Safeguarding

Safeguarding

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

We do this together with other safeguarding partners to ensure effective arrangement 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

The school 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). The school will, of course, always aim to maintain a positive relationship with all parents/carers. The school’s child protection policy is available below and on our policies page.

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.

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

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:

Cat Hargreaves – Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Chris Lund – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

Emily Ward – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead in Boarding (DDSL)

Jackie King – Safeguarding Administrator

Cat Hargreaves – Designated Teacher for Children Looked After (DT)

Natasha Goswell- Our Governor with Safeguarding responsibilities