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Safeguarding

Safeguarding at West Somerset College

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our students. At West Somerset College, we strive to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children and their families are respected and valued.

Our Safeguarding Approach  

We work together with other safeguarding partners to ensure effective arrangements within our school to identify, assess, and support children who are suffering from harm. Our work is directed by Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE) and Working Together to Safeguard Children (WTSC).         

Reporting Concerns

We will, in most circumstances, endeavour to discuss all concerns with parents/carers about their children. However, there may be exceptional circumstances when the school will discuss concerns with Social Care and/or the Police without parental knowledge (in accordance with Child Protection procedures). We always aim to maintain a positive relationship with all parents/carers.

Our Safeguarding Policy

The school's child protection policy is available on our Policies page

Early Help Assessments

We may suggest an Early Help Assessment (EHA) to provide support to prevent escalation and to help coordinate support across agencies for families and children who need extra help.

Our Safeguarding Partnerships          Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership

All Somerset schools, including West Somerset College, follow the Somerset Safeguarding Children’s Partnership procedures (SSCP).     

Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership

A Child-Centred Approach

We endeavour to be child-centred, keeping the child’s needs and voice central to decisions. Students are encouraged to talk to a trusted adult if they are worried about anything.

Key School Safeguarding Contacts

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) – Cat Hargreaves
  • Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) – Chris Lund
  • Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead in Boarding (DDSL) – Emily Ward
  • Safeguarding Administrator – Jackie King
  • Designated Teacher for Children Looked After (DT) – Cat Hargreaves
  • Governor with Safeguarding Responsibilities – Natasha Goswell

Further Information

Reporting Concerns and Safeguarding at West Somerset College

If you have a concern which involves the safety or wellbeing of a child during school hours, please contact the school on 01643 706061 and ask to speak to the DSL or DDSL, or email safeguarding@westsomersetcollege.org.

School Hours Safeguarding Contact Information

During school holidays, this email address is checked Monday – Friday before 10.00am.

Out of Hours Safeguarding Contact Information

If the concern is outside of school hours and is serious, please contact the following:

  • Immediate Risk of Harm: Contact Somerset Children’s Social care on 0300 123 2224 or email

 

  • Reporting a Crime: Contact the police on 999 for immediate assistance. To report a crime that has already taken place, call 101
  • Out of Hours Contact for Children’s Social Care: Contact the Emergency Duty Team (EDT) on 0300 123 2327

Safeguarding at West Somerset College

At West Somerset College, the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. We take safeguarding very seriously and have a range of measures in place to ensure that our students are protected from harm.

Staff Training and Support

All staff begin the academic year with a safeguarding awareness refresher, which helps to ensure that they are up-to-date with the latest statutory and local guidance. In addition, staff are required to read and sign annual updates to Keeping Children Safe in Education, as well as our school and trust safeguarding policies.

Designated Safeguarding Leads and Support

Our designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Safeguarding Leads have followed the SSCP training protocol and completed Advanced Child Protection training. They receive further training on specific safeguarding and child protection matters to ensure that they are always equipped to provide the best possible support to our students.

Recruitment and Safer Safeguarding Practices

When shortlisting and interviewing candidates for any role at West Somerset College, we ensure that at least one member of the panel is trained in Safer Recruitment practices. This helps us to ensure that we are recruiting staff who are committed to safeguarding and will always put the needs of our students first.

Safeguarding and Support

At West Somerset College, we are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for every child. As part of our safeguarding efforts, we are proud to be part of Operation Encompass, a national scheme that works together with local police forces to support children who have experienced or witnessed domestic abuse.

What is Operation Encompass?   

Operation Encompass is a joint initiative between schools and police forces that informs schools, before the start of the school day, when a child has experienced or witnessed domestic abuse. This allows us to offer immediate and tailored support to our students in a safe and caring environment.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

Our involvement in Operation Encompass reflects our unwavering commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child. We strive to create a supportive community where our students feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Getting in Touch

For more information about Operation Encompass, please visit their website or speak with a member of our safeguarding team. Our Designated Safeguarding Officer, Cat Hargreaves, is also a trained Operation Encompass member of staff and can provide guidance and support.

Operation Encompass

Radicalisation: Keeping Our Community Safe

At West Somerset College, we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students, staff, and families. Radicalisation is a complex issue that can affect anyone, but it's essential for us to be aware of the signs and take action to prevent it.

What is Radicalisation?

Radicalisation is when someone starts to believe or support extreme views, which can sometimes lead to extremist acts, including threats, intimidation, or violence. It can be motivated by various factors, such as political beliefs, prejudices, religious beliefs, or ideologies.

Why are Children and Young People Vulnerable?

Children and young people are particularly susceptible to radicalisation due to their natural curiosity, eagerness to learn, and desire for acceptance. Factors like low self-esteem, bullying, or discrimination can make them more vulnerable to extremist ideologies.

Signs of Radicalisation: What to Look Out For

If you're concerned that someone in our community is at risk of radicalisation, look out for these signs:

  • Changes in behaviour or mood
  • Increased interest in extremist ideologies or groups
  • Access to or possession of extremist materials
  • Associating with known extremists or individuals
  • Displaying aggressive or violent behaviour

How We Address Radicalisation at West Somerset College

We take the Prevent Duty very seriously and have a robust approach to safeguarding our students and staff. All staff complete annual Prevent Awareness training to ensure they can identify and respond to potential radicalisation.

What to Do If You're Concerned

If you have any concerns about someone in our community, please contact the Police Prevent Referral team on 01179 455 536 or email them via the email address below. Your concerns are safe and confidential.

Let's Talk About It Prevent   

For more information about Prevent and radicalisation, please visit the Let's Talk About It Prevent website. This will provide you with further guidance and resources on how to spot the signs and take action.

ACT Early

Childline

NSPCC

Family Lives

KOOTH

Safer Schools