SAFEGUARDING SUPPORT IN OUR AREA

If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child, support is available. You do not need to be certain that abuse or harm has taken place before asking for advice or sharing a concern.

Kings Park School Safeguarding Team

If your concern relates to a KPS learner, please contact the school and ask to speak with the Designated Safeguarding Lead or a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
 
Kings Park School: 01233 553053
We will listen carefully, take your concern seriously and follow the school’s safeguarding procedures.

Immediate Danger

If a child or another person is in immediate danger, call 999.
If there is no immediate danger but you need to report a crime or speak to the police, call 101 or visit 
www.kent.police.uk
 

Kent Children's Services

Contact Kent County Council if you believe a child may be experiencing abuse, neglect, exploitation or another form of harm.
Telephone: 03000 411111
Out of hours: 03000 419191
Email: socialservices@kent.gov.uk 
More information is available on Report child abuse – Kent County Council
 

Kent Early Help and Family Hub Support

Kent’s Family Hubs and Early Help services support children, young people and families before difficulties become more serious.
They may be able to help with:
  • Family relationships
  • Emotional wellbeing
  • Parenting concerns
  • Attendance and difficulties accessing education
  • Bereavement
  • Bullying
  • Financial pressures
  • Social isolation
  • Behaviour and communication
  • Accessing other local services
Families can contact their local Family Hub directly or speak to the school about requesting support.

Domestic Abuse Support

Free and confidential domestic abuse support is available across Kent and Medway for adults, children and young people.
Services can provide safety planning, practical advice, emotional support, advocacy and help with finding safe accommodation.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you cannot speak on a mobile phone, press 55 when prompted.

Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing

If you or your child need urgent mental-health support, contact NHS 111 and select the mental-health option, or visit NHS 111 online.
You can also contact:
Samaritans: 116 123, available 24 hours a day
Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential text support
YoungMinds: Support for parents and young people
Papyrus HOPELINE247: Support for young people experiencing suicidal thoughts
If somebody is at immediate risk of serious harm, call 999 or attend the nearest A&E department.

Online Safety and Exploitation

If you are concerned that a child is being sexually abused or groomed online, you can report this to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection command.
Advice about online safety is also available from:

Kent Safeguarding Children Multi Agency Partnership

  • The Kent Safeguarding Children Multi-Agency Partnership provides local safeguarding information, procedures and resources for families and professionals.

Please Speak Up!

You will never be criticised for sharing a genuine concern about a child.
 
If something does not feel right, speak to the KPS safeguarding team, Kent Children’s Services, the NSPCC or the police. It is always better to ask for advice than to remain silent.