Safeguarding
Rivington and Blackrod High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child. We expect all staff, governors and volunteers to share this commitment and work together to ensure every student is safe, supported and able to thrive.
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. It is the process of protecting children from harm, preventing the impairment of their health and development, and ensuring they grow up in safe, supportive environments where they can achieve their full potential and make a successful transition into adulthood.
We work closely with parents, carers and external agencies to safeguard and support our students both in school and within the wider community. Where we have concerns about a student's welfare, we will work with the appropriate agencies in line with our statutory safeguarding responsibilities.
We follow the Department for Education’s safeguarding guidance, including:
- DfE Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE 2026)
- DfE Working Together to Safeguard Children (2026)
If you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact your child’s Pastoral Year Lead in the first instance or speak to a member of the safeguarding team.
Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
If you are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a student, please contact their Pastoral Year Lead or a member of our Safeguarding Team as soon as possible. You do not need to wait until you are certain before sharing a concern.
You can contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead, Mr A Tipney, at atipney@rbhs.co.uk.
Students can speak to any trusted adult in school, including their form tutor, Pastoral Year Lead or a member of the Safeguarding Team.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. Do not wait for a response from school.
For local safeguarding information and advice, visit the Bolton Safeguarding Children Partnership website.
Safeguarding Policy
Our safeguarding policies and procedures are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain up to date and reflect current legislation, national guidance and best practice.
View our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
Safeguarding Team
Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Mr A Tipney (Deputy Headteacher)
- atipney@rbhs.co.uk
Deputy Safeguarding Lead
- Mr M Atherton
- matherton@rbhs.co.uk
Year 7 Pastoral Year Lead
- Ms E Booth
- ebooth@rbhs.co.uk
Year 8 & 9 Safeguarding Officer
- Ms C Brides
- cbrides@rbhs.co.uk
Year 10 & 11 Safeguarding Officer
- Mrs R Heys
- rheys@rbhs.co.uk
Year 12/13 Pastoral Year Lead
- Mrs G Hartley
- ghartley@rbhs.co.uk
Sexual Harassment and Healthy Relationships
We are committed to helping students understand healthy relationships, respect personal boundaries and feel confident about seeking support.
Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature. It can happen in person or online and may include sexual comments, jokes, gestures or unwanted sexual messages.
Sexual harassment is not tolerated and must never be dismissed as banter or part of growing up.
We support students through:
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Our PSHCE curriculum, including relationships, sex education and safeguarding
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Form time activities exploring real-life situations and current issues
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Staff who are trained to listen and respond to safeguarding concerns
If a student experiences or witnesses sexual harassment, they should tell a trusted adult in school. We will take their concern seriously, offer support and take appropriate action to help keep them safe.
Operation Encompass
Our school is part of Operation Encompass, a partnership between police and education that supports children affected by domestic abuse.
Through this partnership, police notify the school about relevant domestic abuse incidents before the start of the next school day. This helps our safeguarding staff provide timely and appropriate support.
Information is handled confidentially and shared only with those who need it to safeguard and support the child.
Find out more about Operation Encompass
Safeguarding Resources
The following organisations provide information, advice and support for parents, carers and students.
Advice for Parents and Carers
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NSPCC – advice on keeping children safe, including online safety
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CEOP Education – information about protecting children from online sexual abuse
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Barnardo’s – information and support for children and families
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The Children’s Society – advice on young people’s wellbeing and exploitation
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Bolton Safeguarding Children Partnership – local safeguarding information and guidance
Support for Students
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Childline – free, confidential support for children and young people; call 0800 1111
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CEOP Safety Centre – report concerns about online sexual abuse
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Report Remove – help for under-18s to report sexual images or videos of themselves shared online