At Ashton St Peter’s we are committed to ensuring all pupils are safe, supported and emotionally healthy. We recognise that children and young people may experience issues such as bullying and child-on-child abuse, mental health challenges, unhealthy relationships, online worries, radicalisation, domestic abuse or substance misuse. We also understand that parents and carers may need guidance and help in supporting their children through such issues.
Below are trusted external agencies and services – national and Bedfordshire-specific – that you and your child can access. They are independent of the school, confidential (unless risk of significant harm), and often free of charge.
If you are concerned about an adult or child safeguarding issue, please visit https://www.safeguardingbedfordshire.org.uk/ for guidance.
If you are concerned about bullying (including peer-on-peer abuse, whether in school, travelling to/from school, or online), you can access practical advice from the National Bullying Helpline: National Bullying Helpline – Kids page
The NSPCC offers guidance on “bullying, cyber-bullying” and how to respond when you’re worried a child is being harmed: NSPCC Learning – Bullying & Cyberbullying
For legal/legislative context, see the government guidance on bullying in schools: Gov.uk – Bullying at School
Tip for parents/carers: If you believe your child is being bullied at school, collect evidence (when safe), keep records, contact the school in the first instance, and if you do not feel supported escalate via the school’s behaviour and safeguarding policy.
Tip for pupils: Tell a trusted adult, keep a record of what happened (dates/times/messages), and remember: you are not alone and the behaviour is not your fault.
The YoungMinds charity supports young people and parents with mental-health issues: youngminds.org.uk
If you’re in Bedford Borough or Central Bedfordshire, you can also access local advice through the county’s children and young people’s services: for example, the duty social worker line for Bedford Borough is 01234 718700 (Mon–Thu 8:50-17:20, Fri 8:50-16:20). bedford.gov.uk
Bedforshire CAMHS have padlets for parents/carers and children and young people, which have links to resources, services and helplines: Parent Padlet Children and Young People Padlet
Tip for parents/carers: Be alert to changes in your child’s mood, sleep patterns, appetite or behaviour; use the links above for reliable advice; speak to the school or your GP if you feel your child is struggling.
Tip for pupils: It’s okay to not feel okay; you can speak privately with an adult you trust, call a dedicated helpline, or use online tools to support how you feel.
If you are worried about behaviours between pupils (including sexual harassment or violence), the statutory guidance for schools (Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025) details the school’s responsibilities including sexual violence and harassment between children.
Tip for parents/carers & pupils: Talk about healthy relationships, consent, respect and boundaries. If you have concerns about peer behaviour, report them immediately to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
The Internet Matters site offers parent/carer guides on online safety, including cyber-bullying, online grooming and sexting.
If you are worried that someone may be being radicalised or expressing extremist views, the government’s guidance on the Prevent duty explains how to ask for help: Gov.uk – Get help if you’re worried about someone being radicalised
You can also visit the ACT Early website for further information on the Prevent/early-intervention agenda.
Tip for parents/carers: Monitor your child’s online activity in a supportive way, talk with them about the content they view, and set clear boundaries at home.
Tip for pupils: If something online makes you feel scared, upset or unsure, stop, talk to someone you trust, screenshot evidence (if safe), and report it.
Bedfordshire-specific support:
Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership (BDAP) – the county-wide partnership for domestic abuse support. Get Help – BDAP bedsdv.org.uk+1
Victim Support – Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) Service for Bedfordshire. Phone 0808 168 9111. bedsdv.org.uk+1
For Central Bedfordshire: Duty line phone 0300 300 4370. centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
DART Project (Domestic Abuse Resettlement Team for Bedfordshire) – 01234 264109. IMPAKT Housing & Support
Tip for parents/carers & pupils: If you feel unsafe at home, worried about someone’s behaviour, or concerned about something you’ve seen or experienced, please report immediately to the school, call 999 if in danger, or use one of the helplines above.
Bedfordshire-specific services:
Path 2 Recovery (P2R) – a one-stop service for adults (and families) in Bedfordshire who are affected by drug or alcohol use or by someone else’s use. Phone 0333 332 4019. bedsdv.org.uk+3East London NHS Foundation Trust+3East London NHS Foundation Trust+3
Dunstable hub location: 67 High Street North, Dunstable LU6 1JF. bedsdv.org.uk+1
Bedford hub: 21 The Crescent, Bedford MK40 2RT. bedsdv.org.uk
The national FRANK service – confidential advice and support for young people about drugs: talktofrank.com nhs.uk+1
Tip for parents/carers & pupils: If you are concerned about substance misuse (yourself, a friend or family member), early intervention is key. Use the local service or national helplines above. Encourage open, non-judgmental conversation.
At Ashton St Peter’s we have a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSL(s) who coordinate responses to any concerns raised.
We maintain and review our safeguarding and anti-bullying policies, in line with statutory guidance.
If you or your child need support, please talk to your child’s class teacher, the SENDCo, or contact the DSL directly.
We collaborate with local agencies and external specialists when needed, but in all cases our priority is the safety, welfare and emotional well-being of our pupils.
If ever in doubt:
For immediate danger or risk to life: call 999.
For urgent help but not 999: contact your GP or local A&E.
For concerns about school issues or your child’s safety: speak to school staff as soon as possible.
For emotional, mental health or relationship support: use the links and numbers above and stay connected.
We want every child at Ashton St Peter’s to feel safe, valued and heard. Accessing support early often helps prevent situations escalating.