Safeguarding

Safeguarding Statement

The Governing Body and staff of Caedmon College Whitby take very seriously their duty to safeguard young people and vulnerable adults. All staff follow a range of policies and procedures which include safeguarding measures as a high priority in all areas of their duties and responsibilities.

These include:

  • being responsible in the use of photographs and student data – parental permission is sought through student planners and for individual activities as required
  • we have codes of conduct for students and staff, including those relating to behaviour, anti-bullying/harassment, professionalism, anti-discrimination and safe working practices
  • College recruitment policies and human resource procedures include a robust pre-appointment checking system and this is evidenced through a Single Central Record and in personnel files
  • a Health & Safety Policy that is reviewed annually and a link Governor who visits the College regularly to review working practices
  • policies for staff and students relating to the safe and correct use of ICT and data
  • signing-in procedures for people coming onto the College site
  • risk assessments are in place for all College activities and preventative safety measures are undertaken as required, based on these assessments
  • a perimeter fence and locked gate has been installed for the safety of students during lesson times
  • the staff duty rota ensures that all areas of the College are supervised before and after school and at break and lunch times.

All College policies and procedures are reviewed regularly and sent out to staff in a range of ways, including via the staff handbook, the College intranet, internet and shared network areas; this information is also relayed in staff briefings, emails, bulletins and meetings and through frequent training sessions, including refresher Child Protection/safeguarding training session for all staff. The College’s Governing Body has a review schedule for policies to ensure that each is reviewed and updated as required.

Sometimes parents look for extra help for their children in key subjects such as Maths, English, French/Spanish. This help may include going to private tutors. This can work very well but the wrong support can do more harm than good.

You need to be able to trust that the person providing the tutoring, especially if you are paying for that support, is competent and safe. We would be happy to help you find the right support if this is something you would like to do.

Quick tips for if you are thinking of using a private tutor:

  • ask for references to be provided – preferably from previous employers/headteachers
  • check they have a recent DBS Clearance and are registered with the DBS for annual updates
  • never leave your child alone with a Tutor

NSPCC helpline

The Department of Education has worked with the NSPCC to set up a dedicated helpline to support anyone who has experienced sexual abuse in educational settings. The dedicated NSPCC helpline number is 0800 136 663 (from 1 April 2021).

A new helpline to support potential victims of sexual harassment and abuse in education settings has been announced by the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson.

The dedicated number, run by the NSPCC, will provide both children and adults who are victims of sexual abuse in schools with the appropriate support and advice. This includes how to contact the police and report crimes if they wish. The helpline will also provide support to parents and professionals too.

Essential Reading:

Please refer to all the links below regarding safeguarding at Caedmon College Whitby – together, these documents encompass the College’s Safeguarding Policy:

What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused
Operation Encompass
Alcohol Awareness for Young People

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