school day or workload if needed.
Connecting families with specialist external support services.
Support for Victims of Domestic Abuse
We understand that domestic abuse can affect anyone. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please know that you are not alone and that help is available. Our DSL and our safeguarding team are here to listen and offer confidential support and guidance.
In addition to speaking with us, the following organisations offer free and confidential advice:
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)
Women’s Aid: www.womensaid.org.uk
Refuge: www.refuge.org.uk
Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
The Bucks Domestic Abuse Partnership have produced this helpful booklet giving Guidance for Friends and Family
