Images protected by Greenhouse School Websites
Quick Links

Quick Links ▼

Christopher Whitehead Language College & Sixth Form

  • Search Search Site
  • Translate Translate Page
  • Facebook Facebook
  • Instagram Instagram
  • YouTube YouTube
  • BromCom BromCom Students
  • ParentPay ParentPay
  • BromCom BromCom Parents
  • Seneca Learning Seneca Learning
  • Sparx Sparx

Supporting Families

Worcestershire Holiday Programme of Free Activities – Book Here (External)

Early Help and Contextual Safeguarding Overview

Click Here for the Directory of External Support and Agencies

What is Early Help?

Early Help is the support we offer to children and families as soon as needs emerge. At Christopher Whitehead Language College and Sixth Form (CWLC&SF), we believe timely intervention can prevent escalation and ensure better outcomes for students.

Our Early Help offer reflects our whole-school approach to safeguarding and is underpinned by:

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024 
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (WTSC) 2023
  • The Children Acts 1989 and 2004

We work in partnership with families, staff, and agencies to provide coordinated support tailored to individual need.

When Might Early Help Be Offered?

We provide Early Help where a child or their family may be affected by:

  • Persistent non-attendance or lateness
  • Social, emotional, or behavioural difficulties
  • Mental health needs or low mood
  • Family conflict, bereavement, or domestic abuse
  • Substance misuse (by child or adult)
  • Young caring responsibilities
  • Online safety concerns
  • Exploitation (criminal, sexual, or radicalisation)
  • Financial pressures or housing instability
  • Special educational needs (SEND)

This is not an exhaustive list – our approach is always child-centred and responsive to emerging needs.

Key Staff

Our safeguarding team includes:

If these people are not available, you may contact Mrs C Clark, Headteacher, Ext 217

We also collaborate with:

  • Attendance Team
  • SEND Department
  • School Counsellor
  • Local PCSO and health visitors
  • External agencies and community support teams

What support is Available?

  • 1:1 or group emotional and wellbeing interventions
  • In-school or external mentoring
  • Mental health support (e.g. Kooth, Reach4Wellbeing, Starting Well)
  • Attendance support and home visits
  • Referrals to services like CAMHS, Social Care, Cranstoun
  • Practical support (housing, parenting, foodbank referrals)
  • Team Around the Family (TAF) meetings
  • Early Help Assessment (EHA) coordination

How Can I Access Early Help?

  • Speak with your child’s Learning Mentor or Director of Study
  • Contact any member of the Safeguarding Team
  • Email: callitout@cwlc.email (confidential)

We welcome referrals from students, parents, carers and professionals.

Safeguarding Commitment

Staff are trained to identify students who may benefit from Early Help and act in accordance with statutory guidance.

“Providing early help is more effective in promoting the welfare of children than reacting later.” 
— Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023

Contextual Safeguarding: Risks and Support

Safeguarding extends beyond the home. CWLC recognises that children may be at risk of harm in their communities, peer groups, or online environments. We take a proactive approach to early identification and support.

Areas of Contextual Risk (Examples)

  • Unstructured routines or poor attendance
  • Family breakdown, bereavement, or mental ill health
  • Poor diet or self-care
  • SEND or undiagnosed needs
  • Young caring responsibilities
  • Online exploitation or abuse
  • Risk of gang involvement or criminal exploitation
  • Drug or alcohol misuse
  • Radicalisation or exposure to extremist narratives
  • Social isolation or emotional withdrawal
  • Housing instability or homelessness

Worcestershire Early Help Offer – Information for Families

Services and Support Available

Worcestershire’s Early Help offer includes a broad range of services and resources to support children’s development, health and well-being at different ages. These services are provided by the council and partner agencies (such as health and voluntary services) across the county. 

You can also contact the Early Help services directly for advice or to request support. Worcestershire operates a central Family Front Door referral team for children’s services. You can phone the Family Front Door at 01905 822666 during office hours (Monday–Thursday 9:00am–5:00pm, Friday 9:00am–4:30pm).

 If you need urgent help outside of these hours (evenings, weekends or bank holidays), you can call the out-of-hours line at 01905 768020. There is also an email contact for non-emergency referrals or inquiries: childrensteam@worcestershire.gov.uk

Further Resources

  • “Early Help in Worcestershire – Support for Families” – downloadable booklet explaining the full Early Help offer and services (Worcestershire County Council, 27-page PDF). This brochure details each service, who it’s for, and how to access it.
  • Worcestershire Virtual Family Hub – Family Hub online portal for information on local parenting groups, child health clinics, youth clubs, courses and other support resources you can use. worcestershire.gov.uk

If You’re Worried About a Child

  • Immediate danger: Call the Family Front Door on 01905 822 666 or dial 999
  • Non-urgent concerns: Email callitout@cwlc.email

Young Carers

Supporting young carers is an important aspect of student welfare at Christopher Whitehead Language College

A young carer is a young person who looks after someone who could not manage without their help. This could mean looking after a parent, brother or sister, or another family member living in the household with a disability, long term illness, mental health or drug and alcohol related issues. It could also mean living with the emotional impact of a sudden health event within the family, or a terminal diagnosis. When this is a parent, it can also result in responsibility or care for siblings.

As many as one in 20 students could be a young carer, and unless the school is advised about a student’s home circumstances, young carers risk first being identified by negative aspects of their behaviour or work. Some young carers worry about bullying and may be tired or worried, find it difficult to concentrate and have limited time for friendships and activities after school. If this is the case, we can help.

At Christopher Whitehead Language College, we support young carers by holding open conversations about their caring circumstances. We are developing a range of supportive interventions including a weekly lunch time drop in where they can build friendships with other young carers and receive support from staff.

Here is some useful information about young carers and the school’s commitment:

At Christopher Whitehead Language College, our values—Respectful, Inclusive, Creative, Honest, Empathetic, and Resilient—are at the heart of everything we do. These values guide our commitment to ensuring that life is RICHER at Christopher Whitehead for every pupil, including our young carers.

We recognise that young carers may face unique challenges, and we are committed to providing a supportive, understanding environment where they feel valued, listened to, and able to thrive.

To uphold this commitment, we ensure:

  • Regular staff training
  • We provide yearly young carer awareness training for all staff, including induction for new colleagues. This ensures our team understands how to identify and effectively support young carers within our school community.
  • Regular inclusion in pupil learning
  • Young carers’ needs and experiences are embedded within our PSHE and wider spiral curriculum, supported through assemblies and learning opportunities that promote empathy, respect, and understanding across the school.
  • Regular opportunities for young carers to share their views
  • Each year, we gather the voices and views of our young carers to help shape and improve the support, provision, and opportunities available to them. Their lived experiences guide our practice.
  • Regular review of our policy and provision
  • We review our Young Carers statement annually to ensure our approach remains effective, inclusive, and aligned with best practice—reflecting our commitment to honesty, improvement, and resilience.

Worcestershire Young Carers offers fantastic provision outside of school and we highly recommend getting in contact and completing a referral form. Please let our Young Carer lead know if you do – click here.

Finally, please do not hesitate to contact our Young Carer Lead – Tia Webb if you would like to discuss any of the above at t.webb@cwlc.email

Directory of External Support and Agencies

Select one of the options below for more information, including warning signs and support options.

At Risk of NEET – Attendance & CEIAG Support Attendance & Absenteeism Bereavement Support Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Bullying Child-on-Child Abuse & Bullying Child-to-Parent Violence and Abuse (CPVA) Conversion Therapy County Lines & Criminal Exploitation Debt Dental Care Disability and Travel Domestic Abuse (incl. Teen Relationship Abuse) EAL (English as an Additional Language) Eating Disorders Exclusion Families Affected by Imprisonment Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Forced Marriage / Honour-Based Abuse Gambling Gaming Addiction & Screen Time Gangs General Health Housing Support Incel Ideology / Online Extremism Isolation Knife Crime LGBTQ+ Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing Missing Person Modern Slavery Neglect Obesity Online Safety & Cyberbullying Poverty Preventing Radicalisation Refugee / Asylum Seeker Self-Harm SEND & Disability Sexual Health Services Worcestershire Sexual Violence & Harmful Sexual Behaviour Sharing Nudes (Sexting) Sleep Health & Wellbeing Stalking Substance Misuse (Drugs & Alcohol) Suicide Prevention Trauma Vaping / Smoking Victim of Hate Crime Young Carers

At Risk of NEET - Attendance & CEIAG Support

Warning Signs: Low engagement or aspirations, Uncertainty about future

  • Careers Worcestershire 
    A comprehensive resource offering advice, guidance, and support to help you explore your career, education, or training options. 
    https://www.careersworcs.co.uk

Attendance & Absenteeism

Warning Signs: Frequent absences, lateness, parental disengagement, tiredness or distress

  • CWLC follows DfE statutory guidance – Working Together to Improve School Attendance (2022)
  • Early support may include school-led attendance plans, home visits, family support, or referral to the Education Investigation Service (EIS) 
  • Information for Parents and Carers
    Detailed guidance on attendance expectations, legal responsibilities, and support mechanisms. Worcestershire County Council – Information for Parents and Carers worcesterschools.org+4North Worcester Primary Academy+4Worcestershire County Council+4
  • School Attendance Helpline 
    Available during term time on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM. 
    Phone: 01905 844 440

Bereavement Support

Warning Signs: Persistent sadness, crying, or low mood, Difficulty sleeping, nightmares, or changes in eating habits, Loss of interest in school or social activities.

  • Winston’s Wish – National bereavement charity supporting children affected by death, including suicide.
    08088 020 021
    winstonswish.org
  • Starting Well Partnership Worcestershire –Local early help for bereaved children and families.
    startingwellworcs.nhs.uk
  • Cruse Bereavement –Support Offers one-to-one and group support for bereaved young people.
    0808 808 1677
    cruse.org.uk
  • Child Bereavement UK Helpline and resources for grieving children and young people.
    0800 02 888 40
    childbereavementuk.org

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

Warning signs: Excessive time spent checking or hiding appearance, avoiding mirrors, distress about perceived flaws, and repeated seeking of reassurance may indicate BDD. It can affect concentration, self-esteem, and attendance.

Bullying

Warning Signs: School refusal, anxiety, physical injuries, torn clothing, low self-esteem, unexplained behaviour changes.

Child-on-Child Abuse & Bullying

Warning Signs: Unexplained injuries, avoidance of school or peers, changes in mood or eating habits

Child-to-Parent Violence and Abuse (CPVA)

Occurs when a child or adolescent uses abusive behaviours—whether physical, verbal, emotional, or controlling—towards a parent or carer. 

Warning Signs: Children exhibiting CPVA may show patterns of physical aggression, such as hitting, kicking, or damaging property, alongside verbal abuse like shouting, threats, or persistent criticism.

  •  PEGS (Parental Education Growth Support) Specialist support for families affected by CPVA, including direct parent support, online resources, and professional training. www.pegsupport.co.uk  

Conversion Therapy

Warning Signs: Emotional distress after religious or family interventions, loss of self-esteem, family rejection.

County Lines & Criminal Exploitation

Warning Signs: Unexplained money/gifts, going missing, changes in friends, possession of multiple phones

Debt

Warning Signs: Food insecurity, unstable housing, utility disconnections, stress at home, sudden lifestyle changes.

Dental Care

Warning Signs: Severe tooth pain, bad breath, avoidance of smiling, missed appointments, poor hygiene.

Disability and Travel

Warning Signs: Regular lateness, missed appointments, unexplained absences, complaints about access

Domestic Abuse (incl. Teen Relationship Abuse)

Warning Signs: Anxiety, fear, frequent injuries, controlling relationships, withdrawal from friends

  • The Police – if it’s an emergency, call 999. If you can’t speak, listen to the questions and tap or cough to answer. Press 55 to signal an emergency.

EAL (English as an Additional Language)

Warning Signs: Isolation, reluctance to engage, difficulty following lessons, signs of frustration, lack of progress.

Eating Disorders

Warning signs: Noticeable weight changes, obsessive focus on food, calorie counting, skipping meals, excessive exercise, or frequent bathroom visits after eating may indicate disordered eating behaviours. Pupils may appear withdrawn, anxious, or fatigued.

Exclusion

Warning Signs: Sudden behaviour change, conflict with staff, repeated suspensions, unmet SEND needs.

Families Affected by Imprisonment

Warning signs Sudden changes in behaviour or mood (withdrawal, aggression, anxiety) Shame, secrecy, or reluctance to talk about family, increased risk-taking behaviour or defiance of authority, Persistent sadness, worry, or fear of abandonment

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Warning Signs: Long absence from school, difficulty sitting/walking, family history of FGM, vague references to special holidays or ceremonies 

Forced Marriage / Honour-Based Abuse

Warning Signs: Surveillance by family, fear of going abroad, withdrawal from education, self-harm, shame language.

Gambling

Warning Signs: Borrowing money, secrecy, absenteeism, mood swings, talk of online betting.

Gaming Addiction & Screen Time

Warning Signs: Fatigue, mood swings, neglecting school/social activities, secrecy about usage

Gangs

Warning Signs: New possessions with no explanation, secretive behaviour, graffiti-style tags, talking in gang-related slang.

General Health

Warning Signs: Frequent absences, untreated illnesses, missed health checks, complaints of pain or discomfort.

Housing Support

Warning signs: Risk of eviction or homelessness, rent arrears, overcrowded or unsafe living conditions, or frequent moves.

Incel Ideology / Online Extremism

Warning Signs: Misogynistic language, violent online content, withdrawal from friendships, defiance, secrecy.

Isolation

Warning Signs: Not engaging in group activities, poor peer relationships, eating alone, signs of sadness or anxiety.

Knife Crime

Warning Signs: Unexplained injuries, possession of a weapon, associating with gangs, avoidance of school or transport.

LGBTQ+

Warning Signs: Social withdrawal, family conflict, self-harm, bullying at school, identity confusion.

Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing

Warning Signs: Anxiety, low mood, self-harm, withdrawal, sleep disturbance

Missing Person

Warning Signs: Repeated episodes of going missing, staying out late without explanation, Withdrawn or distressed when asked about their whereabouts, Increased contact with unknown adults (especially online)

Modern Slavery

The recruitment, movement, harbouring or receiving of children (or adults) for the purpose of exploitation. This includes forced labour, domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, and criminal exploitation.

Warning Signs: A child who shows signs of being controlled by others, has limited freedom of movement, or appears fearful and anxious when spoken to alone.

Neglect

The persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or emotional needs, likely to result in serious impairment of their health or development (KCSIE 2024, para 28).

 Warning Signs 

  • Poor hygiene, consistently dirty or smelly clothing
  • Extreme hunger or regularly missing packed lunches
  • Frequent absences or lateness
  • Untreated medical issues
  • Emotional withdrawal or developmental delays
  • Constant tiredness or falling asleep in lessons

Types of Neglect

  1. Physical neglect – not providing food, clothing, or shelter.
  1. Emotional neglect – ignoring a child’s emotional needs or failing to provide affection.
  1. Medical neglect – failing to provide needed medical or mental health treatment.
  1. Educational neglect – failing to enrol a child in school or attend to special educational needs.
  1. Supervisory neglect – leaving a child without adequate supervision or placing them in dangerous situations.

Support 

  • Family Front Door (for referrals) – 01905 822666 

Obesity

Warning Signs: Fatigue, low physical activity, social isolation, bullying, body image concerns.

Online Safety & Cyberbullying

Warning Signs: Emotional distress after online activity, secretive use of devices, withdrawal

Poverty

Warning Signs: Poor attendance, hunger, fatigue, inadequate clothing, frequent illness, stress at home

Preventing Radicalisation

Warning Signs: Withdrawal, extremist views, changes in online behaviour, secrecy

Refugee / Asylum Seeker

Warning Signs: Language barriers, distress, trauma symptoms, fear of authority, basic needs unmet

Self-Harm

Warning Signs: Unexplained cuts, bruises or burns, wearing long sleeves in warm weather, withdrawal, secrecy, low mood.

SEND & Disability

Warning signs: Developmental delays, difficulty communicating or interacting, sudden emotional distress, or unmet additional needs.

Sexual Health Services Worcestershire

Warning signs: Unprotected intercourse, multiple partners, substance‐use before sex, secrecy or coercion, and any signs of STIs or unplanned pregnancy are red flags of unsafe sexual activity needing prompt support.

3 main clinic sites are: 

  • The Arrowside unit at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch
  • Aconbury North on the site of Worcester Royal Hospital in Worcester
  • Kidderminster Health Centre. Under 21 Saturday Service 

Clinic telephone lines are open between 10:00am – 12:30pm on Saturdays – Please call: 01905 681673 for further details. 

Sexual Violence & Harmful Sexual Behaviour

Warning Signs: Sexualised language/behaviour inappropriate to age, secrecy, avoiding specific people or areas

Sharing Nudes (Sexting)

Warning Signs: Anxiety, depression, talk of shame, coercion, inappropriate online content.   

Sleep Health & Wellbeing

Warning Signs: Constant tiredness, irritability, inability to concentrate

Stalking

Warning signs: Anxiety, fear of being followed, reluctance to go outside alone, repeated unwanted contact (in person or online), and sudden changes in behaviour can be indicators of stalking.

Substance Misuse (Drugs & Alcohol)

Warning Signs: Secrecy, changes in behaviour or peer groups, declining academic performance

Suicide Prevention

Warning Signs: Anxiety, low mood, self-harm, withdrawal, sleep disturbance

Trauma

Warning signs: Hypervigilance, emotional outbursts, difficulty concentrating, sleep issues, or signs of regression may indicate trauma. Look for changes in behaviour after a known or suspected distressing event.

Vaping / Smoking

Warning Signs: Sweet smell on clothing, coughs, secretive behaviour, paraphernalia (vape pens, pods)

Victim of Hate Crime

Warning signs: Anxiety, fear of being followed, reluctance to go outside alone, repeated unwanted contact (in person or online), and sudden changes in behaviour can be indicators of stalking.

Young Carers

Warning signs: Frequent exhaustion, unexplained absences or lateness, incomplete work, and social withdrawal can signal a young carer is struggling and may not be safe or supported at school.

Map
↑