The SHARP System
See it. Hear it. Worry about it. Report it.
At JHN, every student has the right to feel safe, listened to and supported.
We encourage students to speak to a trusted adult whenever something is worrying them. We also understand that there are times when talking face-to-face can feel difficult. The SHARP System gives students another way to tell us about a concern.
SHARP is an online reporting system which allows students to share concerns about themselves, another student, something happening in school or something happening in the wider community. A report can be made with contact details or anonymously.
What is SHARP?
SHARP stands for Student Help Advice Reporting Page System. It provides a confidential route for students to raise concerns, including the option to report anonymously.
The system is part of JHN's wider safeguarding arrangements. It does not replace speaking to an adult; it provides an additional route for students who may find it difficult to begin that conversation.
A concern does not have to feel 'serious enough' before it can be shared. If something is making you feel unsafe, uncomfortable or worried - or you are concerned about somebody else - we would rather know.
What Can I Report?
You can use SHARP to tell us about a wide range of concerns, including:
- bullying or unkind behaviour;
- online bullying, harmful messages or misuse of social media;
- worries about your own safety or the safety of another student;
- harassment, discrimination, hate incidents or prejudicial behaviour;
- unhealthy or worrying relationships;
- something happening at home or in the community that is worrying you;
- weapons, crime, anti-social behaviour or other unsafe behaviour;
- a concern about someone's wellbeing; or
- anything else that is making you worried, frightened or uncomfortable.
You do not need to decide whether something is a safeguarding issue before reporting it. Tell us what you know or what you are worried about and we will decide how best to help.
Worried About Someone Else?
SHARP is not only for concerns about yourself.
If you are worried about a friend or another student, reporting your concern can be an important way of helping them. You do not need to investigate or be certain that something is wrong. Share what you have seen, heard or been told and allow a trusted adult to take the next step.
Reporting a genuine concern is not 'telling tales'. It is looking out for another person.
Can I Report Anonymously?
Yes. SHARP allows you to make a report without giving your name.
However, if you feel able to include your name and contact details, this can make it easier for us to understand what has happened, check that you are safe and speak to you about the support you may need.
If you choose to remain anonymous, please give as much clear information as you safely can. Because we will not know who you are, we may not be able to contact you to ask further questions, update you or offer support directly.
What Happens After I Make a Report?
Your report will be received through the school's SHARP safeguarding reporting route and considered by appropriate staff.
What happens next will depend on the information you have shared. We may need to gather further information, provide support, speak with relevant members of staff or, where necessary, involve parents/carers or external safeguarding agencies.
We will always take a genuine concern seriously. We will handle information sensitively, but we cannot promise to keep information secret if someone may be at risk of harm.
SHARP Is Not an Emergency Service
SHARP should not be used when somebody is in immediate danger or needs urgent help.
If you or somebody else is in immediate danger, tell a trusted adult straight away or call 999.
SHARP reports may not be seen immediately, particularly outside the school day, at weekends or during school holidays. If a concern cannot wait, do not rely on an online report.
You Can Always Speak to Someone
SHARP is one way to ask for help - it is not the only way.
Students can always speak directly to a trusted adult in school. This might be a:
- Form Tutor;
- Learning Coordinator;
- Director of School;
- member of the Safeguarding Team;
- teacher or support member of staff; or
- another adult in school whom you trust.
The most important thing is that you tell someone. You do not have to deal with a worry on your own.
For Parents and Carers
SHARP provides an additional way for concerns affecting students to be brought to the school's attention. Parents and carers who have a safeguarding concern are also encouraged to contact the school directly so that we can respond appropriately.
Routine queries about teaching, homework, attendance, detentions, uniform or other day-to-day school matters should be raised through the usual school communication channels rather than through SHARP.
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services on 999.
Make a Report
If something does not feel right, tell us. You can report a concern about yourself or someone else using JHN's dedicated SHARP page.
Useful Links
[CHILDLINE - 0800 1111] Childline | Free counselling service for kids and young people
