Safeguarding

At the VLC we recognise and embrace our role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE September 2021) makes it clear that all staff have a safeguarding responsibility. As a school, we work proactively with social care, the police, health services and other services to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm.

Safeguarding means:

  • Protecting children from maltreatment
  • Preventing impairment of children’s mental and physical health or development
  • Ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care
  • Taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcome

Safeguarding includes child protection, medical health care plans, health and safety, site security, safety on school trips, anti-bullying work and so much more.

Working Together to Safeguard Children (DfE July 2019) requires all schools, including independent schools, academies, and free schools to follow the procedures for protecting children from abuse.

Our Child Protection lead staff are:

Safeguarding Staff

VLC Designated Safeguarding Lead

Rachael Hobson, Principal (01934 425 522)

VLC Centre Safeguarding Leads

Christina Perry, Phase One Lead (01934 413 725)

Ashlee Copeland, Phase Two Lead (01934 425 522)

Nicola Young, Phase Three Lead (01934 413 725)

VLC Management Committee Lead

Lis Jolley (01934 425 522)

In order to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, the VLC acts in accordance with the following legislation and guidance:

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE September 2021)
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (DfE July 2019)
  • Guidance for Safer Working Practices for Adults working with Children and Young People (May 2019)
  • The Prevent duty -Departmental advice for schools and childcare providers (June 2015)

 

'Leaders ensure that safeguarding is a high priority. It is fundamental in the regular communication around pupils to ensure that everyone knows their responsibility to keep all pupils safe.'

Ofsted 2022