Safeguarding
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
At The Stanway School, the safety and well-being of every student is our highest priority. We believe that all children have the right to feel safe, happy, and supported, both in school and in their lives outside of it. We are committed to providing a secure and nurturing environment where students can thrive, learn, and grow without fear of harm.
What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding refers to the measures we take to protect children from harm. This includes:
- Protecting children from abuse and maltreatment: This covers various forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect.
- Preventing impairment of children's health or development: Ensuring that students receive the care and support they need to develop healthily.
- Ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care: Promoting stable and secure environments for our students.
- Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes: Working to ensure every child reaches their full potential.
Our Safeguarding Team
We have a dedicated and highly trained safeguarding team who are responsible for overseeing all safeguarding matters within the school. If you have any concerns about a child's safety or well-being, please do not hesitate to contact one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) or Deputy DSLs.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Mrs C Wadsworth
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Mr N Baidoo
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Mrs L Doherty
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Mr A James
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Mr A Macphail
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL): Mrs R Reilly
Our Policies and Procedures
Our safeguarding practices are underpinned by robust policies and procedures that are regularly reviewed and updated in line with the latest guidance from the Department for Education and local safeguarding partners. Key policies include:
Child Protection Policy: Outlining our procedures for responding to concerns about a child's safety.
Whistleblowing Policy: Providing a confidential way for staff to raise concerns about malpractice or wrongdoing.
Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE): Our staff are trained annually on the latest KCSIE guidance.
You can find all our safeguarding-related policies in this section of our website.
Reporting a Concern
If you have any concerns about the safety or well-being of a child, whether inside or outside of school, please speak to a member of our safeguarding team as soon as possible. Even if you are unsure, it is always better to report a concern. We will listen carefully and take appropriate action to ensure the child is safe.
In an emergency, or if you believe a child is in immediate danger, please contact the police on 999.
External Resources and Support
We work closely with various external agencies and organisations to ensure our students and families have access to the support they need. Here are some useful contacts:
NSPCC: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/ - A leading children's charity fighting to end child abuse in the UK.
Childline: https://www.childline.org.uk/ - Free, confidential advice and support for children and young people.
Local Authority Children's Services: https://www.essex.gov.uk/children-young-people-and-families - For concerns about a child's welfare in the local area.
We are dedicated to working in partnership with parents, carers, and the wider community to ensure that all our students are safe and happy. If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.