At GEM Hereford we recognise that every child and family is unique. As an inclusive independent school, we are committed to providing early help and support to ensure all pupils can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

We understand that many of our learners have experienced barriers to education, and we recognise the vital role that safeguarding plays in rebuilding trust, resilience and confidence. Our safeguarding culture is embedded across all aspects of school life and is underpinned by strong relationships, open communication, and early intervention.

Our Early Help Offer is designed to identify needs at the earliest opportunity and provide timely, appropriate support for children and their families, working in partnership with parents, carers, and external professionals.

Safeguarding

Contact Us – Safeguarding Team

If you have any safeguarding concerns or would like to speak to a member of our safeguarding team, please contact us directly:

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Name: Deborah Pribojac
Phone: 01989 550998
Email:Deborah.pribojac@gemhereford.org

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Trinity House
Name: Sam Goodchild
Phone: 01432 801000
Email: sam.goodchild@gemhereford.org

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Hildersley Cottage
Name: Hannah Fletcher
Phone: 01989 550998
Email: hannah.fletcher@gemhereford.org

Pastoral Lead
Name: Brett Purchase-Rathbone
Phone: 01989 550998
Email: brett.purchase-rathbone@gemhereford.org

SENDCo
Name: Lisa Criasia
Phone: 01432 801000
Email: lisa.criasia@gemhereford.org

Alternatively, you can contact the school office and ask to speak to a member of the safeguarding team. We are here to listen and support you.

A Whole-School Commitment

Safeguarding is not the responsibility of one person, it is a whole-school commitment. Every member of staff at GEM Hereford receives regular and up-to-date safeguarding training, enabling them to identify and respond to any concerns promptly and appropriately. We ensure that all staff, governors, volunteers, and visitors understand their responsibilities and know how to report concerns.

Our safeguarding policies are fully aligned with national legislation, including Keeping Children Safe in Education, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and guidance from the Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership. These policies are reviewed regularly and are available to parents, carers, and external agencies on our policy page.

Early Help: Support Before Crisis

Early help is support given to children and families as soon as concerns emerge, at any stage in a child’s life. It aims to prevent issues from escalating and ensures children receive the right support at the right time.

Early Help may include:

• To identify concerns early and respond promptly

• To support children’s wellbeing, development, and learning

• To work collaboratively with families in a respectful and inclusive manner

• To reduce barriers to learning and participation

• To promote resilience and positive outcomes for all pupils

Early Help is not a one-size-fits-all approach. We work collaboratively with students and families to understand their needs and build personalised support plans that are flexible and responsive.

We support children and young people who may be experiencing:

• Emotional or mental health difficulties

• Social or behavioural challenges

• Learning needs or SEND concerns

• Family changes such as separation, bereavement, or relocation

• Attendance difficulties

• Challenges linked to cultural, economic, or lifestyle differences

Working with Local Partners

Safeguarding cannot happen in isolation. We work closely with a wide range of external agencies and professionals to provide holistic support for students and families. These trusted partnerships are vital in ensuring that children’s needs are met quickly and effectively.

We work alongside:

• Herefordshire Local Authority - Herefordshire Safeguarding - Early Help Family Support - Herefordshire Council - Herefordshire directory of early help services

• Social care and children’s services

• Educational psychologists

• CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) - CAMHS Hereford

• School nurses and healthcare professionals

• Local police and community safety teams

• Youth offending services

• Housing and family support workers

• Local charities and voluntary organisations

These partnerships allow us to take a joined-up approach to safeguarding, ensuring that no child falls through the gaps. Where appropriate, we attend multi-agency meetings, contribute to assessments and action plans, and communicate regularly with external professionals.

In-School Support

• Pastoral care from a dedicated teaching and support team

• Access to a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and safeguarding team

• School counselling or emotional wellbeing support

• Access to a registered Trauma Informed Practitioner

• Targeted small group interventions (e.g. social skills, resilience)

• SEN support and assessment

• Behaviour support and mentoring

• Academic support where needed

Our Safeguarding Team

GEM Hereford has a dedicated safeguarding team who are highly trained and experienced in supporting young people with complex needs. The team includes:

• Trustee with responsibility for safeguarding: Ensures that effective safeguarding policies are in place and followed - James Davies

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Oversees all safeguarding and child protection matters - Deborah Pribojac

• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs): Provide additional capacity and ensure consistency across the school - Sam Goodchild and Hannah Fletcher

• Pastoral and Behaviour Team: Supports the emotional wellbeing of students and promotes positive relationships - Brett Purchase-Rathbone and Michelle Jones

• SENDCo and Mental Health and Wellbeing Leads: Ensure students with additional needs receive the tailored support they need - Lisa Criasia and Deborah Pribojac

The safeguarding team work closely with teaching staff, families, and external agencies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of every child.

Helping Students Stay Safe

We actively teach students how to keep themselves and others safe. Through our PSHE curriculum, assemblies, and one-to-one sessions, students learn about:

• Personal safety and recognising unsafe behaviour

• Healthy relationships and consent

• Online safety and digital responsibility

• Mental health and emotional wellbeing

• Respecting others and promoting inclusion

• Where to go for help and how to ask for it

We want every young person to feel empowered, listened to, and confident that they will be taken seriously if they raise a concern.

If you would like to speak to a member of our safeguarding team, or find out more about the support available, please contact the school office.

Your child's safety and wellbeing is our top priority.