Stevenage ESC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We have a number of policies and procedures in place that contribute to our safeguarding commitment, including our Child Protection Policy which can be viewed in the Centre Policies section of our website.
Sometimes we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child's welfare. We will ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with parents/carers first unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child's welfare.
We actively support the Government's Prevent Agenda to counter radicalism and extremism.
Our designated staff for safeguarding are Stephen Fuller (DSL), Amy Sawyer (DDSL) and Claire Matthews (DDSL).
Safeguarding
Stevenage Education Support Centre is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for children, staff, and visitors and promoting a climate where children and adults feel confident about sharing any concerns which they may have about their own safety or the well-being of others.
SESC aims to:
- Provide a safe educational environment for all learners, staff and visitors
- Maintain vigilance in identifying the signs and symptoms of abuse and operate clear procedures for all staff to follow in response
- Ensure that learners who are vulnerable, at risk and/or likely to suffer significant harm are identified and that appropriate action is taken to keep them safe
- Effectively monitor learners who are vulnerable or at risk of harm
- Promote an ethos in which learners feel safe, feel able to talk openly and are listened to
- Promote and share safe practice with learners, parents and staff
- Ensure that all parents/carers are aware of SESCs child protection responsibilities
- Ensure that all records of child protection concerns and cases are kept and maintained confidentially.
All staff and volunteers are subject to the relevant safeguarding checks; this includes an advanced DBS clearance. A rigorous checking of qualifications and references will also be undertaken by SESC before offering anyone employment. Appropriate general training on Child Protection issues will be provided on induction and at regular intervals to all members of staff and volunteers. Specialist training will be attended by the designated staff, in accordance with statutory requirements.
When and what might I be concerned about?
At any time you may be concerned about information which suggests a child is being neglected or experiencing physical, emotional or sexual harm.
You may observe physical signs, notice changes in the child’s behaviour or presentation, pick up signs of emotional distress or have a child disclose a harmful experience to you.
Harm to a child can be caused by:
- A parent/carer
- A family member/friend
- Another child
- A stranger
- A member of staff/volunteer
What should I do if the alleged abuser is a member of the school staff?
If your concern is about a staff member or volunteer, you should report this to the Head of School. If your concern is about the Head of School, you should report such allegations to the Chair of The Governing Body.
Contacts
- Our policy In line with this, regardless of the source of harm, you MUST report your concern.
| Head of School: | Mr James Anderson |
| Our DSP is: | Mr Stephen Fuller s.fuller@stevenage-esc.herts.sch.uk |
| Our DDSP: | Mrs Amy Sawyer |
| Mrs Claire Mathews | |
| Our Safeguarding Governor is: | Mrs Sally Glossop |
| Our Chair of The Governing Body is: | Mrs Emma Flawn |
