Pastoral Reminders
Safeguarding
Cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing threats schools face. The recent Kido Nursery hack, where the details and photographs of 8,000 children were stolen and posted online, was described by experts as “immature” in approach but deeply distressing in impact. Strikingly, the suspects were not overseas gangs but two 17-year-olds from Hertfordshire.
This highlights the dual risk: protecting school data from external attackers while recognising that students themselves may be capable of serious digital offences. Research by the Information Commissioner’s Office, based on 215 data-breach reports in the education sector between January 2022 and August 2024, found that 57% of insider cyber incidents were caused by pupils or students. Of cases involving stolen login credentials, 97% were carried out by students (ICO, 2025).
The Cyber Choices programme, run by the National Crime Agency, helps prevent this by supporting early intervention. It is designed to help young people understand the law, avoid online risks, and channel their skills into positive, legal careers.
DSLs could consider contacting Cyber Choices if they are concerned that a student is:
• Showing a strong interest in hacking tools or techniques.
• Talking about wanting to “try out” cyber attacks.
• Repeatedly pushing digital boundaries in ways that could escalate.
• Displaying online curiosity that might cross into risky or illegal activity.
The programme is voluntary and cannot work with anyone already under cybercrime investigation until that case is resolved.
The Cyberchoices website is here: https://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/cyber-choices
Please continue to Log information on CPOMS if you have any concerns around the above.
Letter Home
Please note we will be sending a letter out to parents on the following information around vapes:
I am writing regarding clarification of an aspect of our behaviour policy concerning illegal substances.
As parents know, we have a strict behaviour code which is designed to ensure our schools are safe spaces for all members of the community. We therefore have a stringent approach to possession, procurement or passing on drugs by students within school or between students in the wider area.
Regrettably, we have become aware of the threat posed by illegal substances such as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is the active ingredient in cannabis which is being included in vapes and gummies which are readily available to students on-line or from less well-regulated shops.
THC is listed in DfE guidance as a class B drug.
Recent research indicates that the availability of vapes containing THC is a national problem and that drugs accessed in this form may also be stronger / present greater health risks for young people in particular.
We will therefore be covering this issue in assemblies / tutor times with all students after the half-term break in order to make students aware of the following:
? The health dangers of THC & its use in vapes and ‘edibles’
? That THC constitutes an illegal drug and possession of this in or around school in any form carries the same sanction as any other illegal drug
It is important that parents are also aware of the safeguarding risk presented by THC vapes or gummies in order to be vigilant at home and to prevent use of any kind.
SEN
I just wanted to share some positive feedback from our Year 7 SEN cohort. They expressed happiness this term, settled well and were happy with the level of support from staff around the school. A huge thank you to all of you working with Year 7 and making their transition this half term a success. Please continue to support students and praise them both verbally and in their books for the effort they are putting in and the work they have achieved.
I hope you all had a lovely well deserved break.
Gurvinder Nayyar
Mia's notes
Thank you for your energy and enthusiasm in our first Action Research of the year. We focused on live marking (feedback) as it is one of the most impactful interventions we can offer to our students - especially when it is timely and specific (EEF). 
The top priorities departments will focus on to make live marking more impactful:
If there are any concerns about Equality and Diversity (staff) at GHS please contact A Johal (DHT)
