Safeguarding

The golden thread of safeguarding is integral to everything that we do at SFH6.

If a student is worried about something that is happening either at school or outside of school we have lots of members of staff that can help at both schools.

Students can talk to any adult that they trust at either school. The tutor is often a good place to start, or the members of the sixth form team. Our Designated Safeguarding Lead at Sydenham is Ms Quartey and at Forest Hill is Mr Haresign.

Students can tell the chosen member of staff that they need to speak to them. If the concern is serious, the student should say so, and the member of staff will make time to speak with them straight away. 

Outside school hours, students can seek support via Childline on 0800 1111. In an emergency out of school hours, please call 999. 

If you are a parent or another adult who has concerns about the safety of one of our students, please contact the relevant safeguarding lead using the details below:

Sydenham School: Ms Quartey via Sydenham School Main Reception on 0208 6996731 or via email

Forest Hill School: Mr Haresign via Forest Hill School Main Reception on 02086999343 or via email

Please note that messages can only be responded to during school hours and the school term. In an emergency, please contact the Police. 

Both schools are also part of Operation Encompass, in partnership with the Metropolitan Police.  This means that the school is informed before the start of the school day if one of our students has been involved in, or exposed to, a domestic incident that has been reported to the police.  Our staff are then able to provide support for the student to meet their needs following the incident.  If you have any questions about this, please contact the relevant Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Please see our detailed policies here:

Safeguarding at Forest Hill

Safeguarding at Sydenham 

In the event of school closure we want to ensure that all students still feel safe and supported. If you would like emotional support at what might be a difficult time please see the links below:

Visit Childline.org

Visit Kooth.com

Visit Sydenham.Lewisham.sch.uk

Visit Youngminds.org.uk

If you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do, go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

Please keep yourselves and others safe.