In light of the Government’s decision to close schools due to the Coronavirus, Unity Schools Partnership has published some general safeguarding advice.

If your children are not able to attend school, you may find these websites helpful (please click on the links below) in terms of keeping them safe:

• Think U Know 
• NSPCC 
• Womens Aid 
• Find a Foodbank - The Trussell Trust 

If your child’s school remains open and you have a safeguarding concern, you should be able to contact the school’s DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) or a Deputy/Alternate DSL by phoning yourschool.

If you are worried that a child or young person is at risk of harm, abuse, or neglect, you can refer this to your local authority (see details below). However, if it is an emergency or a child or young person is in immediate danger, ring the Police on 999.

Who to contact if you are worried a child is at risk of harm, abuse or neglect

Suffolk - 0808 800 4005 (office hours and out of hours)

Cambridgeshire - 0345 045 5203 (office hours), 01733 234 724 (out of hours)

Essex - 0345 603 7627 (office hours), 0345 606 1212 (out of hours)

Havering - 01708 433 222 (office hours), 01708 433 999 (out of hours)