Safeguarding
We are committed to the wellbeing of learners and staff and we have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of students through the creation and maintenance of a healthy and safe learning environment and promotion of the ‘Safe Learner’ and ‘Healthy FE’ concept.
The Principal and Board of Governors recognise their responsibility in ensuring arrangements are in place to safeguard and promote the welfare of all staff and students but especially those of children (under 18) and vulnerable adults (those over 18 with a reduced capacity to give informed consent due to a mental condition, disability or illness). The governing body has appointed a designated governor for Safeguarding and Health, Safety & Wellbeing to work with College staff to monitor compliance and promotion of good practice.
Safeguarding is what we do for all learners and Child Protection is what we do for children and young people who have been harmed or are at significant risk of being harmed.
PASTORAL MENTORS
Our Pastoral Mentors are based in The Hex and if you are concerned about your own well-being, or are in an unsafe position, the team are available during the College day; Mon-Fri 8.30am - 4.30pm, please come and talk to them.
Support out of college hours
If you need to speak with someone outside of these hours, support is available from KOOTH - an online counselling and emotional wellbeing service.
USEFUL Contact numbers
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline call them on 0808 2000 247
- NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000: If you're worried about a child, even if you're unsure, contact NSPCC professional counsellors for help, advice and support.
- Childline 0800 1111: Offers free, confidential advice and support for any child 18 years or under, whatever the worry.
USEFUL LINKS
- Anna Freud - Children and Young People's Wellbeing
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline - Information and support for those experienceing domestic abuse
- Educate Against Hate - Government advice and trusted resources for schools, staff and parents to safeguard from radicalisation, build resilience to all types of extremism and promote shared values.
- MIND - Mental Health Support
- The Mental Health Foundation - Promoting good mental health
- YoungMinds - Supporting children and young people and their parents/carers with their mental health and wellbeing
- SafeLives - Specific resources for domestic abuse.
- IRISi interventions - Improving the healthcare response to gender-based violence
- With You - Get free, confidential support with alcohol, drugs or mental health from one of our local services or online
- Beat Eating Disorder - The UK's Eating Disorder Charity
- Step Change Debt Charity - Free Expert Debt Advice
- The Foyer Federation - Provides housing, support and training, developing the talent of young people who have experienced homelessness
STAY SAFE ON-LINE
We are all spending more time on-line these days; conversations are taking place using video apps and lots of us are using a wide range of social media platforms to stay in touch with friends and family. So, it is more important than ever to ensure that you protect yourself from negative influencers and stay safe.
We have provided some useful links below, but if you have any concerns please come along and speak to us on campus in The Hex.
Key Contacts
Charlotte Rawes - Designated Safeguarding Lead
Bev Martindale - Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
